We have assembled a team of professionals to create South America’s finest boutique wine resort. Perhaps more important than their professional credentials, the team shares a passion for creating and sharing unforgettable experiences.
Michael Evans and Pablo Gimenez Riili
Co-founders The Vines of Mendoza
In December 2004, Michael Evans came to Mendoza for a long weekend of wine tasting... and he never left. The magic and majesty of Mendoza, along with the chance meeting of co-founder Pablo Gimenez Riili, resulted in the creation of The Vines of Mendoza in the spring of 2005. Over the last 6 years, they have created diverse Argentine experiences for travelers and wine enthusiasts through The Vines Tasting Room, Winebar & Vinoteca, as well as exporting boutique Argentine wines to the US and Europe. Their ultimate dream culminated with the Private Vineyard Estates, which offers 100 wine lovers from all over the world the chance to fulfill their dream of owning a small vineyard and making their own wine.
Noel & Terry Neelands
Resort Visionaries
When Noel and Terry Neelands arrived in Mendoza, they fell in love instantly with the magnificent landscape, the vineyards and the people. On their last day, they met Michael Evans, visited the Vines Private Vineyard Estates, and by the time they were boarding the plane to go back to Canada, they had purchased a Private Vineyard Estate.
Noel has his own contracting company that designs and builds supermarkets across Canada. His wife, Terry, who worked in contracting and real estate, is now retired. They spend their leisure time travelling the world, tasting wine and having as much fun as they can! In their travels they have stayed in some of the finest properties in the world and are bringing those travel experiences and knowledge of construction to bear on The Vines Resort & Spa.
Bormida & Yanzon
Architects
This prestigious Argentine architectural firm has won accolades and awards for designing some of the best wineries in Argentina, including Salentein, O’Fournier and Vistalba. Their architecture grows from the land and the people, accepting the contemporary world's challenges while maintaining local values and traditions. Previously, the firm has designed and developed The Vines Tasting Room, The Vines Winebar & Vinoteca in the Park Hyatt and our Winery located at the Private Vineyard Estates in the Uco Valley.
Eduardo Vera, Paisajes & Jardin
Landscape Architect
Eduardo Vera is devoted to the art of landscape. His aim is to interpret the passions and interests of the clients, creating a reflection of an earthy paradise, while emphasizing the connection between nature and the senses . "We bring together the best of nature, the best of the client and the best of our team."
They are the premier landscape architects in Mendoza with a reverence for the natural elements and plants which can be seen reflected in the scenic landscapes and intimate gardens at O.Fournier, Andeluna, J & F Lurton, and the Park Hyatt Mendoza.
Santiago Achával
Consulting Winemaker
As the owner of Achával-Ferrer wines, Santiago has been recognized as one of the world leaders in winemaking by Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. His wines consistently score in the high 90s. As The Vines of Mendoza’s Consulting Winemaker, Achával’s office is a tasting room filled with wine samples and bottles awaiting his critical palate. His teachings in the vineyards condense decades of wine expertise into a hands-on experience that enable laymen to experience winemaking from grape-picking through wine production to bottling, extracting the best of the Uco Valley terroir. Santiago will design the wine education programs at The Vines Resort & Spa.