Familia Zuccardi Opens New Winery in Mendoza Focused on Natural Wines and Tourism

Familia Zuccardi, one of Argentina’s most prominent wine producers, has opened a new winery dedicated to natural wines and premium cuvées in Mendoza. The new facility, Bodega Santa Julia, is located near the family’s existing operations and was designed to support both high-end winemaking and wine tourism. The project comes at a time when Argentina’s wine industry faces significant challenges, including a sharp decline in tourism and broader economic difficulties.

Julia Zuccardi, who leads the company’s tourism and hospitality initiatives, explained that the idea for the new winery had been under consideration for many years. She said her father, José Zuccardi, has always believed that times of crisis present opportunities for growth. “We adjust what needs adjusting, but we never stop,” she said in an interview with local media.

The decision to build Bodega Santa Julia was driven by two main factors: the need for a smaller, specialized facility for the Santa Julia brand’s top-tier and natural wines, and the desire to create a space designed from the outset for visitors. Previously, tours were held in the main production winery, which was not originally intended for tourism. As visitor numbers grew alongside production, it became clear that a dedicated space would better serve both purposes.

The new winery was designed by architect Fernando Raganato, who also created Zuccardi’s well-known Piedra Infinita winery in the Uco Valley. Bodega Santa Julia is constructed from rammed earth using anti-seismic techniques, reflecting both sustainability and local building traditions. The facility currently includes tasting rooms and is open to visitors. A second phase will add a hospitality area with additional rooms, an art gallery, a wine bar, and a new culinary project.

Despite the recent downturn in tourism—visitor numbers dropped between 20% and 30% in 2025 according to Julia Zuccardi—the family remains committed to investing in quality experiences. She noted that while mass tourism from Brazil has decreased significantly, more specialized visitors continue to seek out Mendoza’s wine culture. The company aims to maintain its focus on quality and authenticity rather than making abrupt changes in response to market fluctuations.

Alongside the new winery, Familia Zuccardi has also renewed its Pan y Oliva restaurant experience. The restaurant now features chefs Mechi Ferraro and Lucio Zibecchi from Buenos Aires, who bring national and international experience to the kitchen and garden operations. The restaurant continues its focus on fresh produce from its own gardens and preserves, offering an accessible à la carte menu that contrasts with the fixed multi-course menus common at other wineries when it opened in 2012.

Julia Zuccardi emphasized that their approach to tourism and gastronomy is not solely about profit but about showcasing their products in the best possible setting. She said that maintaining affordable prices for locals has been a priority since Pan y Oliva’s inception. The restaurant aims to attract local customers as well as tourists, reducing reliance on international visitors.

Reflecting on her own path within the family business, Julia Zuccardi described how she gradually became involved in wine tourism after initially studying English. Since joining full-time in 2007, she has overseen several major projects including Casa del Visitante, Pan y Oliva, and Piedra Infinita.

Looking ahead, Zuccardi believes Mendoza remains well-positioned as a wine destination despite recent setbacks. She argues that focusing on quality experiences is essential for long-term success rather than trying to replicate past booms or waiting for conditions to return to previous highs. The opening of Bodega Santa Julia marks another step in Familia Zuccardi’s ongoing investment in both winemaking innovation and visitor engagement during challenging times for Argentina’s wine sector.