Packaging

23 Ríos is dedicated to honoring those who make a difference in the community—the people who, often quietly and without fanfare, keep society moving forward. Through the Gracias Edition, 23 Ríos celebrates these everyday heroes who help the river of life flow: those who lend a hand, bring culture to the forefront, offer support, and connect us all.

Guided by the creative vision of Felicidad, 23 Ríos has, for several years, recognized the people who embody this spirit of unity. In the 2023 edition, we proudly award 23 remarkable individuals from Mendoza, whose dedication and efforts strengthen our community and bring us all closer together.

The 23 Honorees of Gracias 2023 represent a powerful blend of dedication and impact across diverse fields. Among them, Paz Álvarez has pioneered a formula to combat drought, supporting sustainable agriculture, while Ernesto “Flaco” Suárez has devoted decades to enriching Mendoza’s cultural scene. Sumanativas works tirelessly to restore native flora and fauna in Potrerillos, and Verónica Barrera of Alimendar tackles food waste and hunger with community-driven solutions. The legendary Joaquín Lavado (Quino) has left an indelible mark on Argentine culture, and Miguel Farías promotes sustainability by creating firewood from pruning waste. Innovators like Ernesto Chediack launched MendoSat I, Mendoza’s first satellite, and UNCuyo’s Instituto Multidisciplinario de Ciencias Ambientales has led award-winning sustainability projects. Biosagua SA develops water purification technologies, and Verdevida promotes conscious, sustainable eating. Informental supports mental health, and Verna creates eco-friendly jewelry. The surgical team at Hospital Notti led by Alejandro Morales Ciancio pushes medical boundaries, while Laura Pristellini honors Cuyo music through her project “Pulsando la Vida.” Generosity shines through Lilia Real’s “Nochebuena Comunitaria,” Paula Savio’s inspiring teaching, and Mercedes Carrión’s NGO for children with cancer. Roxana Gallo runs a community kitchen, and Usted Señálemelo elevates Mendoza on the global music scene with a Grammy nomination. The Escuela Edison robotics team achieved second place in the World Cup, while the Aconcagua Rescue Patrol saves lives on the mountain. Gabriel Mignani restores and donates musical instruments, and Yamila Correa breaks new ground as the first woman on a First Division soccer coaching staff in Mendoza. Each of these honorees embodies the spirit of El río nos une, driving Mendoza forward through resilience, creativity, and compassion.

The honorees also include internationally awarded leaders in sustainability, renowned winemakers who have shaped new generations of enologists, and individuals deeply committed to the preservation and prosperity of the local environment. Together, these individuals embody the spirit of Mendoza, contributing to its community, culture, and future.

Most of The 23 Honorees are individuals who typically remain out of the spotlight—quiet contributors who, with a deep commitment to Mendoza and Argentina, work tirelessly toward a more just society in harmony with nature. With a few exceptions, such as Ernesto Suárez, these are local entrepreneurs, educators, conservationists, and advocates who may not often appear in the media but whose impact is deeply felt. Their work reflects a dedication to sustainable practices and social equity, championing local progress and nurturing the community’s connection to its natural environment.

For us, The 23 Honorees represent something profoundly important. This annual recognition is our way of giving a voice to those who are creating solutions and driving positive change, offering the community a hopeful perspective. In a world where attention often gravitates toward what goes wrong, we aim to spotlight the remarkable efforts that often go unnoticed—people making a real difference. Through this initiative, which we hope to continue year after year, we invite everyone to celebrate the achievements that uplift our society and showcase the impactful work happening quietly around us.

The story of this campaign is one of constant recognition and gratitude toward The 23 Honorees, sharing their unique journeys and the impactful work they do. Through each story, we expressed our thanks for their contributions, highlighting the importance of their efforts. As part of the campaign, we created a special edition pack of six cans for each honoree, designed and gifted to honor their achievements. Many of them even requested more packs at the event, planning to donate them to others in the community.

The campaign also fostered meaningful collaborations among the honorees, with some stepping up simply to support the event without seeking any personal gain. For example, one musician provided his space selflessly, reflecting the spirit of unity and mutual support that defined the project. This campaign was a true celebration of community, showcasing the inspiring ways these individuals come together to make a difference.