Who We Are
The Vines Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in Tunuyán, a city in the Western province of Mendoza, Argentina. As the philanthropic arm of The Vines, an Argentine farming, winemaking and hospitality company with deep local and international connections, the Foundation is leveraging its resources to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the local community. We are seeking to increase capacity and participation through engaging Vines owners and guests, community members and organizations, local businesses, and the municipal government to address complex challenges facing Tunuyán’s residents.
Mission
The Vines Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in the Uco Valley of Argentina. We are a dedicated partner who supports sustainable initiatives that improve the overall health and vibrancy of our surrounding community of Tunuyan.
Vision
Our vision is to see the Uco Valley flourish as a model of sustainable development, where The Vines Foundation’s initiatives serve as a blueprint for community-centric progress.
Values
- ACCOMPANIMENT – We walk with the community, listening first, building trust, and creating solutions hand in hand.
- SUSTAINABILITY– We focus on initiatives that create long-term impact, not quick fixes.
- INTEGRITY – We hold ourselves to ethical, transparent practices in everything we do.
Our History Timeline
Since 2020, our mission has focused on creating
real opportunities that promote sustainable development and long-term transformation in the community of Tunuyán, Mendoza, Argentina.
The Foundation expanded its food delivery programs to local community kitchens and began supporting animal welfare through a dog rescue shelter focused on rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned dogs. That same year, the Foundation hired staff and launched its longstanding partnership with the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame to strengthen its impact through expert research and guidance.
The Vines Foundation became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in both the USA and Argentina. It expanded its programs and deepened community engagement, hosted its first fundraiser in the U.S., and welcomed two research interns from the University of Notre Dame. These interns conducted fieldwork and provided valuable insights that helped shape new initiatives. The Foundation also developed new outreach materials to better communicate its mission and impact.
The Foundation formed a board of directors and continued to expand its research, partnerships, and programs. It hosted its second annual fundraiser and deepened engagement with Vines owners, members, guests, and employees through hands-on participation in Foundation activities.
That same year, a community garden was established — a project inspired by research and recommendations from the Notre Dame student interns in 2022.
The Foundation launched the mobile vet clinic, introduced vocational training programs, and developed new marketing platforms. Key research was conducted for a future community center, and The Foundation hosted its third annual fundraiser.
We are passionately working toward creating a vibrant community center that will serve as the heart of all our future programs, bringing people together and empowering growth. At the same time, we're developing a new dog refuge, providing a safe haven for animals in need and further strengthening our commitment to both the community and animal welfare.
Financial & Transparency Reports
2024 Annual report
2024 Financial & transparency report
2024 Annual report
2024 Financial & transparency report
Our Team
Lucie Kneip
Development and research
Lucie Kneip has experience working in international development and research positions. She formed part of the inaugural student research team to begin building out The Vines Foundation’s strategy and programming, after which she spent time living on-site in Tunuyán conducting research and becoming immersed in the local community. She has served as an advisor to subsequent research cohorts. Outside of The Vines, she works in foreign policy and development in Latin America, and is passionate about food security, community development, and sustainability. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science and global affairs from the University of Notre Dame.
Carolyn Gallagher
Executive Director
Carolyn, a California native, embarked on an adventure to Argentina in 1998, seeking friendship and a fulfilling life. This journey led her to build her dream—marrying an adventurer, raising two daughters, and establishing service-oriented businesses that create transformative experiences. With a unique blend of «gringo» business acumen and a deep understanding of Argentine culture, Carolyn excels at getting things done in Mendoza, driven by a genuine passion for the country.
She brings over 20 years of experience in Mendoza, including founding the travel agency Uncorking Argentina, developing and teaching Wine Language English courses for winery professionals, and partnering in Argentina Rafting. Her expertise spans leadership, creativity, and a strong connection to the local community.
Carolyn is deeply committed to work that fosters growth and development. Joining the Vines Foundation marks a pivotal point in her career, allowing her to focus on nurturing the community she loves. She believes in the power of technology as a force multiplier, observing trends during her trips to California and implementing them in Mendoza. Her philosophy centers on staying small and focused, and embodying the principle of «learn, earn, and return.»
As Executive Director, Carolyn will spearhead fundraising, program development, community center initiatives, and enhance communication and marketing efforts. Her leadership will guide the Foundation through its next phase of growth, fostering meaningful exchanges and transforming lives.
Lihue Sosa
Laura Martorell
Territorial Coordinator
María Laura Martorell is a primary school teacher with over 20 years of experience, specializing in early literacy. Throughout her career, she has worked in both rural and urban schools, guiding children through their first steps in the education system — a stage she believes is essential to their development. Her approach is rooted in playful learning, always fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.
Laura currently serves as Territorial Coordinator of Fundación The Vines in Tunuyán, Mendoza — the place where she was born and has built her personal and professional life. In this role, she designs and oversees educational, social, and food-access programs in community kitchens and public spaces, helping to strengthen access to essential rights for children and families.
