Our Team

Diego Coll Benegas: Director of Project Development, Tourism and Hospitality

Mr. Coll Benegas has played an integral role in the creation and opening of the lodge and restaurant at Algodon Wine Estates, and has collaborated intensely on details regarding the conception of the entire initial Algodon Wine Estates wine tourism project. His previous experience includes collaborating to create an exclusive fly-fishing lodge in Patagonia, and he also founded the Instituto de Gastronomía Mendoza (Gastronomy Institute of Mendoza), which specializes in the development of modern Argentine cuisine in cooperation with some the most celebrated chefs from the Cuyo region. After obtaining a degree in culinary arts from the Istituto Lycce, Mr. Coll Benegas moved to California to further refine his studies. He graduated from the New School of Cooking, where he continued to enrich his expertise in both French and Indian cuisines. He then had the privilege of working side-by-side with several renowned chefs in the Los Angeles area. Mr. Coll Benegas was eventually invited to cook for several high-end hotels in Asia including those in Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. A proud descendant from a traditional family of winemakers, Mr. Coll Benegas takes a sideline pleasure in owning a caved collection of wines with his partners. In his free time he also enjoys spending time at his family's Estancia (cattle ranch), reading, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and skiing.

Mauro Nosenzo: Winemaker

Mauro Nosenzo has served at Algodon Wine Estates as winemaker since 2007. Prior to joining us, he was employed for over twelve years as winemaker for the acclaimed Roca S.A. Winery. He has a degree as a National Winemaker, as well as a Master's Degree in Business Management from the Business International School of Talca University, Chile. As winemaker, Mr. Nosenzo determines the timing of each varietal's harvest, and manages the wine's elaboration process from the moment it is handpicked to the time it is bottled. In addition to production process and control, he faithfully stays abreast of the newest technology, products, and trends related to consumer tastes and demand. Mr. Nosenzo is frequently asked to sit as a judge for various wine tasting competitions throughout Argentina.

Paula Bagnato: Sommelier

Paula Bagnato serves as Algodon Wine Estates' head of enotourism (wine tourism). Her responsibilities at the estate include conducting wine tasting events and courses, wine sales, and enology. She is also responsible for preparing Algodon Wines tasting notes and pairings. Ms. Bagnato has worked for several wineries including Santa Ana, Navarro Correas, López, Peñaflor Group, and Chandón. She has also worked in Miami, Florida where she received supplementary training in the culinary arts, and while there was able to perfect her use of English. She holds a degree as a Winemaker and Sommelier and has studied in San Rafael. Ms. Bagnato was born in Mendoza and often enjoys attending wine fairs throughout Argentina.

Gastón Langlois: Executive Chef

Mr. Langlois has served as Algodon Wine Estates' Executive Chef since 2007, after moving to Mendoza "in search of the wine terroir". His past experience includes working as chef instructor of the Instituto de Gastronomía de Mendoza. Mr. Langlois has also served in distinguished hotels and restaurants in Buenos Aires including the Four Seasons and La Bourgogne at the Alvear Palace Hotel. The privilege of working by the side of eminent chefs has allowed Mr. Langlois to perfect traditional cooking techniques, and apply them to a modern Argentine-French signature cuisine. Mr. Langlois has received training and attended special seminars to complete his education in Argentine regional cuisine, French cuisine, Haute gourmet cuisine and human resources in gastronomy. He graduated from the Instituto Argentino de Gastronomía, Buenos Aires, with a degree as a Culinary Professional.

Erica Eichler: Head of Food & Beverage

As Algodon Wine Estates' Head of F&B, Ms. Eichler's responsibilities include the general management of the restaurant's workings including food and beverage services, event hosting, and staffing. She has provided gastronomic management counseling as well as food and beverage services for several restaurants in Mendoza. Ms. Eichler has taught Restaurant Industry Services at the Instituto de Gastronomía, in Mendoza, and also served as Manager at Terruño restaurant in Mendoza's Club Tapiz. She holds a degree as Superior Technician in Hotel Management orientated to the Service of Food & Beverages/Gastronomic Management. Ms. Eichler was born in Mendoza.

Paz Orallo: Hospitality and Tourism Coordinator

Ms. Orallo is in charge of the hotel management and tourism.  Her experience includes positions at major travel agencies in Mendoza, where she became knowledgeable in wine tourism and developed an interest in oenology.  She has held positions at several hotels in Mendoza City including Club Tapiz and Diplomatic Hotel.  These valued experiences allowed her to polish her skills in hotel management, customer care and the world of wine.  Ms. Orallo has training in English communication, public relations, wine tourism, wine tasting and wine sales.  She received her Technical Degree in Tourism from the Instituto Belgrano in Rosario, where she was born.

Hernán Salazar: Golf Course Manager & Instructor

Mr. Salazar manages Algodon Wine Estates' golf course and is responsible for course maintenance, organizing tournaments, client relations, and golf instruction. His experience includes studying instructional training techniques at the Palermo Club in Buenos Aires. Mr. Salazar has worked as an instructor at Chatara Golf Club in the province of Chaco, and prior to that he served as an assistant instructor at the Nevado Golf Club in San Rafael. Mr. Salazar was born in San Rafael, and with 15 years of experience on the green, he aspires to become a professional golfer.

Ruben Barsamian: Director of Finance and Administration

Mr. Barsamian is responsible for day-to-day management including financial planning and analysis, overseeing the implementation of financial strategies for the corporation, and for ensuring prudent corporate governance. As a senior-level executive, Mr. Barsamian has served in diverse industries including retail/wholesale distribution, manufacturing, services, and construction. Responsibilities entailed improving administration as well as the financial performance of these companies, as well as assuming the overall charge for all operational departments and ensuring prudent corporate governance. Mr. Barsamian has previously served as a senior consultant with Altmark & Brenna, in management and information technology. Prior to that he served as a cost control consultant for the National General Audit Office. A native of Buenos Aires, Mr. Barsamian attended the Universidad Católica Argentina, from which he graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is married and has a daughter, and when not spending time with family, he enjoys playing golf with his friends or watching rugby; his favorite sport.