Roberto de la Mota is an icon and pillar in the Argentina wine world. Considered the proverbial Godfather of Argentine wine who led the movement of the country’s world class wine production, he has been immersed in the world of winemaking and viticulture for almost 50 years. He was named the 2024 Winemaking Legend, Medal of Excellence, by Tim Atkin.
Growing up under the stewardship of his father, Raúl de la Mota, he is considered one of the most prized winemakers in Argentine history. Legendary French enologist Émile Peynaud encouraged Roberto to go to France to study Agronomy after he received his degree in Agriculture and Winemaking in Argentina. Returning home to Mendoza from France, Roberto’s time there, as well as applied techniques with French barrels and varietals like Semillon and Petit Verdot, made him the go-to, heavily sought-after winemaker.
In 2002, Roberto partnered with the Sielecki family to help preserve and make wine from their historic estate in Lujan de Cuyo. Together, they transformed her family’s 1928 vineyard into the respected estate it is today, naming it after her father, Mendel. The 100-year-old vineyards are true First Growth wines of Mendoza. While Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are at the heart of Mendel, Roberto also incorporates Semillon and Petit Verdot cuttings. The Semillon vineyard was planted in 1942 in the Uco Valley.
Anabelle Sielecki founded Mendel Wines. Her vision and entrepreneurial spirit have helped grow Mendel to the successful, sophisticated, premium winery it is today. Her niece Tati, is now taking over the business reigns, and making Mendel a world-renowned brand.
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Wines by Mendel
Mendel embodies the union of Roberto de La Mota, one of Argentina’s most respected and experienced winemakers, with a century-old Argentinian family to produce award-winning elegant wines from ancient estate vines and diverse soils.
ROBERTO DE LA MOTA, WINEMAKER
Roberto is one of the most celebrated winemakers in Argentina, known for making prestigious and elegant wines. After classical schooling and training in France, Roberto established the Terrazzas de los Andes wine program for Bodega Chandon in 1996. After much critical acclaim, he was selected as winemaker for Cheval des Andes, an ultra-prestigious joint venture between Chandon & Bordeaux’s Chateau Cheval Blanc. He represents a balance between local and global with the unique mix of influences he has recieved at home and internationally.
ANABELLE SIELECKI, FOUNDER
Anabelle partnered with Roberto to transform her family’s historic 1928 vineyard into the respected estate it is today, naming it after her father, Mendel. Anabelle combines a global perspective with keen business acumen. She partnered with Roberto over 15 years ago, and her vision and entrepreneurial spirit have helped grow Mendel to the successful, sophisticated, premium winery it is today.
