The story of four ex-Pumas who channel their passion and values into a wine project
On a South African evening in August 2013, four exhausted Argentine rugby forwards raised their glasses of Malbec after a grueling match against the Springboks. In that moment at the Nelson Mandela Square Hotel, amidst reflection and camaraderie, what began as casual conversation among friends would eventually transform into one of Argentina’s most compelling wine stories.
Eusebio Guiñazú, Patricio Albacete, Manuel Carizza, and Julio Farías—all historic members of Los Pumas—carried their brotherhood beyond the pitch and into the vineyards of Mendoza. Just as they once defended their national colors with determination and grit, they now express their shared values through each bottle of 2456 Wines, a name derived from the jersey numbers they wore representing Argentina.
From Rugby Field to Vineyard
“Creating 2456 Wines was a dream shared among friends,” explains Guiñazú. “With Pato, Manu, and Julio, our friendship always went beyond the field. Representing Los Pumas gave us something that never fades: values we continue applying to everything we do, even after rugby.”
The parallels between high-level rugby and fine winemaking are striking. Both require discipline, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment. Both demand patience, with results that only reveal themselves through persistent effort and the passage of time. In rugby, each player must fulfill their role perfectly for the team to succeed; in winemaking, each stage of production must be executed with precision for the final wine to express its true character.
“As in high-performance sports, where each player gives maximum effort and fulfills a role, at the winery we put all our dedication into making each bottle the best it can be,” Guiñazú reflects.
A Wine with Philosophy
2456 Wines isn’t just another label in the crowded Argentine wine landscape. It represents a philosophy built on teamwork, resilience, and passion. Under the expert guidance of their friend and winemaker Gonzalo Mazzotta, the project showcases wines that reflect both Mendoza’s terroir and the founding partners’ identity.
Their portfolio includes an elegant Pinot Noir sparkling wine with fine bubbles and a creamy texture, a complex Chenin Blanc Reserve with notes of jasmine, tropical fruits, and white chocolate from French oak aging, and a fresh, food-friendly Sangiovese Reserve that shows clear Chianti Classico influence.
The flagship Malbec, sourced from both Las Compuertas and Gualtallary vineyards, perfectly demonstrates their commitment to excellence—combining the elegance of Luján de Cuyo with the fresh structure of Valle de Uco. The Gran Reserva expressions further showcase their commitment to creating wines worthy of extended cellaring, much like the enduring friendships formed on the rugby field.
“In winemaking, as in rugby, each movement is carefully planned in advance,” notes Guiñazú.”We know what we need in each harvest, how we want each wine to evolve, and the perfect moment to release it.”
A Legacy in Every Bottle
The rugby pitch taught these four friends that success comes through collective effort and shared purpose. Similarly, their annual blend—combining four varieties to symbolize their union—demonstrates how individual strengths come together to achieve a common goal. Every bottle tells a story of friendship, perseverance, and shared values that transcend both sport and time.
What distinguishes 2456 Wines in Argentina’s competitive market isn’t just product quality, but the vision behind it. Each label carries their history and values: effort, brotherhood, and passion. Their wines aren’t meant merely to be consumed but experienced—an invitation to join a community sharing a common vision.
“2456 is not just a combination of numbers,” explains Guiñazú. “It reflects the jersey numbers each of us wore for Los Pumas and a life philosophy based on teamwork, resilience, and passion. Just like on the field, in winemaking you must train, wait for the right moment, and execute with precision.”
From their first symbolic sale to France—where several had played professionally—to their expansion into European, Brazilian, African, and Canadian markets, 2456 Wines continues to grow while maintaining their foundational principles. Their future plans include developing their own vineyards in Gualtallary and creating immersive tourism experiences that share their unique journey.
More than a business venture, 2456 Wines represents the materialization of a shared dream—proof that passion and commitment can transcend any boundary.
Like their days on the rugby field, these four friends continue pushing forward together, now with glasses of wine in hand, ready to conquer new horizons.
As Guiñazú beautifully summarizes: “Each bottle tells a story. It’s testimony to the brotherhood forged on the field that now expresses itself in a toast. Like in rugby, the key is in the team: on the playing field and in the winery, with each harvest and each toast, we continue pushing forward together.”
In a world where winemaking often emphasizes tradition or innovation, 2456 Wines reminds us of something equally important: the power of friendship, shared values, and dreams pursued together. Their story invites us all to raise a glass to the journeys we undertake with those who matter most.
Experience the Spirit of 2456 Wines
For wine enthusiasts eager to taste these limited-production wines born from rugby passion and Mendoza terroir, Ampora Wine Tours offers exclusive access to 2456 Wines’ portfolio. Our specialized tours provide a unique opportunity to discover these distinctive bottles that may otherwise be difficult to find due to their limited production. Stay connected with us to be the first to know about their exciting new ventures, including their upcoming Gualtallary vineyards and immersive tourism experiences. Whether you’re drawn to their story, their commitment to excellence, or simply their exceptional wines, let Ampora be your guide to this remarkable project where sport and winemaking converge.
Raise a glass with us to friendship transformed into world-class wine!
