Roberto de la Mota is one of Argentina's most respected and admired winemakers.

His long career in wine began when he was just 19, working with his renowned father Raul, who made wine at Bodega Weinert for 20 years (at the time Robert Parker declared that Weinert was making 'the most profound red wine in South America'). After studying Viticulture and Winemaking at the University of Montpellier Roberto made wine at Moet + Chandon's Terrazas de los Andes, then created Cheval des Andes with Pierre Lurton of Chateau Cheval Blanc in 1999. He and business partner Annabelle Sielecki founded Mendel in 2003. Having produced memorable wines since their inception Mendel has just been recognized as a "First Growth" in Tim Atkin's (MW) ranking of Argentina's greatest producers in his 2015 Argentina Special Report. 

Roberto de la Mota is a unique person. A paraplegic since a 2007 car accident, he has an aura of gentle calmness and zen-like serenity that fills the room the moment he enters. You quietly become aware that you are in the presence of an immensely powerful source of positive energy. His presence is totally dominating in a way that is only possible because it is totally effortless. And of course when he speaks to you he has the special gift of tricking you into thinking that - at least for a moment - you are as smart as he is.