In the heart of the Uco Valley, where Mendoza’s landscape combines vineyards, mountains and hospitality, The Vines Foundation works every day so that tourism growth also translates into real opportunities for the community.
The Vines Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Their vision is to see the Uco Valley flourish as a model of sustainable development, where the foundation’s initiatives serve as a blueprint for community-centric progress. The foundation is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization.
As the philanthropic arm of The Vines of Mendoza, the foundation develops training, job internships and social support programs that seek to expand the development possibilities of the residents of Tunuyán. The initiative brings together the commitment of owners and guests of The Vines alongside local organizations, businesses, educational institutions and the municipal government.
Carolyn Gallagher, executive director of the foundation commented: “The Vines Foundation addresses both immediate need, like supporting community kitchens to improve health and nutrition outcomes among vulnerable families, while simultaneously investing in medium- to long-term progress by co-creating technical skills training programs”.
She also added that “we work on animal welfare, thinking that order and health also benefits everyone.”
“These maybe small indirect actions, but they also contribute to improve a world-class destination like Tunuyán and the Uco Valley,” Gallagher emphasized.
As a next step, The Vines Foundation is planning a Community Center in Vistaflores, Tunuyán to offer their trainings and also bring culture and joy to the community. You can read more about this project here.
Training to grow
One of the most significant projects is the Tunuyán School of Trades, created in 2024 through an agreement between the Municipality of Tunuyán, The Vines Foundation and the Valle de Uco Institute of Higher Education.
The school offered free training in areas with strong job opportunities, especially related to tourism and services. In this first stage, the courses included: Maids and butlers; Receptionists and Forklift Handling.
With a workload of up to 120 hours, these proposals provided, during 2024 and 2025, concrete tools to improve the employability of young people and adults, also strengthening the quality of services in an internationally recognized tourist destination.
Tourism, employment and community
The Uco Valley has become one of the most valued destinations by travelers from all over the world, and the Foundation understands that this growth must generate shared benefits. For this reason, many of its trainings are aimed at promoting local talent and preparing neighbors to join a tourism industry in constant expansion.
“Training opens doors,” the organization emphasizes. Training not only improves the chances of getting a job, but also strengthens the confidence, autonomy and sense of belonging of those who participate.
Partnerships that enhance impact
The foundation also promotes educational and social projects together with academic institutions. Through a partnership with the University of Notre Dame, international students participate in exchange and internship programs that enrich community work and generate mutual learning experiences.
In addition, together with the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences of the UNCuyo (Cuyo National University), the organization develops initiatives to strengthen food security and sustainability in children’s canteens in Tunuyán. The project includes technical training in orchards, food production and sustainable practices, with the accompaniment of specialized teachers.
A commitment that goes beyond training
The Vines Foundation’s work also encompasses soup kitchens, garden and nursery projects, educational support, and a dog shelter that rescues and rehabilitates stray animals. Each action reflects the same conviction: development is stronger when it is built from empathy, collaboration and care for the community.
So much so, that the Foundation is already working on large projects, which will see the light of day in the near future.
In a context where tourism can be a powerful tool for social transformation, The Vines Foundation demonstrates that investing in training and people is also a commitment to the future of the Uco Valley.
If you would like to contribute to the innitiatives of The Vines Foundation please visit:
https://vinesfoundation.org/donation-get-involved/
Text and Photo Credits: EMETUR (Tourism Board of Mendoza) and The Vines Foundation.