Primo and Pacifico Meschini
Famiglia Meschini started with Eugenio’s grandfather, Primo Meschini. Orphaned at the age of 14, he immigrated to Argentina from Le Marche, Italy, to start a new life. He settled in Mendoza where the rolling foothills of the Andes reminded him of home. Working as a mechanic, Primo rose up to own several car dealerships and began winemaking as a hobby – a way to reconnect to his native Italy. His son, Eugenio’s father, Pacifico, developed the wine business, and Meschini Dolcetto wines were enjoyed for years throughout Argentina. We are humbled by their accomplishment, proud of their work and energized by their spirit as we seek to perpetuate Primo and Pacifico’s legacy in the United States.
The Meschini Family in Minnesota
Teresa Thein Meschini
Teresa is a native of Rochester, Minn., and graduated from the College of St. Thomas with degrees in French (makes sense to marry an Argentine) and International Business. She taught English as a Second Language in St. Paul, Minn., and while living abroad in Kiev, Ukraine. (And no, she never taught Eugenio. If she had, he’d know his prepositions by now!)
Teresa keeps both Famiglia Meschini, the wine business, and family Meschini, the family of six, running smoothly. She has significant experience negotiating, multi-tasking and catastrophe-control and is able to do just about everything: Calendars, carpools, soccer games and wine-tasting events (love them!) and is pretty handy with a plunger. Constantly texting across oceans and time differences, Teresa still finds time to enjoy running, preparing big weekend barbeques, dinners at home with the family and dinner out with friends.
Eugenio Meschini
Our Vineyard in Mendoza
Eugenio was born and raised in Mendoza, Argentina, and moved to Minnesota in 1989 after attempting wine-making school (don’t ask!). He graduated from the College of St. Thomas where he met Teresa in a speech class. (Eugenio got a better grade—gasp!). He went on to earn both a Master of International Management and Master of Business Administration in 1995. (He had to stay in school to stay in the country legally. Teresa’s brothers love to remind her that his student visa was expiring the month they got married.)
Eugenio has extensive business dealings in the United States, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia (translation: never home). He is passionate about family, wine and family business. He proudly has over 20 years of wine-drinking experience, which is what he does best.