Argentina Part 1 – Merry in Mendoza

Exploring Mendoza, Argentina: A Journey of Wine, Beef, and the Andes

They say wine tastes better at the source, and Mendoza, Argentina, proves it with its high desert charm and over 300 sunny days a year. Nestled at the foot of the Andes, this wine-lover’s paradise pairs its world-class Malbecs with breathtaking scenery and cuisine that knows no limits.

After an overnight flight through Buenos Aires and a quick stop in Cordoba to pick up Ramiro’s friends, Alejandro and Isaac, the four of us were ready for some wine. Wine is meant to be enjoyed with friends and food, especially the bold varieties Mendoza is known for. That’s why winery tours in Argentina include pairings of food. Not just any food, Michelin star-power food with beef as the centerpiece. I have to say, any country that uses beef as a palate cleanser between wine tastings is speaking my language.

December 9: Luján de Cuyo’s Liquid Gems

Our first day of tasting brought us to Luján de Cuyo, a region often referred to as the “Cradle of Malbec” for its pivotal role in cultivating Argentina’s signature grape. Here, each winery felt like a portal to the heart of Mendoza’s wine culture. We kicked off the day at Familia Cassone, a family-run gem where tradition meets innovation. The vineyards, kissed by the high-altitude sun, produce wines with a balance that’s nothing short of poetic.

From there, we ventured to Casarena. This winery’s modern twist on classic winemaking offers a masterclass in rich, bold flavors. Here we first learned and were pleasantly surprised to discover that many Mendoza wineries are now producing a variety of grapes and blending wines. While pure Malbecs are still widely available, wineries have introduced blends with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and other grapes to craft wines that appeal to a wider audience and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Lunch was a true Argentine affair at Bodega Norton. Founded in 1895, this historic, boutique winery spans over 1,200 hectares of land, much of it dedicated to vineyards producing some of Argentina’s finest wines. Overlooking sprawling vineyards, we indulged in beef that melted in your mouth and paired perfectly with their exceptional reserves. A glass of Norton’s Malbec, paired with views of the Andes, makes you wonder why you’d ever leave.

We closed the day at Budeguer. Young and vibrant, this winery’s creations are full of personality, much like the staff who guided us through a tasting that felt like a conversation among friends. Not that we needed a fourth winery at this point, but also we didn’t want to miss Luján de Cuyo’s boutique gems.

Departing Budeguer, we had important plans for the remainder of the day: some rooftop pool time at the Sheraton, a quick trip to their spa, and, of course, the hard task of deciding which Michelin star restaurant to choose for dinner. Options like 1884 Restaurante by Francis Mallmann and Siete Cocinas made the decision deliciously challenging.

December 10: Valle de Uco’s Unforgettable Terroirs

The next day took us to the Valle de Uco, a high-altitude region celebrated for its breathtaking Andean backdrop and exceptional terroir, where the wines reflect the rugged beauty of their origins. Our first stop, Bodega Familia Blanco, showcased the minerality and finesse of this high-altitude region. Crisp whites and bold reds made for an unforgettable start.

At Sophenia, the wines seemed to dance on the palate. Each tasting was a crescendo, showcasing the artistry of a region that understands both power and elegance. Okay, those were the notes I journaled, but give me a break—it was our second winery of the day, and the pours were generous. Seriously though, Finca Sophenia is one of Argentina’s most acclaimed wineries, perched in the breathtaking Tupungato region of Mendoza with sweeping views of the Andes. Their focus on high-altitude wines delivers exceptional Malbecs and Torrontés, the latter being a vibrant white wine variety unique to Argentina. I wasn’t sure what a Torrontés was at first, but after one sip, I was a convert.

It was during our tasting in Sophenia’s welcoming room that my limited Spanish skills took center stage. As the four of us chatted with the wine steward, I turned to him and said, “Me gustan tus huevos,” confidently referring to the giant cement casks shaped like eggs—the “concrete wine eggs” behind me.

