Bodega Amalaya Appoints Alejandro Pepa as Head Winemaker to Elevate Quality and Innovation

Exciting New Leadership at Bodega Amalaya

Bodega Amalaya, an acclaimed winery nestled in the heart of the Calchaquí Valley in Salta, Argentina, has announced a significant milestone in its journey. The winery has appointed Alejandro Pepa as its new Head of Winemaking and Operations, a role that he steps into effective immediately. With Pepa's extensive experience and renowned reputation in the winemaking sector, this move is expected to bolster Amalaya's stature as a leader in high-altitude wines.

A Legacy of Excellence

Alejandro Pepa is no stranger to the world of winemaking. Born and raised in Mendoza, a region famous for its wines, he honed his craft by earning a degree in Oenology from Don Bosco Faculty, where his passion for winemaking began to flourish. His professional journey spans some of the most prestigious wine regions globally, including France, the United States, Canada, and even parts of Asia. Notably, he gained invaluable experience during the harvest seasons in Napa Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon.

For over 20 years, Pepa made a name for himself at Bodega El Esteco, part of Grupo Peñaflor, where he progressed from Laboratory and Quality Control Manager to the Head Winemaker overseeing the Calchaquí Valleys. Since relocating to Cafayate in the 1990s, Pepa has played a pivotal role in redefining the perception of northern Argentina wines, advocating for vibrant styles and modern interpretations of traditional varietals, especially Torrontés. His awards and international acclaim serve as a testament to his expertise and the quality of wines produced under his guidance.

Vision for the Future

In this new capacity at Bodega Amalaya, Pepa will oversee all aspects of winemaking and production processes, collaborating closely with existing members of the team such as Winemaker Jorge Noguera and Head of Production Juan Bautista Grenier. His leadership is expected to enhance quality controls at every phase of production, continuing Amalaya’s commitment to innovation and excellence in winemaking. This appointment also allows Thibaut Delmotte, currently at Bodega Colomé, to direct his focus fully on Colomé's unique oenological project, ensuring dedicated leadership across all wineries within Grupo Colomé.

Manuel Lanús, CEO of Grupo Colomé, expressed enthusiasm regarding Pepa’s appointment, stating, “This new chapter reaffirms our dedication to sustained growth and to crafting wines that reflect the true essence of the Calchaquí Valley.” He further emphasized Pepa’s influence and leadership within the industry and the shared values of quality and tradition upheld by the family-owned business.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Reflecting on his motivations, Pepa shared, “What attracted me to Amalaya is its dedication to balancing tradition, progressive practices, and respect for the land. My goal as a winemaker is to honor the exceptional fruit sourced from these remarkable high-altitude vineyards and to produce wines that are a true reflection of their purity and character.” Pepa's vision aligns seamlessly with Amalaya’s long-term sustainability objectives, ensuring that every bottle produced is a tribute to both the distinctiveness of Cafayate and the responsibility towards future generations in sustainable practices.

About Bodega Amalaya

Founded in 2010, Bodega Amalaya is situated at an elevation of around 1,700 meters in Cafayate, a region characterized by its extreme weather conditions conducive to viticulture. The winery is a manifestation of the innovative spirit and vision of Larissa and Christoph Ehrbar, who follow in pioneering vintner Donald Hess's footsteps. The name Amalaya, meaning “hope for a miracle” in the local indigenous language, reflects the legacy of discovering water in this high desert, which has opened doors to cultivating grapes in soils that have remained untouched since Inca times.

Amalaya operates two distinct vineyards—San Isidro and Las Mercedes—both benefiting from the dry climate and dramatic temperature variations, which yield wines that are fresh and uniquely characterized by their terroir. Through innovative blends incorporating varietals such as Malbec and Torrontés, along with limited single-vineyard releases, Amalaya continues to produce exceptional wines that embody both progress and tradition.

For more information and updates on their latest offerings and sustainable initiatives, visit Bodega Amalaya and follow on Instagram @bodegamalaya.