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SOUTH AMERICA

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

Discover the real Malbec, the country’s flagship wine.

 

Best place to learn is in Mendoza, where Argentina’s land rises up to meet the foothills of the Andes. Spread across the valley of the river of the same name, Mendoza is a city with wide tree-lined streets, plazas and avenues. Best is the wine three regions are just south of the city and easily accessible. International interest has breathed life into Mendoza it is still low-key with boutique hotels and country estates that charm visitors. We will make appointments for you to spend several days meeting winemakers.


Mendoza Province is Argentina's most important wine region, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the country's entire wine production. Located in the shadow of Mount Aconcagua, vineyards are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world. The principal wine producing areas fall into three main departments-Maipú, Unc and Luján; which includes Argentina's first delineated appellation established in 1993.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Bodega Norton one of the biggest and oldest names in Argentina exports 65%

  • Trapiche stretches its roots back to Italy, as does Superuco with the passion of four brothers Michelini

  • 1884 Francis Mallmann restaurant or have a lunch pairing at Bodega la Azul

  • Go in March to help with the harvest or budding in November

  • The snow-capped Andes make the most glamorous backdrop

  • Cava de Agua in the old governor’s residence is a special treat.

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 Boxed Suggestions

Stay at Cavas Wine Lodge or

Finca La Azual Casa de Huespedes

VALPARAISO, CHILE

Europe is commonly referred to as “Old World,” while the America’s are generally called “New World.” With respect to Chile, however, New World is really a bit of a misnomer. But the country’s wine industry goes as far back as the 1800s, when a number of major producers were founded. Jump ahead more than 100 years, and Chile’s largest and most prominent wineries continue to expand.

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The Casablanca and Maipo Valleys offer the major tasting holidays for serious wine enthusiasts. Casablanca, a cool climate valley, is situated right outside Valpariso. What was once a farming area of mostly cows has become the best place for producing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir with some Merlot and Syrah due to its influence of the coastal sea breezes.

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The Isla de Maipo is home to Tarapacá, De Martino, Miraflores, Terramater, Santa Ema, Undurraga. Visit some of these most prestigious and oldest vineyards in Chile. Make time to see boutique wineries, where you can discover highly-expression wines and be amazed by the innovative design of some of its wineries.

Highlights

  • According to Maximiano Errázuriz, the father of Chilean viticulture, “Grape vines should be treated like a work of art, since their life span runs parallel to that of humans.”

  • Sample a Chilean barbecue with a choripanes, spicy chorizo or longaniza sausage on a roll.

  • Maipo Valley unique and one of the best and more diverse designations of origin in the world.

  • Have a try country breakfast after visiting a horse breeding farm.

  • Try wines that never come to the US like Ojo de Ague.

  • Tour the contemporary Vina Errazuriz  with its cutting edge designs and the most innovative technology

  • Visit one of the small, traditional family-run wineries of the Maipo Valley

  • Elect to visit Montes’ new winery at Apalta was designed by feng shui-inspired Chilean architect Samuel Claro.

  • With extra time visit Penuelas Wildlife Reserve

  •  Must have pebre, Chile’s national condiment made of diced onion, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, cilantro and chilli peppers, it packs a spicy punch!

Boxed Suggestions

Stay at Vina Vik Hotel south of Santiago

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