Tikal was established in 2002 by Ernesto Catena, who comes by his appreciation of wine naturally. He is the eldest son of Nicolas Catena, patriarch of Catena Zapata, one of Argentina’s premier wine producers. Winemaking has been in the Catena family for four generations, and Ernesto studied computer science, economics, design and history before starting Tikal. Tikal has 116 acres of vineyards, planted primarily to Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. All vineyards are certified as organic. Most of the grapes come from a vineyard situated at 3,576 feet above sea level in the heart of the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Tikal is one of several wine labels started by Ernesto, and it is named after his son.