Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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MENDOZA: MALBEC & MOUNTAINS
by Christie Pashby
You can practically do it all here in Mendoza—live large, indulge your palate, and expe-
rience thrilling adventures and mar velous scenery. This journey starts with a fe w nights
based out of M endoza, a mar velous city with ex cellent restaurants, charming cafes, and
plenty of plazas and par ks. Then head out of to wn to r elax in the wine countr y and
explore the thr ee principal wine ar eas: Luján de C uyo, Maipú, and the lo vely Valle de
Uco. You'll also want time to r elax and get a good look at the spectacular Andes M oun-
tains, which make a majestic backdr op for the r ural countryside here. Good restaurants
are another hallmark of the region. Tables are in high demand, so I recommend that you
plan ahead by making dinner reservations each morning before you head out. Ask y our
hotel reception to do so for you, and plan to take a taxi to dinner so you can drink wine.
Driving the high mountain roads requires some attention and care. Keep a good map on
hand, and don't be afraid to ask for directions. Mendocinos are very friendly, proud, and
happy to have you visiting them.
Day
1
: Mendoza
A midmorning flight will have you in Men-
doza, from either Buenos Aires or Santiago,
in time for a leisurely lunch in town. Check
into a do wntown hotel; the posh
found its most harmonic home. B ecause it's
your first day in the ar ea, it's worth signing
up for an organized tour to help you get the
lay of the land. Ask for a tour that includes
three vineyar d stops and lunch (I highly
recommend
Lagarde
and
Ruca Malen
). In
the afternoon, relax in a plaza or by the pool.
Then hit the funky
Las Negras
for din-
ner, and stroll the sidewalk cafes and bars of
Calle Aristides before hitting the sack.
Day
3
: Wines of Maipú
Today is a good day to switch to a mor e
rural inn. After breakfast, check out of your
hotel and pick up a r ental car. Then head
south of to wn and dr op y our bags off at
your inn in either Chacras de Coria, at
4
Park
Hyatt
(p . 267) and the midrange
Hotel Argentino
(p . 269) hav e the best
locations, in front of the Plaza Independen-
cia. Head to the outdoor tables in fr ont of
Azafrán
(p . 271) to acquaint y ourself
with the local specialties. After an afternoon
exploring the parks and plazas of Mendoza,
relax by the pool. Then stop b y one of the
local wine stor es for some sampling. The
Wines of Mendoza runs tastings and offers
glasses b y the flight. I t's a good place to
mingle and grab some light dinner . I f
you've still got room, indulge in some of the
continent's best ice cream.
Day
2
: Wines of Luján
After a nice breakfast in your hotel, head out
for a day exploring the wines of
Luján de
Cuyo
(p. 283). This is the “ Tierra del M al-
bec,” where Argentina's signature varietal has
Finca A dalgisa
(p . 281), or far ther
out of to wn at the posh
Cavas W ine
Lodge
(p . 283). F rom either one, y ou
can head out on bicy cle or in y our car to
explore more vineyards. How about lunch
at the ne w bistr o
Divina Mar ga
(p. 287)? D on't forget an afternoon b y the
