Best of Mendoza

Day1: Luján de Cuyo Wine Tasting

Today explore the different microclimates in the region of Luján de Cuyo to better get to know Argentina´ most beloved grape-Malbec.

Your first visit will be to Bodega Achaval Ferrer, a boutique winery which produces only limited quantities of high quality red wines. A strong passion and shared love for Mendoza´s terrain brought the perfect union of Argentinean and Italian friends to launch their esteemed winery in 1998.

The, we drop in Bodega Renacer. The winery was built in 2004 and is under the supervision of talented winemakers: the Tuscany-born Alberto Antonini, who is considered as one of the most renowned flying winemakers from Italy, and the Mendocinean Hector Durigutti, who has an extensive knowledge about Malbec and the terroir. ¨Winemaking is really quite a simple business¨, Baron Philippe de Rothschild likes to tell visitors to his château near Bordeaux. ¨Only the first 200 years are difficult¨. However, in Bodega Renacer, this is a little different: to make the most out of those first 200 years.

Last, but not least, we break for lunch at Cava de Cano. Served in their cozy barrel cellar, we´ll savor their silky hand-crafted Syrah wine, paired by simple gourmet dishes. The appetizer course is fit for a king, with every Argentinean vegetable dish you could imagine plus a big selection of meats and cheeses. Beans, rice, squash, fruits, olives, tomatoes, salamis and sausages are just a small sample of what is served. This first course is then followed by four additional courses with two different empanadas, a beef stew, and pasta. There is no way a normal person could finish all the food that is served. Bring a camera to document this feast!

Day 2:  Uco Valley

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. Well inside the first mountainsides of the Andes foothills, the Uco Valley presents the highest altitudes at which wines are produced in the province of Mendoza: up to 1,400 meters above sea level. 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.

Our first visit will be to Bodega Salentein. Respectful of the land´s vibrantly textured past, Salentein is equally inspired by the land´s remarkably promising future. It is this delicate balance of old and new- of blending the tradition of long-celebrated European winemaking methods with the bold ingenuity of the New World- that defines the Salentein style.

Then, we move towards Bodega La Azul. This is a garage operation where everything is in miniature. Hosted by one of the winemakers, we´ll taste their Cabernet and Malbec wines, which have grabbed much attention for their distinct personality and excellent value.

We continue for lunch at one of the great rising stars of the region: La Tupiña. This intimate and exclusive restaurant run by Chef Lucas Bustos invite us to live an unforgettable dining experience that put together regional recipes, products from the Uco Valley and above all, its people hospitality.

Day 3: Maipú Wine Tasting

Get ready for an education in Maipu´s undiscovered wines. We drive 15 minutes south east to discover this enchanting wine region. Thanks to the firm continuance of its inhabitants and its privileged natural resources, Maipú, considered the first wine-growing area of Argentina, has accomplished international recognition for its high-end wines.

Heading towards the gullied landscape, our first appointment is at Bodega Domaine St. Diego. Hidden off a country road next to an old ivy-covered church, chime the bell of this tiny garage winery whose owner and winemaker is considered one of the fathers of Mendocino terroir: Ángel Mendoza. Using their ingenuity and passion, they have transformed and reignited viticulture in this part of Mendoza. Try their hand-crafted wines and pair them with homemade breads, olive oil, walnuts and almonds, while visiting this enchanting place with the family. This is as local as it gets!

Then, drop in on Bodega Tempus Alba , another artisan winery run by an Argentinean family. With the arrival of their grandparents at this loved land, way back at the beginning of last century, searching for a flourishing life and a place to raise a family; then, their family history began based on love, hard work and hope. Everything here is a family effort, enthused with their passion of sharing the land and its traditions. Meet the family, learn about their vision, and taste their outstanding lines.

We move on to Bodega Familia Zuccardi, where we will enjoy a selection of delicious Argentinean meat (goat, veal, pork and lamb). This family company was founded in 1963 by Engineer Alberto Zuccardi. In those times, he began planting vines in Maipú, experimenting with an irrigation system of his own creation based on a method used in California. Forty five years after the starting point of this path, there are three generations joined by a passion for wine. In September 2007, the prestigious magazine DECANTER acknowledged José Alberto and Sebastián Zuccardi as being among the five most influential personalities of Argentine Wine.

Day 4: To Home

Check OUT from the hotel and transfer to Mendoza airport. Ask about optionaladd-on trips to the cosmopolitan glamour of Buenos Aires, wi ne tasting in the foothills of the Andes in Salta & Chile. Extra days must be arranged in advance. End of our services.

* Click here to see our Full Selection of Day Tours: http://www.mendozaholidays.com/one-day-tours/index.asp

Mendoza Holidays Wine Tours has once again received an International ¨Best of Wine Tourism Award¨ (2009/2010/2011/2012) thanks to the exceptional and memorable wine tourism experience offered to clients. Great Wine Capitals Global Network. www.greatwinecapitals.com

Inclusions:

- Transfer IN/OUT

- Three night´s accommodation in double base with breakfast

- Three full day wine tours (Include: private transportation from and to your hotel, bilingual tour guide, visits and Premium tastings, gourmet lunches with fine wines, bottled mineral water throughout)

- Travel Insurance during the activities

- All taxes

Exclusions:

- Flight tickets. Airport taxes.

- Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, restaurant.

The price will depend on the number of people travelling in your party (deluxe car – van –minibus). 

From US$ 899 per person - based on two people sharing. Each customized package is priced according to the wineries, hotels and restaurant we visit.  Wine tours are available every day, all year. 

If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation please call in US to  1917 267 8781 , email us or use our convenient reservation form.

Notes:      

*This exciting package is a totally PRIVATE experience and is NOT a group tour. Available all year round. Prior to confirmation, all rates are subject to change without notice and based upon limited availability.

**Early reservations for this tour are recommended.  

***Visits to different wineries or restaurants may vary at times according to season but we guarantee the highest standards to ensure that our customers find the best wines and enjoy a fantastic visit to the Mendoza Wine Country.

****If you are interested in this package, contact us today for more information. If you would like us to customize a luxury gourmet tour for you, contact us with your requirements, and we can send you a free itinerary and quote with no obligations.

Mendoza Holidays Wine Tours has once again received an International ¨Best of Wine Tourism Award¨ (2009/2010/2011/2012) thanks to the exceptional and memorable wine tourism experience offered to clients. Great Wine Capitals Global Network. www.greatwinecapitals.com