Held at the iconic Ángel Bustelo Auditorium, the gala was a dazzling celebration of innovation, sustainability, and cultural richness. With over 120 nominations and 110 projects in competition, this year’s edition marked a record-breaking participation, reflecting the vitality and creativity of Mendoza’s wine tourism sector.
The event was attended by key figures including Governor Alfredo Cornejo, Vice Governor Hebe Casado, and EMETUR President Gabriela Testa, who highlighted Mendoza’s two-decade membership in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network. Governor Cornejo praised the resilience and ingenuity of local wineries, noting that over 230 of Mendoza’s wineries now welcome tourists, showcasing the province’s strategic investments in infrastructure and tourism development.
The evening also offered a show by Mike Amigorena, a renowned actor and musician from Mendoza, and also featured a vibrant performance of stylized malambo, adding a cultural flair to the celebration.
Award Categories and Gold Winners
A jury of 17 experts from media, academia, and the private sector evaluated entries across eight categories (7 international and 1 local). The Gold winners, except for the Small Wineries category, will represent Mendoza at the International Gala in Bordeaux, France, this coming November.
🏨 Accommodation
Gold: Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel
Silver: Casa Agostino Luxury Wine Resort
Bronze: Hualta Winery Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
🏛️ Architecture & Landscape
Gold: The Williams Casanegra Distillery
Silver: Lamadrid Estate Wines
Bronze: Savia – Cocina Casarena
🎨 Art & Culture
Gold: Club Tapiz (Fincas Patagónicas)
Silver: Claroscuro Bodega de Arte
Bronze: Alfa Crux
🌟 Innovative Experiences
Gold: Viña Doña Paula Terroir Camp
Silver: Mental Wine Tour by Agustín Saitta
Bronze: Hilbing Franke Distillery
🌱 Sustainable Practices
Gold: Viña Doña Paula
Silver: Bodega Trivento
Bronze: Auténtico Cocina Contemporánea
🍽️ Culinary Experiences
Gold: Quimera Bistró (Achaval Ferrer)
Silver: Estación de Alma – Bressia
Bronze: Auténtico Cocina Contemporánea
🚐 Wine Tourism Services
Gold: Run for Wine
Silver: Magnolia by Enfoque Comercial
Bronze: Bodega Iaccarini
🍷 Small Wineries
Gold: FOWines
Silver: Bodega Alandes (Karim Mussi Wines)
Bronze: Bodega Alpasiòn
A Vision for the Future
The gala not only celebrated past achievements but also reaffirmed Mendoza’s commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in wine tourism. As Gabriela Testa noted, the awards are more than recognition—they are a reflection of Mendoza’s brand, which encompasses its majestic mountains, world-class wines, rich gastronomy, and vibrant culture. With the 2026 edition setting new standards, Mendoza continues to inspire and lead in the world of wine tourism, offering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the globe.
Text and Photo Credits: ProMendoza and EMETUR