ISSN 1853-9610

N88 DECEMBER- JANUARY 2018

Something is
Brewing
The Craft Beer
Boom in Mendoza

Winery Guide
Restaurants
Maps

w w w.wine-republic.com 1
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 CONTENTS
News Republic Out & About
Big Top Wines............................................................. 6 Bars............................................................................... 22
You Can Dance if you Want to............................... 6 Dining out.................................................................. 24
Go Out and Catch Trout........................................... 6 Winery Guide........................................................... 26

The Tasting Couch - Lights, camera, WINE Maps & More

Leandro Manini Williams takes a look at movies 8 Useful information.................................................. 20
about Argentine wine................................................. Map of Mendoza City Center............................... 30
Map of Maip............................................................ 32
Beer Drinkers of the World! Map of Chacras de Coria........................................ 34
Unite and Take Over! Charlie OMalley hails the Map of San Martn Park......................................... 34
Great Beer Revolution......................................................... 14

PORTUGUS

CREDITS
Issue DECEMBER 2017- JANUARY 2018 -
ISSN 1853-9610.
10,000 Copies. Published by Seven Colors S.A.
Address: Espejo 266, Planta baja. Departamento 3.
Mendoza, Argentina - Tel. +54 (261) 425-5613

Editor: Charlie OMalley

Publicity and Publisher: Mariana Gmez Rus:
publicidad@wine-republic.com,
mariana@wine-republic.com
Design: Circlan.com .
Jona Conti: jona@circlan.com.
Contributors: Gabriela Raimondo -Leandro Manini
Williams- Mariana Gmez Rus
Printer: Artes Grficas UNION

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not

necessarily the editorial opinions of Wine
Republic www.wine-republic.com

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 NEWS REPUBLIC
Big Top Wines
Concept wineries dont have to be multi-million dollar
projects done with hyperbole and on a grand scale. They
can also be much more simple and personal and done
with one, poetic and intriguing idea. Wine y Circo is one
such place, a tiny garage winery in Uco Valley, producing
40,000 bottles, devoted to the theme of the circus and its
colorful performers. El Equilibrista (tightrope walker)
serves as a metaphor for balance and concentration and
the wines grand stand such qualities. Located in one of
Mendozas most prestigious sub-regions La Consulta,
the winerys entrance is a memorable arrangement of
recycled containers painted fire engine red and looks
like am entrance to the big top. As youd expect the
wines are expressive, well structured and balanced. This
is certainly one of Mendozas most original and quirkiest
wineries.
Open every day. Tel. 02622 153 54 4772
RN 92. La Consulta, San Carlos.
www.wine-y-circo.business.site

You Can Dance if you

Want to
Bodegas Caro now showcase tango performances every
Thursday night. Food, dance and live music take place in
the atmospheric cellars of what is one of Mendozas most
beautiful, traditional wineries, just five minutes by taxi
from Mendoza city center. Tickets are 1000 pesos and
include cheese platters and excellent wines. If this is not
enough you can then pop next door to Francis Mallmans
1884 restaurant.
Presidente Alvear 151, Godoy Cruz. (0261) 4530 963.
hospitality@bodegascaro.com.ar

Go Out and Catch Trout

Fly fishing season is upon us. Patagonia steals all
the thunder with its monster brown trout attracting
fishermen and women from all over the World. Most
visitors are surprised to hear that Mendoza also has
its fair share of wily river residents that will give any
angler a run for his money. The sizeable army of local
enthusiasts guard this secret jealousy and actively
discourage foreigners from encroaching on their favorite
spots. Well now the secret is out Mendozas rivers
are teeming with trout. Whilst they might not match
the giants of the South in size, they certainly do so in
numbers and it is not unusual for a beginner to catch
twenty in one day, usually in Valle de Uco or Uspallata.
Catch and release is the norm. Trout & Wine Tours
organise one day fishing excursions starting at 220 US
per person.
Trout & Wine Tours, Espejo 266, Tel 42556134 /
155 413 892. www.troutandwine.com.

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Lights, camera, WINE !

