A New Chapter for Innovative Salta Winery

SALTA, Argentina, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bodega Amalaya is proud to announce the appointment of Alejandro Pepa as Head of Winemaking and Operations, effective immediately. Recognized as one of Argentina's most distinguished winemakers, Pepa brings decades of expertise and a profound understanding of the Calchaquí Valley, strengthening Amalaya's position as a benchmark of Salta wines in northern Argentina. His arrival reinforces Amalaya's mission to craft extraordinary high-altitude blends from sustainably farmed grapes, producing wines that are fresh, authentic, and vibrant.

A Career Rooted in Innovation and Terroir
Born in Mendoza, Pepa earned his degree in Oenology and Horticultural Industries from Don Bosco Faculty. His training spans prestigious regions across France, the United States, Canada, and Asia, with harvest experience in Napa Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon.

For more than 20 years, Pepa built his career at Bodega El Esteco, part of Grupo Peñaflor, where he rose from Laboratory and Quality Control Manager to Head Winemaker of the Calchaquí Valleys, overseeing operations in Cafayate and Chañar Punco.

Since arriving in Cafayate in the 1990s, Pepa has been a central figure in elevating the reputation of northern Argentina's wines. He played a central role in repositioning emblematic varieties such as Torrontés, bringing greater vibrancy and freshness, while giving Calchaquí reds a modern yet authentic style. His wines have earned international awards and critical acclaim, cementing the global prestige of the region.

Driving Amalaya's Future
In his new role, Pepa will lead all winemaking and production efforts, coordinating with current Winemaker Jorge Noguera and Head of Production Juan Bautista Grenier. His leadership ensures excellence at every stage of the process while reinforcing Amalaya's commitment to quality and innovation.

This strategic appointment also allows Thibaut Delmotte, Winemaker at Bodega Colomé, to focus exclusively on Colomé's oenological project, ensuring that each winery within Grupo Colomé benefits from dedicated leadership and a long-term vision for growth.

"The appointment of Alejandro Pepa marks a milestone for Amalaya, reaffirming our commitment to sustained growth and to crafting wines that truly express the spirit of the Calchaquí Valley," said Manuel Lanús, CEO of Grupo Colomé. "Alejandro is not only one of the Valley's most accomplished professionals, but also a person whose leadership has inspired many. As a family-owned company, we are proud to welcome professionals who embody the values passed down by our founder Donald Hess — values that remain at the heart of our purpose: to share Salta with the world through its wines."

A Word from the Winemaker
"What drew me to Amalaya is its balance of tradition, innovation, and respect for the land," said Alejandro Pepa. "As winemaker, my role is to honor the fruit that comes from these remarkable high-altitude vineyards, and to craft wines that express their purity and character. Amalaya's long-standing commitment to sustainability ensures that every bottle reflects not only the uniqueness of Cafayate but also a responsibility to future generations."

About Bodega Amalaya
Founded in 2010 in Cafayate, at the heart of the Calchaquí Valley in Salta, Bodega Amalaya embodies the vision of Larissa and Christoph Ehrbar, successors to pioneering vintner Donald Hess. The name Amalaya comes from the local native language and means "hope for a miracle"—a phrase that captured Hess's spirit when water was first discovered in this extreme high desert, allowing vines to be cultivated in soils untouched even by the Incas.

Today, Amalaya farms two distinct vineyards: San Isidro, located at the foot of the mountain of the same name beneath the winery, and Las Mercedes, just outside Cafayate on the road to San Carlos. These sites, with elevations around 1,700 meters, combine dry climate, dramatic temperature swings, and rocky, sandy soils to produce wines of vibrancy, freshness, and unique character.

From colorful high-altitude blends of Malbec and Torrontés to lighter wines with lower alcohol, the Exceptional Blends collection, and limited single-vineyard releases, Amalaya's portfolio reflects both innovation and sustainability — always staying true to the spirit of Cafayate's terroir.  www.amalaya.com

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SOURCE Bodega Amalaya