
A DIFFERENT WAY TO POSITION WINE PRODUCTION.
Small wineries at Traslasierra valley, in Córdoba, Argentina
I did this research because Traslasierra Valley, in Córdoba, Argentina, doesn´t have the winemaking tradition of Mendoza, San Juan, or Salta. Nevertheless, they found a different way to understand wine production.
As I read somewhere..”It is worth paying attention to places that develop a product you wouldn´t expect from that zone”.
What is distinctive in this type of winemaking projects?
Search for a change of life: Owners of these wineries often come from other points of the country. They have decided to settle at Traslasierra Valley looking for a new lifestyle, attracted by the chances offered by the soil and the weather.
They found an environment that allowed them to reinvent themselves and develop an entire project, from seed breeding to a bottled labeled final product.
Boutique-style Endeavours: They combine winery with hospitality, offering their guests a different experience, not too centered on the wine itself.
They are small and detailed facilities, managed by their owners, that take care of their visitors in a warmer and closer way.
Self-Identity: Even when the weather is similar to Mendoza and San Juan, they don´t want to compete with them. They look for their own identity.
They started their project with seeds brought from Cuyo. But, as these projects have developed, they have been working with seeds from their production.
There is also a Designation of Origin project which seeks to create a unique blend, mixing some of the grape varieties that have adapted better to the region.
Sustainability: Most of these winery projects are carried from an organic or bio-dynamic scope. Cultivating the land in a conscious, shared, and responsible way as a goal. Taking care of plants, animals, and people.
They seek an Economy of the Common Good, empowering small producers.
They believe that is better to have 10 small wineries than only a big one.
They also believe in knowledge-sharing and alliances. There is a collaborative spirit here.
Regional Development: Another goal is to create a winery tourism hub, looking for regional development and real estate revaluation.
As it was mentioned, wine as a product is not the main objective. It is a trigger for a more integrated experience, that includes gastronomy, accommodation, and guided tours.
Why I think this is important?
So, what is the added value here? Wine is not the main product here, as it is part of a bigger touristic experience and a way to develop the region, that includes typical cuisine or ingredients, accommodations that are respectful of the landscape and different activities surrounded by mountains, like sunsets parties or dinners under the moonlight in the hills.
It shows how to position as a player, in a category that already has a main character, without necessarily competing.
Traslasierra wineries also own a territory not very usual in the category: Sustainability and Biodynamics. These attributes are important for younger generations. This way, they target an audience that, because of its age, is not very familiar yet with the product.
In addition, we can see how a region can be developed around a product and complementary industries.
For example, the Northwest region of Argentina, which is a referent of sugar industry, could try to do something similar.

Some Traslasierra Valley Wineries:
ACHALA - “Exotic Winery”
Zone: Pampa de Achala - Atlas Cumbres.
Positioning: The exotic terroir in which wine is produced.
IG Profile: https://www.instagram.com/achala.wine
Website: https://achala.wine/
LA MATILDE - Finca Biodinámica
Zone: San Javier Road.
Positioning: The awareness of the environment.
IG Profile: https://www.instagram.com/fincalamatilde/
Website: https://www.comarcalamatilde.com.ar/w/bodega-y-vinedos/
NOBLE FINCA & BODEGA
Zone: San Javier y Yacanto.
Positioning: The teachings of Nature.
IG Profile: https://www.instagram.com/nobledesanjavier/
Website: https://hosteriaybodega.com.ar/bodegasanjavier/
ARAOZ DE LAMADRID
Zone: San Javier.
Positioning: The beauty in the grape nature.
IG Profile: https://www.instagram.com/araozdelamadrid/
Website: https://araozdelamadrid.ar/portal/es-es/1166/Bodega
VIARAGO
Zone: Villa de Las Rosas.
Positioning: The respect for the natural process of the grape.
IG Profile: https://www.instagram.com/viaragobodega/