Our Story

We never ever thought we’d be winemakers. In Argentina, no less. 

Two wedding anniversary trips there, a conversation in a Buenos Aires bar with a Chicago couple and a New York Times article launched us into this winemaking adventure. We love wine but don’t consider ourselves connoisseurs. For us, it’s more about the experiences that come with sharing good tasting, enjoyable and affordable wine – and now, making it.

We’re on a journey rooted in Argentinian Malbecs and Cabernet Franc. It’s a new chapter after successful professional careers that caused our kids to wonder “what are Mom and Dad doing?” Having visited Familia Caldwell’s two acres and taken in The Vines of Mendoza, they get it and have joined the journey (in between their day jobs). We invite you to join us, too.

Caldwell Family Vines is an African American-owned small batch producer of unique Argentinian Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Franc Rosé wines. We call our wines VeTres ("vay tres") symbolized on our label by a "V" (representing our multi-decade union) and three ("tres") bars (representing our kids) coming up, through and beyond us.  We’re excited about producing sustainably farmed, hand harvested grapes in the Uco Valley in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Equally, we’re excited about making complex, yet elegant, fruit forward wines for your (and our) enjoyment. 

Wine is made to share. Caldwell Family Vines values the joy of sharing this experience with friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, and others. So, join our unique journey and adventure, and savor our wines.

Supporting the Community – The Vines Foundation

We believe in giving back to the communities in which we live and work. That’s why we proudly support The Vines Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Vines of Mendoza. The Vines Foundation is a catalyst for positive change, supporting sustainable initiatives that improve the overall health and vibrancy of the surrounding community of Tunuyán.

Working with 10 local community kitchens, The Vines Foundation has provided 300,000+ meals to kids since 2021, and in 2023 it launched its community gardens initiative to help provide food and revenue streams for its community kitchen partners.

In addition, The Vines Foundation rescues, spays/neuters and finds good homes for dogs. Since 2021, more than 400 dogs have been rescued and nourished to good health; 80% of them have already been adopted by loving families. Moreover, to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and positively impact the lives of the dogs and cats in Uco Valley communities, the Foundation has launched free spay/neuter services via a mobile vet clinic.