NEWS UPDATES!

Vendimia Unplugged

Harvest time has always been a time for celebration. In ancient times people held their breath and began counting the bushels - would it be a year of feast or famine?

Would the larders be full enough to get them through winter with full bellies and light hearts? And in years of plenty, when the gods of fertility smiled, the people rejoiced by eating, drinking, and dancing themselves into a state it took all winter to recover from.

Mendoza's no different. While there's still some suspense about devastating late-summer hailstorms wiping out the grapes, the Mendoza city authorities feel confident enough to plan the blow-out to end all blow-outs well in advance of any bushnel-counting. That blow-out is Vendimia and it's the biggest event on Mendoza's annual calendar.

"Vendimia" means "harvest time". festivities run for about three months, from mid-January to mid-April. While it's ostensibly a grape harvest celebration, when it comes to enjoying the sponsor's product, there's very little to be found. There's a lonely tasting tent erected on the end of the peatonal at avenida San Martin, but otherwise the official vendimia has a decidedly fry feel. Forunately, Mendoza's better restaurants, bars and hotels come to the party and offer punters plenty of opportunity to fall off a passing parade wagon if they so desire.

The festivities do however include all sorts of activities, grape-related and otherwise, such as free tango shows and movies in the park, festivals of plums and tomatoes, horse racing, a vintage car rally and a very colorful alternative Gay Vendimia. But the one they come from near and far to witness is the Acto Central, where lithe young maidens compete to be crowned National Harvest Queen.

Remodelling update (July 31): On the drawing board : An underground wine cellar, by the pool and a 2 horse stable by the car port..

June 2008: We are remodelling!! It is winter now, down south, so I took the oportunity to give the villa a face lift and other touch ups here and there. Also added four HUGE beautiful palm trees.. I am sure it is going to be first class when we are done!! We are taking reservations as of November 1, 2008.
PEAK PREVIEW: (July 31 2008) New palm tree in place:

Masters of Food & Wine, South America 2008 .. yet again. Will be held in the Hyatt hotel and kicks off with The opening cocktail party on March 14th, 2008.

Familia Zuccardi Winery A professional, far sighted operation, Zuccardi were one of the first wineries to embrace wine tourism and the facility is one of the most visited wineries in Mendoza. That doesn't mean to say it has succumbed to providing an impersonal service however. The guides are always enthusiastic, knowledgable and eager to please. Tastings include samplings from the tank and bottle as well as demonstrations of the winery4s extensive foray into micro-vinification (experimenting with the most unusual grapes). The attractive restaurant amidst the vines is famous for its asado-style lunches and ample supply of wine. Also on site is a well- stocked gift store and art gallery. Ruta Provincial 33, Km 7.5, Maipu. Tel (0261) 441 0000. Zuccardi

My top restaurants list:

(p.s. I can reserve for you anyone of these restaurants or wineries, when you e-mail me days and times you want them, all from the comfort of your home and in advance of your visit here with us.)

1) Francis Mallman's 1884 at Escorihuela winery. Phone: 4242698. OPEN ONLY FOR DINNER.

2) Terrunos in Club Tapiz. Phone : 5244 708/709

3) La Bourgogne at Carlos Pulenta winery Phone : 498 9400

4) Cavas Lodge Phone: 410 6927/28

5) Francesco Barbera Restaurante Italiano - Chile 1268 - Mendoza - Argentina

Tel +54 261 4253912 - email: administracion@francescoristorante.com.ar

6) KARMA. The most exotic restaurant in Mendoza, Karma is a Tibetan oasis of dark mahogany, sequined cushions and bamboo roofing. The owner Karma Apo Tsang was an actor on the Brad Pitt epic Seven Years in Tibet (filmed in Uspallata) when he met a Mendocina woman and decided to put his wok in Chacras (familiar story). Tibetan food might conjure images of yak and curry and though there's plenty of such spice on the menu, there's not a beast of burden in sight. Starters include momo: delicious steamed dumplings with chopped meat and spring onions. If you're looking for something more Argentine, try the incredible Hing Kong ribs that come in a giant portion the size of an ex-British colony. Make sure you try the very reasonable Karma Malbec from the wine list. Every Wednesday there's a Men's club that gather for wine, food and fernet. Pure Dalai Lama. Italia 6076, Chacras de Coria. Tel 496 1731, open Tue - Sat from 9pm.

7) MI TIERRA. At last a restaurant that does flights and I don't mean of the airborne kind. Mi Tierra is a wine-themed restaurant 2 blocks from Plaza Independencia. Their wine list offers a selection of flights (3 wines by the glass) in a welcome opportunity to taste as much as possible without breaking the bank.

