The Culinary Experience

Day 1: Welcome to Mendoza

Arrival to Mendoza and airport meet and greet and transfer to your hotel/lodge.

In the afternoon, sightseeing around Mendoza city, visiting sites like the foundation area -known as the Old Town-, and the New City with its beautiful squares and main streets.

At night, enjoy a special dinner at one of Mendoza´s top restaurants 1884. Run by the well known chef Francis Mallmann, the restaurant  is located in the historic Escorihuela winery, in the heart of the country´s thrilling wine region. Last year, 1884 rated seventh among the world´s most desirable restaurants in a London Times list.

Day 2: Luján de Cuyo Wine Tasting

Today get to know more of Argentina´s most beloved grape-Malbec while exploring Luján de Cuyo wine region, the cradle of Argentina´s wine renascence.

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!

Your next stop is at Bodega Kaiken. Just as Kaikenes (wild geese, indigenous to Patagonia) fly over Patagonia, criss-crossing the land between Chile and Argentina, so have Montes Wines crossed over the Andes and into Argentina, with the firm purpose of producing fine wines, resulting from a perfect combination of the exceptional conditions given in the Mendoza area, plus the work of talented professionals, both Chilean and Argentine.

For the grand finale, we continue to Bodega Ruca Malén, where we´ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience. From the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the focus of Ruca Malen is producing wines that speak of the land and their commitment to the environment.There, you will taste their entire wine list, including their famous and iconic "Kinien". The dining room is located inside a glass room in the vineyards with a view of the Andes. The menu is amazing and the courses are universally excellent, with clever taste combinations, great presentation and appropriate wine matching.

Tonight dinner is included at Florentino Bistró. This nice restaurant is located right in the center of town and is well-known among travelers because of their international inspired cuisine but with fresh local ingredients. Dig into creamy goat cheese, juicy vine-ripened tomato pebre, and bread baked in a mud oven, as you wait for the simple and fresh full course meal. Absolutely delicious!

Day 3: Uco Valley Wine Tasting

Spend the day visiting some of the Uco Valley´s finest wineries. 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 Pulenta Estate. The Pulenta family has been involved in the Argentine viticulture for three generations. Sons of the well known vinegrower Antonio Pulenta and descendants from Italian immigrants, Eduardo & Hugo Pulenta, gave birth to this winery in 2002, providing experience and the most qualified labour.

Next, we continue west along the rolling countryside to get to Bodega Atamisque. It is owned by John Du Monceau, a Frenchman who fell in love with the place and decided to settle here. As his wife, Chantal´s grandfather, had been a winemaker in Burgundy, she was keen to build a winery on the land, and so Bodega Atamisque was born, christened in honor of the original name of the area.

Journey a little farther south to the village of San José and drop in on Bodega Andeluna, a winery and vineyard rich with history and romance - just like the country it calls home. This beautiful place is the inspiration for the name Andeluna, which was chosen to symbolize the romance and heritage of the Argentine moon illuminating the magnificent Andes Mountains that frame the Uco Valley near the town of Tupungato. Their cuisine represents a style of cooking mainly based on products and frequent variations. Concept that is taken with the aim of using fresh products that would create a menu with subtle constant changes and through this they will be able to offer a one-of-a-kind experience every time you visit their restaurant.

At night, savor an authentic Argentinean ¨parrillada¨ at Q Grill, one of Park Hyatt´s restaurants. A dining experience you can´t miss!

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

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

- Three dinners at top restaurants (Include: private transportation from and to your hotel, gourmet dining experience. Beverages are not included)

- Travel Insurance during the activities

- All taxes

Exclusions:

- Flight tickets. Airport taxes.

- Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, restaurant.

- Personal expenses.

- Meals and drinks not specified.

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

From US$ 1090 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.

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