Argentina’s Mendoza region is famous for its intense, complex, and smooth Malbecs. TILIA Winery, founded in 2006 and located in the historic town of Junín, sources its grapes from central Mendoza and the prestigious Uco Valley—where high altitude vineyards reach an elevation of 3,000-5,000 ft.
TILIA’s commitment to sustainability carries through every aspect of their winemaking process—from “ground to glass”—including a partnership with Slow Food USA.
“We seek sustainable action, not only in Argentina but all around the world,” says vineyard specialist Guillermina Van Houten.
Van Houten and winemaker Gonzalo Llensa have created a biodiverse vineyard experience with native bees, birds, and plants, including their namesake Tilia tree (whose steeped leaves make a calming tea drunk after lunch or dinner). They are committed to producing world-class wines that retain the natural character of rural Mendoza.
TILIA was the first Argentine wine to carry the certified sustainable seal from Bodegas de Argentina on its label. Also on the label are symbols that represent aspects of TILIA’s sustainability practices across the vineyards and wineries, including social responsibility, fostering biodiversity, and protecting ancestral lands and native plants.
Conscious of water use, TILIA has strict drip irrigation protocols in place. They irrigate their vineyards with water from the nearby Tunuyán River, which is fed by snowmelt from the Andes Mountains.
Van Houten and Llesa understand that their signature Malbec—and all their wines—benefit not just from careful and devoted vineyard management, but also from the people who tend those vineyards and work in production. TILIA helps to ensure the wellbeing of its staff by offering housing, transportation, and childcare, as well as career growth opportunities.
TILIA embraces sustainability as a way of life. They understand that the health, comfort, and job security of their staff and harvest workers—especially parents—directly affect their production and the winery’s success. Workers can afford to live in nearby neighborhoods and the winery works with local high schools to encourage viticulture careers.
With TILIA’s commitment to the land and its people, we can be assured of exceptional Malbec for generations to come.