Today dive the heart of Mendoza—getting to know its passionate winemakers and tiny, boutique projects. Visit an unassuming bodega located on the shores of the Mendoza River. Now a worldwide reference for its single vineyard wines, learn about their winemaking philosophy and taste the different components of the Quimeira blend in an educational tasting with barrel samples. It is an excellent introduction to how varied Malbec and Mendocino terroir can be.
Next, stop by is a primo sparkling wine project. Dry, sparkling wines are an old school tradition in Argentina. Savor each sip as you learn how they create their brut, nature, and rosé wines. Tasting around noon is the perfect “snack”.
Lunch is a five-course gourmet endeavor at a family-owned estate where each dish is skillfully paired with their full line of Malbec, from rosé to the reserva. Finally, just around the corner, is the petit bodega of the Bressia family. They will welcome you into their winery just like family. They love to share their craft. Their wines are long, satiny, and ripe. Tasting with cheese board and conversation.
Around the corner and down a dusty road is the chicest luxury wine hotel in Mendoza: Cavas Wine Lodge. Surrounded by vineyards with panoramic views of the Andes, the hip Cecilia and her husband Martin breathe a special vibe into this magical place. Impeccable service, intimacy, attention to detail, and spacious rooms, and a world class spa, to name a few.
Check in and the rest of the afternoon is free. Dinner is on your own tonight at Cavas’ delicious restaurant.
Day 2
Located an hour south of the action in Luján, the high-altitude Uco Valley has extended beyond Malbec. Many wineries are experimenting with new varietals like Cabernet, Tempranillo, and Syrah. A lush agricultural valley amid a parched desert, the valley floor is dotted by almond trees and orchards. The Andes feel like they are at arm’s length.
Drive to the southern end Uco to La Consulta. One of Argentina’s new wine superstars, the stunning location and quirky, futuristic architecture is the vision of a Spanish entrepreneur whose house specialty is Tempranillo. Get to know this singular bodega and top wines on a fascinating tour.
Not too far away in the village of Vista Flores, drop in on friends making two spectacular Cabernet blends under the expertise of French winemaker extraordinaire, Michel Rolland. You are welcomed into their guest house for a relaxed tasting with local cheeses. Their talent, and enthusiasm, is palatable—as is Uco’s special, stony terroir.
Lunch is up the road with sweeping vistas of vines and mountains. Talented cooks put their farm-to-table philosophy to practice in this rustic restaurant focusing on regional cuisine and Uco wines.
Across the road, drop by a garage operation where everything is in miniature. Their Cabernet and Malbec have grabbed much attention for their distinct personality and excellent value. Tasting with one of the winemakers.
Return to Cavas over the scenic, rolling hills back to Mendoza. Tonight, we have a special table reserved for you in town at La Bourgogne. Here French technique and inspiration blends harmoniously with the local ingredients. Salud!
Day 3
Check out mid-morning with time to enjoy Cavas. Since food and wine are your reason to travel to Mendoza, you won’t want to miss the Mercado Central. Locals and chefs head for the market to procure the ultra fresh ingredients. A landmark for more than 120 years, it has lots of atmosphere and a bustling shopping environment where you can rub elbows with Mendocinos. Check out stalls stacked with seasonal produce, butchers, delicatassen with glorious cheese and cured salami, and fish mongers. Stop to munch on some savory empanadas, cheese, and prosciutto.
Leave a little room for lunch. Now, head east to our culinary rendezvous at an organic vegetable farm that produces sophisticated goodies like homemade roasted Piquillo peppers, Green Tomato Chutney, Rose Confit, and Malbec jam. Everything is home grown, harvested, and processed on site. Take a walk around the property to visit the gardens and sit down to a 5-course guided tasting lunch in their renovated mansion to try Mediterranean-accented specialties.
After lunch, visit a tiny jewel tucked away in the shady lanes of Chacras de Coria. Making some of the most distinctive wines in the region, including a wonderful Nebbiolo and a rare Malebc clone called Brote Negro, the wines are pure poetry. Expressive, juicy, complex. A perfect end to these delicious days.
Inclusions:
• Round-trip first-class transportation to/from your hotel in Mendoza with professional driver
• English-speaking wine-specialized host
• All winery visits, tastings, entrances, and activities as detailed in itinerary
• 3 gourmet lunches with wine and gratuity; daily breakfast at hotel