She has received training in Dale!, an early literacy methodology developed by Dr. Beatriz Diuk (CONICET), and in Queremos Aprender, a program created by Dr. Ana María Borzone focused on the integral development of children in early and primary education. She is married, the mother of two children, and a devoted animal lover.
Laura’s work is guided by a deep conviction: that education can transform lives, and every encounter with a child is a new opportunity to build a better future.
Frances Lalas
Head of The Vines Global
Frances is an arts and culture junkie, an outdoor enthusiast, an animal lover, and head of The Vines Global. With a penchant for the unconventional, her career has spanned startups, political campaigns, innovative hospitality ventures, real estate development, and nonprofit organizations. Frances is passionate about community building, customer experience, and having fun along the way. When not perfecting the member experience at The Vines or planning the next unique wine event, she’s likely enjoying the outdoors, exploring new art, or making friends with neighborhood dogs. Previously, Frances held roles such as VP of Operations and Membership at Virgin Group, and Executive Director at Faena Hotels & Residences in Miami Beach, where she managed operations and a members’ club dedicated to arts and culture.
Emily Monaghan
Vines Foundation Board Chair
Emily earned bachelor’s degrees in International Studies and Political, with minors in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Miami University of Ohio. She is the founding board member of the Northfield YMCA and dedicates her time to fundraising and development efforts in the nonprofit sector. Emily is an Advisory Council member of the University of Notre Dame Keough School of Global Affairs and is a co-chair of the University of Notre Dame’s Gift Planning Advancement Committee.
The Monaghans own Tres Très Bien Vineyards, based at The Vines of Mendoza, and also make wines around the world as Vines Global members. Art and Emily have three boys and are from Northfield, Minnesota.
Duffy Crane
Legal and business Counsel
Duffy arrived in Mendoza in April 2006, after Michael convinced her to “temporarily” leave her 10-year commercial litigation law practice in Austin, Texas, to help him start a new company.
Prior to joining The Vines of Mendoza, Duffy also served as a logistics specialist on political campaigns at the local, state, and national levels, including two United States presidential campaigns.
As General Counsel for The Vines, she is facing the legal and business challenges that are part of an international wine business with her signature creative, but no-nonsense, style.
Duffy lives full-time in Mendoza with her husband, daughters, and dogs, where she makes her Estrella Sola (Lone Star) wines and enjoys the many vineyard asados with family and Vines friends.
Michael Evans
Founder of The Vines Foundation
Michael Evans is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Vines of Mendoza (vinesofmendoza.com), established in 2004. The Vines of Mendoza is a unique community of over 320 vineyard owners and winemakers who share a sense of adventure and the belief that “nada es imposible.” Michael also brought this belief to his role in opening the Vines Resort & Spa in 2014, (vinesresortandspa.com), ranked as the best hotel in Argentina and #25 in the world by Travel & Leisure. As CEO and Founder of The Vines Global (the-vines.com) in 2019, Michael expanded on the concept of turning wine lovers into winemakers through a global membership network in 12 iconic wine regions throughout the world. In 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, Michael and The Vines founded The Vines Foundation, initially to combat food insecurity. Michael’s personal line of wines is called Uco’s Playground, after his black Lab, Maria Uco, who was his constant companion for 15 years in this wine adventure at the foot of the Andes.Prior to The Vines, Michael worked on the Presidential campaigns between Clinton and Kerry, and served as Executive Director of CTIA Foundation. Michael is also a traveler and an avid photographer, publishing Nada es Imposible, a coffee table photography book documenting The Vines’ vineyard and winemaking journeys.
Mariano Vicente
The Vines Shelter Veterinarian
Mariano Vicente is a veterinarian and beekeeper born in the city of Mendoza. At age three, he moved with his family to Colonia Las Rosas, a small town in the Uco Valley, where he grew up and developed a deep connection to nature and rural life.
From a young age, Mariano was influenced by his parents: his father, a beekeeper, instilled in him a love for bees and environmental care, while his mother, a physician, sparked his interest in biology and medicine. Veterinary science became the perfect intersection of both worlds, leading him to pursue his degree in Mendoza, where he studied for seven years and met his life partner and fellow veterinarian, Luciana.
After earning his veterinary degree, Mariano returned to his hometown to open his own practice and grow his beekeeping business. In July 2024, he joined Fundación The Vines as the lead veterinarian for the dog refuge and coordinator of the Foundation’s free spay/neuter campaign in Tunuyán.
In just one year, Mariano’s work has made a tangible impact — including surpassing 1,000 sterilizations across vulnerable areas of the region. His efforts have provided hundreds of families with access to essential veterinary services including sterilization, deworming, and vaccination.
Mariano’s goal is to expand the Foundation’s veterinary services for underserved communities, while promoting an integrated approach to animal and environmental health. His work reflects a broader vision: to improve quality of life not only for animals, but also for people and the ecosystem they share.
For Mariano, being part of Fundación The Vines has strengthened his sense of purpose — showing him that it’s possible to build a career rooted in service, care, and positive impact.
