Two families from Italy came to Barrancas in the early 1900s and purchased the 8 hectares (20 acres) that is now the finca.
At the time there were no buildings, no vines and nor were there any fruit or olive trees on the property. They homesteaded the property, built what is now our main house, and in time they planted the olive trees and later added many plum trees and peach trees.
The two families were very close to each other and loved the land, the area and Mendoza. It is said their children were married on the property. After many decades the owners became too old to continue working the finca. In addition, a grandchild became gravely ill, causing the parents to dedicate their time and efforts caring for the child. Due to these challenges, they were unable to continue the tradition of living on the finca and maintaining it. In 2012 the children sold the finca to Kenneth (Kenito) Loyd.
Ken, who was originally from the state of Texas in the US and lived in the state of Washington worked as a tax consultant and accountant. He was also an adventurer who enjoyed traveling and exploring and spent some years living in Mexico. Ken, along with his daughter Phoebe, who holds a degree in Viticulture, saw great potential beyond the fruit and olive trees of the old farm.
Shortly after purchasing the finca the Loyd’s began developing their vision for what would become Finca Bella Luna, and their vision of owning and participating in the world of Agro Tourism in Argentina slowly became a reality.
A vineyard was designed that would eventually replace a majority of the old and aging plum trees. The area adjacent the main house would be transformed into a little oasis with a pool and cabañas for tourists to relax and enjoy the rustic beauty of the finca. This included multiple Palm trees being brought in and carefully planted, creating a balanced and pleasing landscape.
In 2022, John Mark and Petra fortuitously saw that the property was for sale and when they were able to visit it, they found what they were looking for. A viticulture project in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
It was there when Kenito passed the torch of his dream to those who are today the new owners of Finca Bella Luna. Both John Mark and Petra work every day, each in their area, to continue the dream of this blessed farm, which began with those Italian immigrants and continues today with new dreams and experiences.
