Exports to the USA and Europe: worked with algorithms and multinationals, retired and now creator of top wines in Patagonia

In the heart of Argentina's Patagonian steppe, in the province of Neuquén, a vineyard spanning 17 hectares produces around 130,000 kilograms of grapes annually. Half of this yield goes into crafting its own wines, while the rest is sold to local wineries. The estate, known as Familia Aicardi, currently produces between 40,000 and 45,000 bottles per year, with plans to reach 80,000 within four years. Approximately half of these wines are exported to Brazil, Peru, the United States, and more recently, European markets. The founders of the vineyard are Enrique Rohde and his wife, Lucy Ramos. Rohde transitioned from a career rooted in algorithms, technology, and multinational corporations to the world of viticulture after nearing retirement. Fourteen years ago, he and his wife decided to establish a winery in San Patricio del Chañar, a small town in Neuquén. Rohde grew up in El Trébol, a quiet village in Santa Fe. He recalls how his maternal grandfather, Nicolás Aicardi, had arrived from Genoa, Italy, bringing grape cuttings with the intention of continuing his work as a winegrower. However, the venture did not succeed, and Aicardi ended up running a general store instead. “He lived for wine and taught me about it,” Rohde says. Familia Aicardi blends classic wine profiles with periodic innovations. Every one and a half years, they introduce new products aimed at expanding their market presence and creating fresh commercial opportunities. For decades, Rohde had largely forgotten about this family legacy until a bank communication in Peru reminded him of his full name, Rohde Aicardi. This prompted him to combine his grandfather’s history with his own growing appreciation for wine. “I liked the steppe, I had traveled extensively to the south in a caravan, and when the opportunity arose in Neuquén to make wines, I decided,” he explains. Lucy Ramos purchased the land in San Patricio del Chañar and initially used part of another winery to produce their wines. “I knew about wines, not vineyards. I had to learn the language of nature,” she says. It was only after six years that she began producing grapes with the desired characteristics, and she now feels fully satisfied with the results. The Patagonian steppe offers low humidity, wide temperature ranges, and particularly intense wind patterns. Rohde notes there are approximately 300 days of wind each year. These conditions help reduce disease incidence and promote thicker-skinned grapes with higher concentration levels, contributing to rich aromas and structure. “We have invested heavily in technology, both for the vineyard and the winery,” Rohde states. The farm features moisture sensors, a weather station, and systems allowing for drip irrigation adjustments. “Technology helps us better understand the language of nature,” he insists. The vineyard has the capacity to produce enough grapes for 100,000 bottles. From the beginning, the decision was made not to purchase grapes from third parties. Production scale has grown gradually. “We started making 3,000 bottles, now we’re at 45,000, and in four years we aim to reach 80,000,” he projects. The winery combines traditional wine profiles with regular innovations. Every one and a half years, they introduce new products to expand their market and create new commercial opportunities. The estate holds a kosher certification, a feature that adds to its appeal in specific markets.