Gonzalo Robledo
Diego Majdalani
Strategic volunteering
Diego, who recently joined The Vines Foundation, has been a vineyard owner at The Vines for years. While working in the global technology industry for the past 30 years, he was involved with several different foundations and non-profit organizations, including being a Board Member at Junior Achievement Americas. Diego is volunteering his time to help The Foundation accelerate its objectives in Tunuyán.
Art Monaghan
Vines Foundation Board Member
Art earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame, where he was the head football manager under Lou Holtz during the 1992 football season. He is a co-founder and operating partner of Granite Partners, a private investment and holding company. Earlier in his career, Art was a Principal at Norwest Equity Partners, as well as the founder and President of Computer Guidance Group, and he worked for Arthur Andersen in their professional sports practice. Art serves on the board of the American Center for Philanthropy, is an Advisory Council member of the University of Notre Dame Keough School of Global Affairs, and is a Co-Chair of the University of Notre Dame’s Gift Planning Advancement Committee. The Monaghans own Tres Très Bien Vineyards, based at The Vines of Mendoza, and also make wines around the world as Vines Global members. Art and Emily have three boys and are from Northfield, Minnesota.
Steve Reifenberg
Vines Foundation Global Development Advisor
Steve is the Teaching Professor of International Development at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs. He has been a research partner with The Vines Foundation since 2021. Reifenberg’s teaching and research interests are in international education, international development, and negotiations, and built on work carried out in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, including more than a decade living overseas, primarily in Chile. In most of his teaching, Reifenberg’s classes partner with social entrepreneurs and international organizations that present real world challenges to student teams.
Before moving to Notre Dame in 2010, Reifenberg worked for two decades at Harvard University, serving as executive director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies (DRCLAS) and subsequently founding and directing the DRCLAS Regional Office in Santiago, Chile. Previously, Reifenberg was the program director for Latin America at the Conflict Management Group and the director of the Edward S. Mason Program in Public Policy and Management at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. The author of Santiago’s Children: What I Learned About Life Working at an Orphanage in Chile, Reifenberg continues to be actively involved in Domingo Savio in Santiago, Chile, and serves on the boards of Partners In Health and Education Bridge in South Sudan. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, an MS in print journalism from Boston University, and a BA in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame.
Vince Meldrum
Strategic planning
Vince Meldrum is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, change management, and fostering corporate-nonprofit partnerships. With a focus on integrating civic engagement into environmental education, Vince has been instrumental in developing Environmental Action Civics, a unique approach to environmental learning. Currently serving as the President/CEO of Earth Force, Vince has guided the organization through significant growth phases, including a strategic redesign that expanded its reach by 400% and increased funding through federal, foundation, and corporate donors. His leadership extends beyond Earth Force, having co-founded Crecer Strategies with his wife, where they provided strategic consulting to a variety of nonprofits and educational organizations, significantly boosting their operational impact and funding resources. In addition to his leadership roles, Vince spent two years in Mendoza, Argentina, where he consulted with the Vines of Mendoza.
FAQs
Some Questions
1. How can I donate to The Vines Foundation?
You can donate to The Vines Foundation online through our website, where you’ll find a secure donation portal via PayPal. Donations can also be made by personal check sent via mail to The Vines Foundation, PO Box 71, Eastwood, KY 40018.
Additionally, you can contact us directly for more information on other donation methods such as a wire transfer, ACH or donor advised fund grant.
2. Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, The Vines Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 86-3200509, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Upon making a donation, you will receive a tax receipt for your records.
3. Where does my donation go?
Your donation supports our various initiatives aimed at creating positive change in the Uco Valley and advancing sustainable development goals. This includes funding community projects, educational programs, health initiatives, and other efforts to improve the well-being of the local community.
4. Can I specify how I want my donation to be used?
Yes, you can specify a particular program or project that you’d like your donation to support. We offer various funding options, and you can choose the area that resonates most with you. If you have a specific preference, please let us know, and we will ensure your donation is directed accordingly.
5. How transparent is The Vines Foundation about its finances?
Transparency is a core value of The Vines Foundation. We are committed to providing our donors with clear and comprehensive information about how their contributions are used. Our financial reports are regularly published on our website, and we are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding our finances.
We have a profile on Guidestar, the premier destination for nonprofit research, at this link: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/86-3200509
6. Can I volunteer with The Vines Foundation?
Yes, we welcome volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the Uco Valley community. Whether you’re interested in participating in our projects on the ground or contributing your skills remotely, there are various ways to get involved. Please visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
7. How is the foundation funded?
The Vines Foundation is currently funded by engaging our shareholders, our network of Private Vineyard Owners and Members, and our resort guests. Long term, we hope to create a network of partners who combine their resources to support the communities of the Uco Valley.
8. How can I stay updated on The Vines Foundation's work and impact?
You can stay informed about The Vines Foundation’s latest news, events, and projects by subscribing to our newsletter on our website. Additionally, you can follow us on social media platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn for regular updates and insights into our ongoing initiatives.