The building itself is a beautifully restored townhouse of tall ceilings and shuttered windows. Each room is devoted to a particular winery, be it Norton, Catena Zapata, Chandon or Terrazas de Los Andes. The food is excellent and service impeccable. Average price for a meal without wine per person : 30 pesos. San Lorenzo y Mitre. Tel 425 0035.

8) PRAGA. Praga specialises in seafood and is undoubtedly the best retaurant in town if it is mariscos you are after. Dishes such as shrimp chop suey, sea urchin or Spanish octupus are done with flair. The restaurant itelf is very charming and romantic, set in front of a pretty plazoleta in the upscale 5th section (Quinta seccion). Inside there is an atmospheric courtyard surrounded by a wooden timberframe. The delightful, Botero-style paintings are done by the owner's wife and available to buy. The wine list is spectacular and the bottles stored in an airconditioned side room. Try the Mendel Malbec 2004, a small boutique winery in Lujan de Cuyo. Average price for a meal without wine is 40 Pesos. Leonides Aguirre 413 (on the corner of Avellaneda and Olascoaga) Tel 4259585, open Mon to Sat from 8pm.

9) LA SAL. If you like ambience with a laid back atmosphere, try La Sal. The chefs at this classy restaurant change the menu every three months so they can always use the freshest local ingredients of the season with a mediterranean touch, composed by the chef himself. The wine list is extensive, maybe the best in Mendoza. From Bodega Zuccardi's Santa Julia wine to specialties like Bramare Marchiori Malbec (rated 93 points by the Wine Spectator), there is something for every palate and wallet. Live background music Wed-Sat, at pleasant volume: bandoneon violin or flamenco guitar. Average cost without wine 40-45 pesos per person. Belgrano 1069, Tel 420 4322, open Mon-Sat from 9Pm. Reservation recommended Fri+Sat.

Newly launched magazine on print and on-line:

Wine Republic

wine tasting, care of "The Wine Republic", Mondays 7pm only. To reserve call 4255613, cel 155413892 or e-mail: ask@wine-republic.com Limited seating (12 people only). Cost $120 pesos per person, and you try the very best, most expensive wines (500 pesos bottles of wine). Place: in a wine shop called Marcelino, on Zapata and Benegas streets, 1 block off Belgrano strret (Railway tracks).

August 12, 2007.

Our very own organic egg factory thanks to Thelma and Luise! Check them out here along with our new and improved raised farm. Currently growing is : Arugula, spinach, green onions. Will be sending revised shots of the farm, showing the growing organic produce.

December 10, 2006.

the New York Times, named Mendoza as a top travel destination in 2007. In Mendoza, Napa Valley Meets the Wild West New York Times - United States Why go to the Napa Valley when you can fly to Mendoza, in western Argentina, drink more exotic and affordable wines, and go horseback riding across the magnificent Andes Mountains with sexy Latin meat eaters? read article here.

Things to do here in Mendoza:

Wineries:

MonteViejo Winery

Monteviejo:

The latest vineyard on the poplar-lined Route 40 South, at the foot of the Andes, is Monteviejo. This sleek complex surrounded by 2,300 acres of vines is backed by prominent Bordeaux producers and began hosting tastings late last year (monteviejo.com). Distance: 110 Km (1 hour and 45 minutes approximately). Near Tunuyan town. For reservations write to: Nadia Bastias, Clos de los Siete S.A, Vista Flores Tunuyan - Mendoza. Tel / Fax: 0261- 4055606 Cel: 02622 15403692 E - mail: nbastias@clos7.com.ar turismo@clos7.com.ar

Catena:

Distance:35Km from Quinta Anabtawi.Visits: Monday-Friday 9.30am/1100am/2.00pm/3.30pm. Guided tours English and Spanish. Architecturaly, the building resembles a Mayan pyramid. Its interior concentric spaces descend from the crystal cupula to the cellars. For reservations and general inquiries call Karen Belinsky: e-mail turismo@catenazapata.com, Cell Phone:(+549261)415 5340, Nextel: 54* 214* 6484. Winery:4900215

Rucamalen:

Ruta 7, 1059. Lujan De Cujo. Phone: 410 6214. Mobile: 154541236. Nextel 145*1963. Guided tours M-F from 10am to 5pm. Sat 10am to 12.30pm. E-Mail. mespinola@bodegarucamalen.com.

Senetiner:

Distance:2 Km from Quinta Anabtawi. Address:Guardia Vieja S/N. Lujan de Cuyo. Phone:4980315/498 Mail:amantesdelvino@nietosenetiner.com.ar . Visits:Daily at 10am,11am,12.30pm,4pm.

