I'm A Travelling Man: New World Wine Tour: Argentina with Howard Soon

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022: Meet in Mendoza

Mendoza is the cradle of Argentine wine making at the foothills of the Andes. Travellers are met on arrival at Mendoza Airport and escorted to our hotel in the heart of this bohemian town with its Art Deco centre. Meet Howard Soon and participants for a first glass of Malbec before heading to a dinner featuring Argentina’s famous steaks.
Overnight: Diplomatic Hotel, Mendoza
Meals: Dinner

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022: Mendoza Central Valley (Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo)

This morning our tasting experiences starts at one of the pinnacles of Argentine wine makers: Mendel Wines, the small estate run by Roberto de La Mota and known for the exceptional quality of its reds. We get acquainted with its production processes, both at the vineyards and the cellars.
Afterwards, we make our way to Finca Decero where we’ll visit the cellar and enjoy a magnificent lunch accompanied by the complex wines produced here.
In the afternoon return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Diplomatic Hotel, Mendoza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022: Mendoza to the Uco Valley

If you are a wine lover, chances are that the mention of Catena Zapata rings a bell. Certainly, one of the truly iconic names of the region, Nicolas Catena´s state of the art winery has helped to establish Mendoza as one of the world’s newest wine-meccas. We taste their superb production and learn about the immigrants from Spain and Italy who first brought the wine making traditions into this region.
Head to the Uco Valley, flanked almost all around with mountains and rich with miles of lush vineyards. Visit and taste at La Azul, a true ‘garage winery’, where we sample their Gran Reservas directly from the barrel.
Lunch at the winery, with astonishing views of the surrounding eaks of the Cordillera Principal. The Uco Valley is blessed with stunning panoramas: bright, blue skies look over endless vineyards framed by the snowcapped Andes. We’re staying for two nights at a ranch set right amongst the vines.
Overnight: Posada Salentein, Uco Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022: Mendoza – Uco Valley

The Uco Valley has gained worldwide recognition in recent years due to its unparalleled soil and climate conditions, earning a reputation as the gem of Argentine wine regions.
At Clos de los Siete, the 1600 acre joint wine adventure initiated by one of France’s top winemakers Michel Rolland, we visit two wineries, tasting full body Premium Malbecs at Cuvelier de los Andes and enjoying a lunch of exquisite local favorites at Monteviejo Winery, with great view of the Andes mountain range.
This afternoon we visit the small boutique winery property of Laureano Gomez, one of Argentina’s masters of wine making. Laureano and his family will provide a unique, highly personalized experience as we spend time with them and taste their wines from the barrels.
Overnight: Posada Salentein, Uco Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022: Mendoza to Salta

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and some free time before transferring back to Mendoza Airport to board the flight to Salta. The city is a real cultural powerhouse filled with museums, galleries, and charming plazas. Our elegant townhouse hotel is within and easy walk of almost everything.
On our afternoon guided walk we’ll see the striking red-and-gold baroque San Francisco Church, the café terrace-lined 9 de Julio Square, and the city´s Cathedral.
Visit the extraordinary MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology) built to preserve and display the outstanding archaeological findings from the highest burial site in the world, bringing amazing insight to the Inca traditions.
Don’t miss the hotel’s vibrant art collection and cowboy paraphernalia!
Overnight: Legado Mitico, Salta
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022: Wines of Cafayate

A scenic drive across Quebrada de las Conchas (Las Conchas Gorge) to the town of Cafayate, known for its superb artisans and high-altitude vineyards.
We stop on the way for easy walks amid the arid, almost moonlike formations of the Quebrada.
Head for Bodega Piattelli, where we sip young Torrontés over a menu of exquisite local ingredients, while enjoying the spectacular landscape of the Calchaqui valleys.
Settle in for two nights at our wine resort located at the grounds of El Esteco Winery.
Overnight: Patios de Cafayate, Cafayate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022: Cafayate

Enjoy an easy walk from the vineyards surrounding our lodge into the village where we drop in at artisans’ homes to learn about their crafts.
Visit the town’s main square with its colonial church and sample some delicious, flaky empanadas to go.
We’re guests of El Porvenir Hacienda & Vineyards, producers of outstanding Malbecs and Cabs, for lunch.
A short drive takes us to Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya, a small winery at 2000 meters altitude with only 16 hectares of vines. Taste some of the best high-altitude red wines of the country made by the Etchart Family together with world famous wine consultant Michel Rolland.
Overnight: Patios de Cafayate, Cafayate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022: Cafayate to Colome

Drive north through the Calchaquí Valley where the Torrontés wines reach their maximum splendour. Cross the Quebrada de las Flechas (Arrow’s Canyon) a fascinating bulbous rock formation on some of the driest geography on earth. Roadside, ancient cemeteries beckon us to enter.
After a morning break at Hacienda Molinos, we follow the winding road climbing up to Donald Hess’ estate Hacienda Colomé, one of the oldest vineyards in Argentina, and certainly among the world’s highest vineyards. In the midst of this unexpected oasis, Colomé brings memorable culinary experiences around its high-rise wines and the pleasing surprise of the James Light Museum of Light, an extraordinary artistic experience. This is the first museum worldwide dedicated to James Turrell’s work with light art pieces representing five decades of the artist’s career.
Stay tonight on the grounds of the Colomé Winery with stunning views over the valley.
Overnight: Estancia Colome, Calchaquí Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022: Colome to Cachi

Imbibe the magnificent scenery this morning; walk through the vineyards or relax by the pool.
Then visit the Colomé winery before continuing by road to the quaint village of Cachi.
Our charming accommodation is placed on a hill overlooking this enchanting adobe town backed by the snowcapped mountains and ringed with vineyards.
This afternoon, relax on the grounds or enjoy the Spa.
This evening we gather for our farewell dinner at the local restaurant that masters Andean cuisine.
Overnight: Merced del Alto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022: Depart Salta

This morning we head back to Salta, travelling through the cactus filled landscape of Los Cardones National Park, Cuesta del Obispo high pass, and down into the cloud forests.
Arrive at Salta Airport in the middle of the day to board homeward bound flights or continue exploring Argentina.
Meals: Breakfast

DISTANCES

I'm A Travelling Man