HISTORICAL REGIONLas Compuertas

Our estate reveres the scarce resource in the region. Situated amidst water, it sits alongside the Mendoza River, adjacent to the Cipolletti Dam, and is framed by two swiftly flowing water streams – snowmelt from the Andes. The two primary tributaries that carry water essential to the people of Mendoza flow through the heart of our property.

TRADE ROUTE1583

The first continental route between the two oceans was inaugurated by the governor of Chile, Alonso de Sotomayor, during his journey from Buenos Aires to Santiago. This route remained the sole passage until the 17th century, establishing Mendoza as the pivotal trade route with Chile, known as the “throat of trade.” The road followed the left bank of the Mendoza River.

THE NAME1785

Las Compuertas earned its name because it was in this area that the first hydraulic work in Mendoza, the “Toma de los Españoles” dam, was constructed during the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. This dam was built to regulate the floods of the Mendoza River, which otherwise caused devastation to cultivated lands and buildings, destroying everything in its path.

FIRST HYDRAULIC WORKS1880

The renowned Engineer César Cipolletti presented an innovative project to the government: a pipeline system to enhance the city’s drinking water and plans for defense works aimed at controlling alluvial waters and the movement of stones in the Las Compuertas area.

GROWING MALBEC1890

Towards the end of the 19th century, the area was primarily devoted to cattle ranching and alfalfa production, particularly around the Blanco Encalada station in what is now known as the Las Compuertas district. This location also served as a gathering point for cattle destined for Chile. The fertile soil, abundant water sources, and availability of fertilizer contributed to ideal conditions for agriculture. At the same time, the government of the era made a decision to promote the wine industry, leading to the establishment of numerous vineyards in the area. These vineyards predominantly cultivated Malbec grapes, originally introduced by the Frenchman Michel Aimé Pouget in 1853.

THE POWER OF WATER1900

A flood devastates a section of the Luján Dam, now known as Cipolletti Dam, leaving the Cacique Guaymallén Canal, the city’s primary water source, without water.

BandiniHistoric Estate

CONSTRUCTION OF HISTORICAL WALLS1922

The walls visible today on the grounds of Finca Bandini are remnants of one of the intake channels from the first section diverting water from the Mendoza River’s left bank, upstream of the Cipolletti Dam. This channel originally captured a significant flow, later redirecting part of it into the Gran Matriz canal after irrigating the surrounding territories. The original structure, whose remnants are still visible, included a series of large gates to manage a substantial water flow (60-80 cubic meters per second), totaling approximately 33 feet in width across the gates. Immediately downstream, there were several outlets for irrigation purposes.

THE RIVER DESTROYS THE WALLS1934

A flood in the Mendoza River resulted in widespread devastation. The pier on the left bank, where the river’s flow intensified with great force and velocity, was overwhelmed by the torrential waters carrying a massive amount of debris. The relentless action of the floodwaters caused extensive damage, destroying floodgates, stalls, and walls, and creating a large breach in the structure.

ORIGINAL CHANNELS1950

Over time, with the progress of civil development, water channels were lined to maximize the utilization of water resources. At Finca Bandini, we still retain a section of the historic Vistalba canal in its original form: a framework of sticks, branches, stones, and vegetation that naturally channeled the water.

VALUING AND CONSERVATION2017

After acquiring these 185 acres, the Bandini’s discovered the historical significance of the estate’s association with water in the province of Mendoza. They decided to preserve and highlight them, transforming Finca Bandini into a place dedicated to the conservation of these historical works—a testament to the region’s water history.

NEW WINERY2023

The ambitious initial project has culminated in a dream come true: our very own winery. Designed by the prestigious Bórmida – Yanzón studio, the winery features distinctive Tuscan-style architecture nestled amidst the vineyard.

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