Salentein:

The Salentein estate consists of 2000 hectares (4942 acres) and are at an elevation amongst the highest in the world. They are irrigated with pure mountain run-off, which creates lower pH in the grape, resulting in higher acidity, richer color in the wine and greater ageability. Plantations range in age from four to 32 years. For reservations: reservas@killkasalentein.com Phone: 02622 429500 Extension 3200/3262/3263.

Achaval Ferrer Winery

Address Calle Cobos and Rio Mendoza. Perdriel, Lujan De Cuyo. Phone: 0261 155 53 55 65. Winery : 2601. Perdriel 488 1131. E-mail: winery@achaval-ferrer.com. Contact Name : Patricia Lambert. Web Site: www.achaval-ferrer.com.

Our wine page
Events:
Masters of Food and Wine, South America:
In 2006, Mendoza hosted the first annual Masters of Food and Wine, South America. Historically held in Carmel, California for the last twenty years, it is an internationally recognized event that brings together legends from the culinary and wine worlds. Spectacular events and seminars showcase unique vertical wine tastings and demonstrations by world renknowed chefs. This year marks the first time ever that the event was held outside of Carmel, much less the US.
Mendoza Expats Club meets the last Friday of every month, for an exquisite lunch at the Hyatt hotel, in the Syrah room. Only by invitation. Write to Deborah-Monteith at secretary@mendozaexpats.org. Lunch is $50 pesos for members and $65 for guests, wines included.
The wine tours:
Tasting Mendoza. For wine tours and much more. Ask me to reserve your tour well before you visit here.
Sample Itenerary : 9.15 a.m your host will take you into the nearby area of Lujan de Cuyo to visit some wineries of one of the most important wine region in Mendoza. Our first stop will be at 9.30 a.m. into Cavas de Weinert Winery Tour and tasting of their wines. From Weinert we will go to Alta Vista Winery at 11.00 a.m. Wine tour and tasting. After Alta Vista, your host will take you to Ruca Malen winery at 12.30 p.m Tour and SPECIAL tasting of their wines followed by lunch in this beautiful restaurant inside the winery with a perfect view of the Andes Mountains and next to their vineyards. At 3.30 p.m we will visit our fourth winery, Catena Zapata Winery Wine tour and tasting. Around 5.30 p.m, arrive into your hotel.

Approximate cost US$ 110 per person.

Includes: Transfers in private car, 4 wine tours and tasting, lunch (alcoholic and sodas drinks are included), full time bilingual Host.
Various:
Tango: Teatro Las Sillas do a really good milonga (Tango) every Friday and classes Monday to thursday. It`s on San Juan 1436, Tel 4297742. As for salsa, call 156551333. The lady teaches salsa and organises a salsa convention every November. Also there are Tango classes held at Alianza Francesa 4204224/154854593 on Chile 1754 road
Another one with Cesar Moyano on Wednesdays at 8pm and Fridays 7pm, 4214025/155456132.
Horse back riding. There is a horse stable walking distance from the Quinta. You can take it freely around the area, which is a very quiet neighborhood - not a lot of traffic.
Rafting down the Mendoza river. Find out ways to do rafting. Cost normally is around 100 pesos per person. Transport is not included.
Visits to many beautiful estancias, mainly in Uspallata (120Km from the Quinta) to spend the day there, for horse back riding, trekking, fishing, biking including lunch (asado, what else!).
Check out Elsuyuke site , for guided activities such as Rafting, Sport fishing, horse riding etc..
Hop over to Chile and spend a great weekend on the beach. You can take the car rental across the border provided you have paid the car rent company the fees for the paperwork. (Cost is around 150 pesos). Also check out the restaurants in Mendoza. Eating out is a delight here in Mendoza. Due to the boom in tourism here, many fabulous restaurants have emerged which provide great culinary delights.
Cultural calendar in Mendoza (Art, Cinema, Folklore, music, theatre and dance). Spanish only.
The Day Spa in the mountains, almost an hour drive from Mendoza city.
While in BA, please contact me if you need nice apartments for rent in BA.
Moving to Argentina website about Argentina in general.. My favorite! Great Links! Information you can find there is from how to buy real estate in Argentina, to knowing about the right plugs for your electric gadgets, culinary guides, and so much more!
Mendoza weather
All about Argentina Forum

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Quinta Layout:

NEWS UPDATES!

My top restaurants list:

Wine Republic

Things to do here in Mendoza:

Wineries:

Events:

The wine tours:

Various: