The event is organised by the local government of Mendoza (with support from the Argentinian national government) and this year the Mendocinos again turned out in force, with around 40,000 (including many wine connoisseurs) assembling every night over the four days.
The company who tendered successfully for the technological infrastructure was Merino Producciones, headed by Carlos Merino. This was the fourth time they had been entrusted with the sound - and for the first time this year they were also awarded the lighting contract.
The person responsible for designing the spectacular lighting and special effects was Mariano Velasco. He made good use of nearly 250 PR Lighting fixtures for this scenic event featuring more than 1,000 actors, performers and dancers. For aside from an abundance of Malbec, the city-wide party features traditional cuisine, folkloric song and dance, and the main event - a beauty contest to select the Queen of Vendimia.
The PR Lighting inventory comprised two PR 1200 follow spots, 68 x PR XL1200 Spot moving heads; 126 x PR XR300, XR330 and PR XR200 Beams; 48 x PR XLED 336 Beam.
Such was the success of this year's event that Carlos Merino believes that with the support of PR Lighting's local distributor, Disco Baires, he is optimistic that they will be able to provide the same technical infrastructure next year.
"This is a hugely important event on the international scene. We have a strong commitment to PR Lighting and believe it will be possible to repeat this success again next year."
(Jim Evans)