Unfortunately for me, the phrase translates to something entirely different in Argentina. It took the poor steward a moment to realize I wasn’t making an oddly personal comment. The room erupted in laughter, and for the rest of the trip, I was the proud recipient of endless jokes about my growing mastery of Spanish.

The third and last stop of the day was a wine-paired lunch at Domaine Busquet. Organic vineyards, picturesque views, and a tasting menu that married local ingredients with global techniques created a feast for all senses. The Bousquet family, hailing from Carcassonne in the South of France, brings four generations of winemaking tradition to Mendoza. Third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet fell in love with the Gualtallary Valley during a 1990 vacation and saw its potential for producing high-quality, organically-grown wines. One standout pairing was their seared Patagonian trout with a crisp Chardonnay—a perfect harmony of flavors that highlighted the freshness of the fish and the wine’s vibrant acidity.

December 11: Back to Luján de Cuyo

After two days of tours that included a lot of sitting, Ramiro and I were excited to incorporate some exercise into our last winery tour. The thought of stretching our legs and immersing ourselves in Mendoza’s natural beauty felt like the perfect way to balance indulgence with activity. So on our final day, we traded wine glasses for bike helmets, taking to the foothills of the Andes with Mendoza Wine Bike Tour. The route offered gentle slopes that provided a leisurely pace to take in the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and grand wine houses. Throughout the ride, the dramatic Andean peaks stood ever-present in the distance, grounding the journey in Mendoza’s breathtaking natural beauty. Along our route, a great variety of trees: Poplars, Eucalyptus, Carolines, and Weeping Willows provided plenty of shade, keeping our summer ride cool and enjoyable. To the west, we could see the imposing Cordillera de Los Andes, including El Plata, one of Mendoza’s highest peaks at 6,100 meters above sea level. Known for its snow-capped summit and as a popular destination for mountaineers. Along the way, we rode alongside Mendoza’s famous irrigation streams, vital to the region’s vineyards as they provide the water essential for cultivating grapes in this arid desert climate.

Our bike tour ended at Chandon, a bubbly finish to a morning of cycling adventure. I’ve got news for sparkling wine enthusiasts: this is where bubbles meet brilliance. Founded in 1959 by Moët & Chandon, Chandon Argentina was the vision of Robert-Jean de Vogüé, who sought to establish sparkling wine production outside the traditional Champagne region in France. He chose the Agrelo area in Mendoza for its high altitude, cool nights, and unique terroir—ideal for producing high-quality sparkling wines. This marked Moët & Chandon’s first international expansion. Compared to its French counterparts, Chandon Argentina’s wines offer a distinctively fruit-forward profile that captures the essence of Mendoza’s sunny terroir.

Lunch was at Piattelli, and this is where things got serious. So serious, in fact, that we bought a full case to ship home. Piattelli Vineyards has a fascinating history rooted in the immigration of the Giovanni Piattelli family from Tuscany in the 1940s. The winery itself was formed in the late 1990s when American businessman Jon Malinski, while visiting Argentina to import lumber, fell in love with the vineyards, wine, and people. Piattelli now operates wineries in both Mendoza and Cafayate, each specializing in the unique terroir of their regions. The Mendoza winery boasts USDA-certified organic vineyards that uses irrigation from snow-melt. It produces exceptional Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend, all of which are bold, nuanced, and downright addictive. Pair that with their incredible culinary offerings, and you’ve got a winery experience that’s hard to top.

Reflections

Mendoza isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey for the senses. Swirling the last glasses of Malbec and watching the Andean sunset cast a golden glow over the vineyards, we realized this trip was more than wine and breathtaking landscapes—it was a celebration of life’s simplest and most profound pleasures. The wines are extraordinary, the food indulgent, and the landscapes breathtaking. Whether you’re swirling a glass of Malbec, savoring a cut of perfectly grilled beef, or soaking in the Andean sunsets, Mendoza invites you to slow down and savor the moment. If you’re considering a trip to Mendoza, hit me up in the comments below or on Social Media for suggestions.