The
Tasting
Couch
Leandro Manini Williams takes a look at movies about Argentine wine

Wine is something we love to have with someone or even
alone. Something similar can be said about movies. A
nice bottle and a good film make for an excellent night
in, especially if we just want to relax on the couch.
While swirling a full glass, lets take a look into cinematic
productions that have Argentine wine as their core idea.
Hollywood discovered with the famous Oscar nominee
Sideways that you could get many smiles from wine
related movies. After this story of two friends going
through the wine lands of Santa Barbara, other movies
like Bottle Shock about a wine competition in 1976
between Californian and French wines, proved that you
could make good stories related to wine. A couple of years
later the British production of A Good Year with Russell
Crowe as a city trader lumbered with a French estate
showed that other countries were able to make successful
movies around this idea. It wasnt long before Argentines
decided to jump on a project with local flavor.
Dominio del Plata, Susana Balbo, advises Charlie to focus
on the land and the fruit in order to get the real taste of
what hes drinking.
One of my favorite parts its when the sommelier,
without anybody knowing, find his ways into the wine
cellar of the Norton Winery to taste the best and oldest
wines (to recover his palate, of course). An English
speaking person walks in. Charlie mistakes him for a
tourist who has lost his way. Later, he finds out that hes
Gernot Langues, not only the owner of Norton but also
the head of the Swarovski Enterprise. Another famous
person of the wine world is Michele Rolland, a very well
known wine consultant.

El Camino del Vino (The Wine Route) is the story of

a renowned sommelier who loses his taste buds. As he
happens to be in Mendoza surrounded by wonderful
wines, his wife encourages him to visit places so he can
re-discover his passion. It is worth mentioning two things
that make this movie unique. To begin with, many famous
people of the wine world act in the movie. The man
who plays the part of sommelier is Charlie Artuarola, a
remarkable Uruguayan sommelier. Many owners of
wineries are shown in the movie. For instance, the two
times president of Wines of Argentina and owner of

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El Camino del Vino is also a true story. While they were
shooting the film, Artuarola had some family issues that
ended up being recorded by the camera and helped the
film look very realistic. At one point you can even see his
wife asking the cameras to leave. Also, Catena Zapata,
Domaine Bousquet and Clos de los Siete, plus the Hyatt
Hotel, were used as locations to film the movie. It is an
amazing film that will remind us that there are always
ways to recover our passion. Furthermore, it would give
you many expressions to use when you are speechless in
front of a wine.
This wineis a poem! is definitely my favorite.

Vino Para Robar is also a very easy going movie.

Although the movie was made with comedians instead
of wine experts, you can still breathe the atmosphere of
wine. Robar is Spanish for steal, but the title plays with
the two meanings of the word Vino: it could mean wine
or he came. Daniel Hendler performs the part of an
international robber who travels from BA to Mendoza to
steal something very precious, a bottle of Malbec ordered
by Napoleon III in the 19th Century. In the meantime, he
meets Andrea Bertucceli, who plays another international
thief that is looking for the same valuable item. Later, they
are kidnapped by a gangster and they will have to work
together, falling in love in the process.

Filmed in 2015, the movie caused a stir amongst

Mendocinos. The robbers had to steal the famous Malbec
from the Banco Hipotecario nowadays the Secretary of
Culture, located in the middle of the city. The production
not only closed many city streets but also recruited many
locals as extras.

The film showcases the most beautiful Mendocino

locations such as Espacio Julio Le Parc art gallery,
Cacheuta Hot Springs, General San Martn Park, the
Hyatt Hotel and San Martin square. Of course, wineries
couldnt be absent. You can see O.Fournier and Septima,
as well as the interiors of Salentein.

According to the myth around this particular bottle of

Malbec, those who drink it will find eternal love. Thats
why my favorite part is when spoiler alert! - the two
lovers open the bottle and make a toast at the end of the
movie. Different to what it would have happened in a
romantic movie, while the credits are displayed you can
see the rejection faces that anybody would have when
trying a 170 years old Malbec.

Wine documentaries are experiencing a boom. Somm is

a movie about four wine sommeliers who are training to
get to the pinnacle of wine appreciation and pass Master
Sommeliers exam. As crazy as the exam may be, you end
up learning a lot about wine descriptors and regions in
different countries. Another documentary I strongly
recommend is Red Obsession. Russell Crowe as narrator
guides you through the Chinese wine push that has
made this country one of the largest wine producers and
importers in the world.

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But all that glitters is not gold. Documentaries like Bitter
Grapes Slavery in the Vineyards, directed by the
Danish filmmaker Tom Heinemann, pointed out the poor
workers conditions in South Africa.

The most famous negative wine documentary is

Mondovino where American filmmaker Jonathan
Nossiter wants to show two different kind of wineries:
the Coca-cola style operations that are just concerned
about producing millions of litters, with a standard flavor
that will allow many sales, or the ones that stay loyal to
their traditions and go for a more unique style, even if
these implies to less sales.

In a country like Argentina with many foreign investors

and external wine consultants, Nossiter couldnt avoid
visiting the lovely province of Salta, in the north. The
movie team visited the Etchart Winery, in the Cafayate
region. This was the first winery in the country to work
with the assistance of Michel Rolland, who features
prominently in the movie, not always in the most
favourable light.

