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ARGENTINA |
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Argentina: Mendoza VineyardsDay One: Mendoza City Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza is located 760 m/ 471 ft above sea level. The city of Mendoza is the provincial capital of the Mendoza region of Cuyo, one of Argentina's main wine-producing areas. It is a lush city with a number of parks and a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants and theatres. Start your tour with a brief introduction to Mendoza before toasting your arrival with a Malbec wine during your bike fitting, safety talk and map review. We will all depart from the hotel and pedal through the gorgeous Park General San Martín de los Andes - the central park of Mendoza. Before dinner, we will get a locals prospective to the wines at the Mendoza in a private tasting. As the night falls, talk to our sommelier during dinner, when several regional wines will be served.
Meals: Dinner Destinations visited: Mendoza Distance cycled: 24 km / 14.9 miles
Day Two: Luján de Cuyo Vineyards After breakfast enjoy a short ride this morning to Catena Zapata. Bodega Catena Zapata is widely recognized for its revolutionary owner and wine-maker Nicolás Catena. He is known for introducing to the international wine community the true potential and quality of the Mendoza terrain. As Wine Spectator's South American critic James Molesworth mentions, Argentina produces world-class wines, thanks to the Malbec grape in general and the wines of Nicolás Catena in particular. Enjoy your exclusive tour and portfolio tasting of wines and exquisite cheeses. Pedal on paved and dirt roads throughout the vineyards of Luján de Cuyo. Enjoy a private gourmet lunch at the Ruca Malen cellar and taste their aromatized dishes accompanied by the domains epic wine. The bodega visit takes us from the vineyards and sorting machines to the fermentation and aging rooms, offering an intimate glimpse into the wine making process from grape to bottle. Return to your hotel and take time to relax at the spa or explore the beautiful grounds before a fantastic dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Lunch/ Dinner Destinations visited: Catena Zapata, Ruca Malen Distance cycled: 30 km / 18.6 miles
Day Three: Porterillos - Jerome Brewery After our hearty breakfast, we take a short transfer to the small village of Potrerillos at the base of the Andes. We will go for a 6km walk to the one and only Jerome brewery. Meet with the Eduardo, taste the local famed beer and relax. The brewery still remains small, with Jerome only making five barrels a day. Those kinds of numbers would make one think that this is a part-time operation in someone’s basement. Not so. Jerome is now distributing to several states in the U.S. Once the private visit is over lunch will be served at a local trout farm. In the afternoon, we will bike through the Las Carreras trail. Tonight you will savor a gourmet meal and compare more local wines during your included dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner Destination visited: Jerome Brewery, Las Carreras Distance cycled: 15 km / 9.3 miles Day Four: Valle de Uco - Andeluna Bodega Start the day with a private transfer to an up and coming star of a wine region: Valle de Uco. Approximately 60 minutes south of the city of Mendoza, the Uco Valley encompasses the highest altitude Argentine vineyards (averaging between 900 and 1200 meters above sea level). Known especially for Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Semillon, and Torrontes production, the Valle de Uco draws winemakers from all over the world (including Michel Rolland). Its striking natural setting below a stretch of the Andes that includes the 6,800 meter Mount Tupungato. The valley's dry weather and the wide thermal amplitude between day and night have created its distinctive microclimates that result in wines that are rich in color and ideal for aging. On a bicycle, we will explore the lovely region through the “productive corridor," the fruit producing region (peaches, plums, grapes). We will have a private visit the famed Andeluna cellars, where a 6-course gastronomic lunch will be served. Finish the day with a nice ride through the vineyards to the Salentein Inn followed by a tradition Uco Valley Barbecue dinner sure to leave you satisfied after a long day! Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner Destination visited: Valle de Veo Distance cycled: 30 km / 18.6 miles
Day Five: Salentein Bodega This morning we transfer to the Manzano Histórico. We will cycle over to Killka. Lunch will be served at the Killka restaurant. Then continue with the visit and wine tasting (aromatic descriptors) at the Salentein winery. Bodegas Salentein is much more than a leading producer of Argentinean wine, with its stunning lodge and an amazing Bodega. Situated in the middle of 455 hectares of vineyards below the eastern slopes of the Andes, Salentein is a massive, concrete and steel harbinger of the future of Argentine wine. With annual production exceeding 1 million bottles, the winery is known for classical varietals, old vine preservation, and European production methods that yield world-class wines. We will spend 2 nights at the Posada Salentein, which is an exclusive boutique hotel. The tastefully decorated rooms of the charming Posada Salentein are set against the stunningly romantic backdrop of the Andean mountain range. Posada guests enjoy specially prepared regional meals in a cosy dining-room, overlooking the vineyards where Merlot and Pinot Noir are cultivated. Posada Salentein is a great base to soak up Argentinean culture and enjoy the beautiful and diverse surroundings. Meals: Breakfast Destinations visited: Salentein Distance cycled: 40 km / 24.8 miles Day Six: Mendoza Airport After breakfast this morning, perhaps you will head home or decide to extend with us on a trip post-trip to the lovely city of Buenos Aires, Santiago Chile or even the Amazon. We will transfer you to the airport for your next adventure. At DuVine, we are able to cater to your requests for personalization both pre and post-trip. Just ask our travel coordinators today! Meal: Breakfast Accomplished: Total Satisfaction! TRIP TOTAL: 139 KM/ 86.2 MILES. Optional longer rides available each day.
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