Mendoza and its wines
Mendoza Province is surprisingly a very dry place. Yet Mendoza produces 70% of Argentine wine and Argentina is today the fifth biggest producer in the world. Mendoza’s capital is a garden city of tree-lined streets and sculpted parks. Every leafy town in the province is surrounded by hundreds of vineyards and farms producing everything from olives to peaches. Snow melts on the peaks of the Andes Mountains (including Mt. Aconcagua, the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas) and is carried through a complex system of rivers, dykes and dams. Fiery, red Malbec and fresh, golden Torrontes, are favourites. Argentine wine is fast becoming the new sensation. Yet that doesn’t mean to say it has just arrived. Wineries (known as bodegas) have existed here since colonial times and many are rich in history and heritage. Straddling the snow-capped Andes, Mendoza’s wineries are set in some of the most spectacular scenery in South America, indeed the world. Mendoza is being compared to how California’s Napa valley was in the 80s - unknown but very promising. The future looks bright indeed. Now is the time to visit this pristine Argentine wine region.
Day 1
Mendoza - Tupungato
You are met today at the airport and your tour commences en route to the Uco Valley, and Tupungato. This area produces a very high quality wine and is home to many famous vineyards. Nestling at the foot of the Andes Mountains, and rising to over 1,000 metres. Here you’ll find chardonnay, merlot, malbec and seimillon varieties. Tonights accommodation will be at the delightful Posada - Salentein. Surrounded by vineyards, lakes and majestic mountains. During free time you can enjoy the wine cellar, walk in the grounds or a little fishing. The cellar is unique once belonging to the Jesuits it is cross-shaped with a small cellar in each wing. Dinner and wine tasting at the Posada this evening. D
Day 2
Tupungato
After breakfast visit Bodegas Lurton and Fapes in the Uco Valley. Frapes is one of the oldest wine cellars in the area, and has a reputation for being able to combine the traditional with the new trends of wine production. The enthusiasm of the owners will allow you to discover many wine secrets in a friendly relaxed manner. Lunch at Salentein,afternoon at leisure to enjoy the different activities offered. Dinner at the Posada with guided wine tasting. BLD
Day 3
Tupungato - Mendoza
After breakfast depart for the productrive oasis of the central-west area. Visit Bodegas Norton, and Largarde. Norton founded in 1895 by an English engineer. The winery has state of the art technology, without denying its history. Grown here you’ll find malbec, cabernot, merlot, shenin, and Barbera d’Asti. Lunch at a restaurant in the area. In the afternoon visit Bodega Somaine Vistalba. The French owners of this winery have managed to combine the 'savoir faire' of its origins with the grapes produced by the native seed. Return to Mendoza for accommodation. Dinner at leisure. BL
Day 4
Mendoza
Following breakfast a fabulous tour of the city, it’s history, culture dating back to the XVI century when founded by the Spaniards. Understanding the history and culture will give one a better understanding of the local wines. Drive along tree-lined avenues, magnificent buildlings many once palaces, Visit Bodega La Rural, one of the first local wineries. It’s wine museum is one of the finest in the world. Return to the hotel. This evening a fine diiner at 1884, a restaurtant owned by world reknown chef, Franci Mallmann. BLD
Day 5
Mendoza
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport.B
