During the middle of the 16th Century, it was discovered that San Juan was one of the most suitable regions for the growing of the vines and wine production. It was the Spanish first and, after them the Portuguese, Italian and French who promoted this activity and its products recognized in all the big capitals of the world. Each of the cultures which settled in this land left its hallmark in the viticulture activity, having enriched the process and having given a unique fusion to the region.

The winery belonging to Luis Victor Chirino and Azucena Juarez de Chirino has marked a tendency in the local viticulture. The Chirino family acquired the property during the late 80s and, since 1990 it has become a row model for many companies involved in the wine industry. After some time, what was a small winery, became what is known today as Antigua Bodega Complex, which is currently visited by foreign and local people; all of them amazed by the beauties offered by this impressive 10, 000 square meters place.

It is worth mentioning the fact that in 1944 most of the old constructions in San Juan were left in debris as a consequence of a big earthquake; however, even with the cruelty of nature, Antigua Bodega remained still. Many families arrived to the winery looking for shelter waiting for the situation to normalize. In this way, the place became a very important part of the history of the province.

All the victims of this earthquake would gather under the protection and shelter of this strong building which stood erected towards this touching phenomenon. Solidarity grew as a key factor to restart as a solid town one more time. Because this winery dates from that time, it has become an architectonic patrimony of a key face of the province, a dumb witness of how time has passed by.

Antigua Bodega, which in its early days was called “El Parque”, is one of the first buildings to be built with an anti-seismic structure in San Juan, displaying a very simple but stylish architecture. It had an expedition room, which was the most important of the province with a production of 20,000 oak barrels for making 5 million litres of wine. These wines were sent by train through the F. C. “Argentino del Norte” railways which would enter to the winery. The viticulture plant had a very big refrigerator and the backup of a 200 hectares vineyards owned by the family.

The “El Parque” winery has represented since 1918 a clear example of progress and it was able to consolidate with the production of premium products, which were required inside and outside Argentina. Because of this, many medals and awards have been granted to this winery.