Mendoza
The capital of Argentinean winemaking – about 80% of the country’s production comes from this province in the eastern slopes of the Andes, a unique location that allows winemakers to use the microclimates from varying elevations to produce different character in their grapes. It’s famous for producing some of the best Malbec in the world. Other European varietals include Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the white Torrontes originally from Spain’s Rioja, which produces a fragrant, crisp white considered Argentina’s best.
Salta
An up and coming region which is 600 miles north of Mendoza, is one of the most unique and exciting wine regions of the world. Vineyards are planted at 5,000 to 8,500 feet making them the highest vineyards in the world and providing the cool terroir and temperatures needed to preserve the fruity character of the Torrontes grape, as well as producing some excellent Malbec and other varietals. Driving through this region is “like driving through a huge version of the Grand Canyon” says our Peter Smith, and although it takes some effort to get there, it’s worth it for the scenery alone not to mention the superb wines made by young, dynamic, passionate winemakers. Completely in touch with the rest of the world despite their remote location, they are driving towards really first-class wines – at the same time still producing quantities of affordable, excellent cuvées that are some of the best values in the world. This is a definite “must see” for anyone who has a taste for adventure and great wine, culture, history and spectacular scenery!
Wineries you may visit
There will be a selection of large and small producers. Visits are personally selected by Peter Smith, based on your preferences and his extensive experience in the region, and are often with winemakers who are personal friends of his such as Catena, Carmelo Patti, Achaval-Ferrer, Altus, Salentein, Luigi Bosca, Fabre Montmayou, Ruca Malen, Andeluna, Pulenta, Tapiz, Decero, Domingo Hermanos, El Esteco, Etchart, Lavaque, Nanni, Yacochuya El Porvenir, Mounier and Colome.
Accommodations
In Salta, your accommodation will be gracious, exciting and deluxe no matter what your preference or budget. You can choose from the 5-Star Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa, the new addition to the Starwood Luxury Collection. The Lodge at Bodega Colomé is one of the world’s really unique hotels. Located on the estate that boasts the highest vineyards in the world – not to mention the oldest working winery in Argentina – this 9-room boutique hotel owned by the Hess Collection is truly in a class of its own. In Mendoza, we prefer Laras de Chacra, a delightful boutique hotel close to the city of Mendoza. In Buenos Aires, we offer Alvear Palace Hotel which stands in the heart of the Recoleta, a refined quarter of the city with parks, wide avenues and an elegant architecture of classic style or the incomparable Four Seasons Hotel, South America’s only “World’s Best Hotel” recognized by Institutional Investor and rated in the Top 100 International Hotels, Resorts and Spas by Zagat in 2006. It too is located in the La Recoleta District, the cultural epicenter of Argentina. Your range of choices also include the boutique property Kempinsky in the heart of Recoleta as well as Ombú de Areco, a family-owned country house which is part of an authentic working estancia, or cattle ranch, about an hour north of Buenos Aires.
Suggested Tours
5 Star Deluxe Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Salta – 8 Nights, 9 Days
Inclusions
- 8 Nights – 9 days hotel in shared double/twin room
- Breakfast daily – 8 or 7 if flight to Salta is too early in AM
- 9 days private chauffeured vehicle for transfers and tours with bilingual driver/ wine expert guide. (Note: transportation to/from dinner is not included, and will be arranged with local taxis as needed)
- 5 lunches, including fine wines, at wineries or restaurants
- 4 gourmet dinners including fine wines
- Tango show (with one of the dinners)
- 9 Winery visits – tastings fees are excluded and paid on-site because they change frequently.
- breakfast daily
Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare in Argentina
- Meals and wine not stated as included.
- Personal items: tips, taxes, laundry /dry cleaning, and liquor not stated as included
Pricing
Price Per Person – 2 people: $6,199.00 double occupancy but can be as low as $4,589.00 per person double occupancy with 6 like-minded wine, gourmet dining and culture enthusiasts traveling together (e.g. 3 couples).
The Fine Print
Prices are per person double occupancy and subject to change until deposit received and ultimately depend on number of guests, preferred accommodation and type/size of vehicle.
N.B. Restaurants, Hotels and Winery Owner/Wine Consultant Lunches may change based on availability of seats, rooms, or individuals. Substitutes will be of equal or greater value and interest.
5 Star Mendoza and Buenos Aires – 5 Nights 6 Days
Inclusions
- R/T airport transfers
- 5 Nights hotel in shared double/twin room with breakfast: Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires; Ombu de Areco, a family owned country house on a working ‘estancia’ (Argentina ranch); and, Laras de Chacra (boutique in Mendoza)
- Private chauffeured vehicle with bi-lingual driver-wine expert guide for transfers and tours with(Note: transportation to/from dinner is not included, and will be arranged with local taxis as needed)
- 3 gourmet dinners including fine wines
- 3 lunches, including fine wines
- Tango show (with one of the dinners)
- 6 winery visits (tasting fees constantly change so tasting fees excluded).
- breakfast daily
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Meals and wine not stated as included.
- Personal items: tips, taxes, laundry /dry cleaning, and liquor not stated as included.
Pricing
Price per Person is $3,995 double occupancy. Can be as low as $2,929 per person with 6 people (3 couples) traveling together.
The Fine Print
Prices are per person double occupancy and subject to change until deposit received.
N.B. Restaurants, Hotels, Wineries and Winery Lunches may change based on availability of seats, rooms, or individuals. Substitutes will be of equal or greater value and interest.