BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday, and welcome to the 57th edition of comprende. By now, you’ve seen our new format in action: one story per edition and evolving topics, giving us more space to go deeper and tell the kinds of stories that deserve time and reflection.

So far, we’ve used that space to highlight incredible Latino founders and their journeys. But as we shared when this shift began, comprende isn’t just about business. It’s also about the places, people, and experiences that shape our culture and community as Latinos.

Today, we’re leaning into that with a personal essay. I recently traveled to Mendoza, Argentina, known for its wine, yes, but also for its quiet, grounding connection to the land and the mountains. It left me reflecting not just on the place itself, but on the stories we carry, the dreams we build, and the patience it all requires.

I’m excited to share that reflection with you today.

So, grab your cafecito or cervecita (depending on where you are), settle in, and if you enjoy it, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️ 🍺

Lessons from Mendoza: Wine, Mountains, and the Stories We Carry

There’s a stretch of Argentina where the land speaks softly, but its presence is impossible to ignore. Mendoza. A place where the Andes rise like ancient guardians, and Aconcagua, the tallest peak in Latin America, watches over it all with quiet authority.

I spent days driving those long, open roads, the mountains always just beside me. Unmoving. Steady. It’s hard to explain how much perspective a place like this can give you.

The Andes don’t compete for your attention–they don’t need to. Their stillness reminds you that some things have been here long before us, and they’ll be here long after.

But just beneath those towering peaks, especially in valleys like the Valle de Uco, you discover another side of Mendoza: one shaped by human hands, patience, and a deep connection to the land. The vineyards.

I visited many wineries during my time there, each one with its own story, its own personality. But Alfa Crux stayed with me. Maybe it’s because, behind its sleek architecture and bold wines, there’s a story that feels familiar to so many of us.

The Agostino family left behind a successful life in Canada to return to their roots here in Argentina. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to build something with purpose. Something of their own.

They came back to the land of their childhood, to the foot of the Andes, and poured their heart into what would become Alfa Crux.

It’s more than just a winery. It’s a family dream transformed into wine.

Walking through Alfa Crux, you can see the care in every detail. The modern lines of the building stand in contrast to the rugged beauty of the mountains, but somehow, it all fits.

Inside, there’s a quiet respect for the process, for the soil, the grapes, the time it takes for each barrel to mature. Even the air feels intentional, like the space itself is designed to remind you that good things don’t happen overnight.

But that’s Mendoza in a glass. Wine shaped by the harsh sun, cool nights, mountain water, and the steady hands of those who know how to wait. The wines here are bold, complex, rooted in the land, and carry the fingerprint of both nature and family.

Standing there, with Aconcagua towering in the distance and a glass of Malbec in hand, it’s easy to feel small. But in the best way. Small, yet connected to the land, to the stories, to the quiet strength that built this place.

The Andes remind us that some things are meant to stand still, to last. The vineyards remind us that with patience and care, something beautiful grows.

It’s worth asking ourselves: What are we planting today that will outlive us?

If you enjoyed this reflection, you’ll probably love the video versions of these stories we’re sharing over on Instagram, you can check them out @comprendelatino or clicking below.

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