Award-winning winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia teams up with legendary Mariano Di Paola at Rutini Wines in a bold new chapter for Argentine viticulture—with global implications for collectors, sommeliers, and wine lovers from coast to coast.
In a move that’s already being called the most exciting shake-up in South American wine this year, Rutini Wines—Argentina’s historic powerhouse—has appointed Juan Pablo Murgia as Head of Winemaking. Fresh off the heels of being named “Winemaker of the Year” by British wine critic Tim Atkin MW, Murgia steps into a rare partnership with iconic winemaker Mariano Di Paola, who has led Rutini’s winemaking vision since 1994.
For the international wine community—and tastemakers across Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Washington DC—this alliance signals much more than a change in leadership. It’s a convergence of legacy and next-gen innovation that could redefine Argentina’s standing in the global fine wine market.
“This is more than a hire—it’s a statement of intent,” says the Rutini Wines team. “We’re bringing together two visionary minds who share an unwavering commitment to identity, precision, and continuous improvement.”
And if you’ve ever sipped a glass of Argentine Malbec in Beverly Hills, Brooklyn, or a Philly wine bar, you’ve likely tasted the results of Di Paola’s decades of excellence. His work has elevated Rutini to international acclaim, with wines like the Single Vineyard Malbec Gualtallary, which recently earned Best in Show honors, becoming favorites among sommeliers and collectors alike.
But with Murgia now onboard, the future looks even more dynamic.
Old World Wisdom Meets New Wave Talent
Named one of the Top 30 Winemakers in the World by Decanter, Di Paola is revered for his sensitivity to the Uco Valley’s high-altitude terroirs and his ability to create wines that balance power and elegance. His style is unmistakably grounded in tradition, terroir, and technique.
Enter Juan Pablo Murgia: a youthful force in Argentine winemaking, known for sustainability, technical precision, and forward-looking strategy. Trained internationally and deeply rooted in local authenticity, Murgia has already developed a reputation for crafting wines that resonate with both seasoned collectors and modern palates.
In fact, Murgia’s work echoes the tastes seen in many high-end restaurants and wine bars in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York—places where consumers increasingly demand wines that are both origin-driven and globally relevant.
Building a Global Wine Dream Team
The addition of Murgia complements the recent appointment of Martina Galeano, a UC Davis–trained oenologist. Together, this trio represents a rare balance of experience, scientific rigor, and youthful vision.
With Rutini’s state-of-the-art winemaking facility in Tupungato, nestled in the heart of the Uco Valley, the winery now cultivates 250 hectares across three high-altitude estates. Known for stony soils and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings, the region produces grapes of extraordinary concentration and complexity—ideal for the kind of age-worthy, expressive wines that dominate wine lists in top DC steak houses and Vegas Michelin-starred spots.
The Road Ahead: A Bold Future for South American Wine
This leadership evolution isn’t just a win for Rutini—it’s a win for South American fine wine at large, elevating the region’s profile in the minds of critics, collectors, and consumers across the U.S.
Expect to see more Rutini labels popping up in curated lists at fine wine shops in Santa Monica, SoHo, Georgetown, and beyond. And as Di Paola and Murgia chart a path forward together, industry insiders anticipate bold new blends, heightened terroir expression, and a deeper commitment to sustainability.
For those who love to be ahead of the curve—whether you’re a sommelier in Silver Lake, a collector in Chelsea, or just someone looking for the next great red to add to your cellar—this is the moment to pay attention.
Rutini Wines is no longer just an Argentine legacy brand. With this move, it’s making a play for the future of fine wine worldwide.
