Dear friend of La Estancia,

Due to your interest in La Estancia de Cafayate, you are probably already aware that each March the international community of this secluded lifestyle and sporting estate comes together in celebration of the region's annual harvest of wine grapes.

Once again this March owners, as well as guests interested in learning more about this special place far from the maddening crowd, will step away from the frenetic pace of everyday life for the better part of a week, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the rich local culture of Argentina's premier emerging wine region.

It's our great pleasure to once again extend you this invitation to share the experience of this year's Harvest Celebration. To allow for maximum flexibility in scheduling and to assure the celebrations retain their characteristic charm and intimacy, this year the events will be spread over two consecutive sets of dates: March 6 – 11 or March 12 – 17.  And we are trying to direct dollar vigilante readers and subscribers mainly to the 2nd week, if possible.

While we are always happy to extol the many reasons why Cafayate, a quaint town in the heart of Argentina's northwest wine growing region was selected as the ideal site for an international community of discerning individuals interested in enjoying the best things in life, the only way for you to truly appreciate the place and the vision is for you to visit. And there is no better time to do so than in conjunction with the annual wine harvest this March.

Over the course of your visit, you'll discover for yourself why 230 property owners from over 30 different countries have joined the community at La Estancia de Cafayate - including the Chief Editor of the Dollar Vigilante himself, Jeff Berwick.  You'll also see why the staff of the respected Frommer's travel guides included the area in their handful of "Must-Visit Destinations: 2010."

You won't be disappointed.

Harvest Celebration Activities – So Far

Although the schedule is still a work in progress, much of the celebration focuses on the wine that is such an integral part of Cafayate's culture. Participants will help out with the harvest, spend time at local bodegas, receive hands-on lessons in wine making, and, of course, taste a lot of wine!

Naturally, the event includes a number of memorable social events, including a special alfresco lunch among the vineyards; a traditional Argentine asado barbeque hosted by Doug Casey at a private home; a polo demonstration and a gala dinner at The Heath Club at La Estancia.

In keeping with the sporting aspects of the community, you'll also find time to enjoy golf, and a golf scramble on the world-class Bob Cupp-designed course (lessons are available from La Estancia's pro for those of you looking to freshen up your skills or just starting out). And, don't forget to bring your exercise gear and swimming togs, as the grand opening of the brand new Athletic Club at La Estancia de Cafayate will take place in conjunction with the March harvest (more on that facility in a moment). Then there's horseback riding, guided trekking to local sites, leisurely walks, mountain biking, and more.

For most visitors, this is a time to explore the options of living overseas, diversifying one's assets, or simply building a home away from home in a self-reliant region. As such, there will also be plenty of time to leisurely scout out the perfect home site and to have all your questions answered.

And, as has become a tradition at these events, you are invited to attend a half-day…

• Casey Research Conference. Once again, senior members of the Casey Research team and guests will share their latest insights on the global economy and answer your most pressing questions on where to get the biggest bang for your investment dollar today.
  
  In March, the speakers include Doug Casey, Jeff Berwick, David Galland, Marin Katusa, and currency expert Frank Trotter, CEO of EverBank Direct, and Casey Research editor and international investment expert Terry Coxon who will discuss effective ways of internationally diversifying your financial affairs.
  
  Continuing a tradition, the seminar will again feature a presentation by one of La Estancia's many interesting property owners: Datasages founder and President, and TDV contributor, Pete Kofod. In March Pete will give a presentation entitled Fascism for Dummies.

Probably most important, the Harvest Celebration offers a unique opportunity to spend leisurely time sharing ideas – and a glass or two of wine – at the clubhouse or on the picturesque town plaza with like-minded people from around the world.

Quick Update on Property Prices

As it is important if you are still considering joining the La Estancia de Cafayate community, a word about the development model is in order.

From the very beginning, the model has anticipated prices being adjusted upward to reflect progress in building out the infrastructure and amenities, and this has been the case as La Estancia de Cafayate has progressed from a vision into a successful and rapidly growing community.

At this point all the major infrastructure (roads, power, water, etc.) is in place; architect Jack Zehren's beautiful clubhouse is complete; former lead Jack Nicklaus designer Bob Cupp's golf course is finished and has been in play for over two years; and the grand opening of the stunning new Athletic Club (pictured below), perhaps the best in Argentina, will take place in conjunction with the March harvest

Meanwhile, grapes are growing on 74 hectares of mature and new vineyards (and a fine wine has been produced!); the polo field is finished (there will almost certainly be a game during the Harvest Celebration); and 28 homes are either finished and occupied or currently in the process of being built.

Last but not least, the award- winning Grace Hotel Group has broken ground on its boutique Grace Cafayate Hotel and luxury spa – a major new feature of La Estancia – scheduled to be completed later this year.

In other words, La Estancia de Cafayate is well on the way to assuming its rightful place as one of the region's most spectacular new lifestyle communities. As such, per the model, while the current pricing is being held through the March Harvest Celebration, further price adjustments are a certainty in order to reflect the delivery on the promises made and kept in the development process.

Therefore, in addition to having a great return visit and enjoying Cafayate at its best – reward enough for traveling to the March festivities – you and your guests will be offered the opportunity to join the community ahead of any further price adjustments.

But please understand: There is never any pressure to buy during your visit – that's not the way we work, because it's not the way to build the sort of vibrant community envisioned by Doug Casey and his partners.

Your visit simply offers you a unique opportunity to experience La Estancia de Cafayate for yourself – but only you can fall in love with it, as we suspect you will. Worst case, you'll have enjoyed a fantastic vacation in the collegial company of interesting people while profiting from the Casey Research seminar.

Making Your Plans Is Easy – But You'll Need to Act Quickly

While there is once again a modest $300 per person fee charged, that fee includes all of the many Harvest Celebration activities. Importantly, as you know, the Harvest Celebrations have always sold out… and as each of the first two March events are limited to just 30 guests, they will fill up especially quickly this year. (Another incentive to act quickly is that the best hotel rooms in the small town of Cafayate go quickly.)

So first and foremost, mark the dates March 6 to 11 or March 12 to 17 – whichever best suits your schedule – and then contact me to get the ball rolling on your arrangements and for the answers to any questions you may have.

To expedite things, drop me an email at your earliest convenience at tdv@lec.com.ar – we'll send you a more comprehensive overview of the event, including a schedule of activities. Myself or another member of the La Estancia team will then be readily available with the answers to any further questions you might have.

At any time in the planning process, you can also feel free to contact our always-ready Cafayate Concierge at Concierge@LaEst.com for help.

La Estancia de Cafayate, our concierge program is designed to assist residents and guests with all their Argentine travel arrangements and – once a homeowner – mundane chores such as arranging for maids, paying bills, etc.
When you're ready, they'll help you make all your arrangements, including booking a hotel room, arranging for domestic flights, a rental car, and anything else you need – all part of the service!

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience and, more to the point, welcoming you to beautiful Cafayate this March, glass of wine in hand.

You'll be very glad you made the trip!

Saludos,

David Norden
La Estancia de Cafayate

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