Our Story

Martin Santamaria was born in Mendoza, Argentina, the eldest of five children. He developed an early interest in rugby, playing for the Maristas Rugby Club from 1981-98. He was honored to play competitive rugby for the Mendoza Province Selection, Cuyo Region, from 1991-94.

After graduation from the College of San José Maristas Brotherhood in 1990, Martin attended the University Nacional of Cuyo. He graduated in 1998 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Martin completed his formal wine education in Italy, where he earned a Masters Degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Bologna in 1999.

Martin moved to the USA in 2000 and served as the winemaker at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards and Winery in New Braunfels until 2005. During his tenure there, he founded Santamaria Cellars and began crafting wines under his own label, the premier wine being a Malbec.

Martin’s hobbies include motorcycling and landscape painting and he is an avid soccer fan.  Martin is proud to be handcrafting and selling Santamaria Cellars wines and sharing his passion with customers.  The  varietals range from sweet wines such as Muscat Canelli,  a unique dry Rose'  and amazing reds such as the Malbec & Cab/Syrah and the all Malbec/Petit Verdot.

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