You can see the global debate between globalization

and local terroir in an Argentinean segment. On the one
hand, you have Arnaldo Etchart. He was the owner of
the Etchart winery, at least before the French company
Penrod Ricard bought it. He praised the changes that
Rolland had introduced to the wine country, which
allowed Arnaldo to export his production. He appears

in the land of gauchos. Oremiered at the Oregon Festival

of 2011, it was the movie with the largest audience, and
has won many awards since.

Ermisch had witnessed the rising of the Australian Shiraz

and when he realized that Malbec was going on the
same route, he thought about making this movie, trying
to catch as accurately as possible the expansion of this
varietal. Also, he wanted to educate people all over the
world about this lovely grape.
I think the movie is everything you need if you want to
be a Malbec expert. From the origins in France until its
modern development, it shows you how a single grape
has changed the wine culture of Argentina. Lets not
forget that this country used to consume more blends
than single-varietal wines in the past.

to look down on the natives of Argentina, because in his
opinion they are lazy and illiterate. Alternatively, the
movie team interviews a poor man from the community
of Tomboln. He shows his one hectare of Torronts he
owned, which he had cultivated with passion even if he
didnt receive a lot of money (only enough to survive). In
response to the controversy the movie provoked, Etchart
claimed his words were taken out of context.
Another documentary Boom Varietal was released for
the pleasure of Malbec lovers. Knowing that this variety
was taking off, Kirk Ermisch - President of the Southern
Wine Group, and the director Sky Pinnick, joined forces
to create this documentary about how and why the
French grape Malbec seems to have found its right place
The director had already seen Mondovino before
making Boom Varietal, and you can tell how he wanted
to do something knowledgeable but also entertaining
and more beautiful. Be ready to enjoy the marvelous
scenery of the Andes while some of the main characters
of the Argentinean wine metamorphosis like Santiago
Achaval, the first Argentinean wine producer to achieve
five stars in the Decanter Magazine - are interviewed
about the crucial years of this transformation.
It doesnt matter if you want to become a wine expert or
just laugh with a glass of wine next to you. movies about
wine do both.

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Beer Drinkers of the World!
Unite and
Take Over.
Charlie OMalley hails the Great Beer Revolution
Would you mind dropping us off at a bar?
Every Mendoza wine tour guide is familiar with this
request. After a day touring wineries, sampling the
finest Malbecs, even the hardiest wine lovers crave
something different. The exhausted palate demands a
refreshing, cold beer to finish the day nicely. All those
tannins coating the inner jowls like old wallpaper and
those purple painted teeth need a thorough rinsing
with a decidedly un-tannic lager or ale. Observe any
winemaker you know they all love beer.
Five years ago the quality of beer in Mendoza was poor.
Walk into any bottle store or sidewalk bar and the choice
was bewildering Quilmes, Andes, Brahma, Warsteiner,
Schneider, Heineken, Stella Artois, Budweiser and
Carlsberg. But such huge choice is deceptive. They all
taste pretty much the same bland and insipid; a gut
corroding pee water. In fact one could argue the case
that they all come from the same tank, not just because
of their uniform mediocrity but also the fact that the
majority are owned by the same company AB InBev.
Back then, one sadly just had to get on with it. As awful as
the beer was, it slaked your thirst like a chilled, Russian
astronauts piss might in an outer space emergency. And
most importantly it still got you drunk.
And then things began to change. An unusual bottle of
Mendoza brewed beer would pop up at a party and cause
a mini-sensation.
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Wow! This beer actually tastes of something. Look! Its
even cloudy.
It seems dissatisfaction with mass produced, industrial
beer is universal. Only a teetotaller, or indeed a Russian
pee drinking astronaut for that matter, would have missed
the global shift towards small, independent brewers. The
craft beer boom has arrived in Mendoza. First it was
quirky little labels made by home brewers from such
diverse places as Palmira in the desert and El Salto in the
mountains.
Then the tap rooms appeared Antares, Hangar 52 and
Jerome for example. The locals had a whole new set of
vocabulary to miss-pronounce ipa, weisse, stout and
red ale. Now Mendoza boasts some 165 micro-breweries.
There is 200% growth year on year and market share
is 2.7% of what is a 17 billion litre beer industry. Such
phenomenal growth still has some way to go. In the
USA the booming craft beer market is currently 12% of
the market and is projected to reach 20% in the next five
years.
Like giants waking up from a drunken slumber, the multi-
nationals have realised they are losing out. Action is required
before their shareholders start voting with their feet. Rather
than actually try and improve the quality of their existing
products, the corporate solution is to move in with money
and hoover up the more successful independents. This is
especially attractive as craft beer is up to double the price of
the Duff stuff from the corner store.
The corporate fight back is well under way in the USA

Local Craft Beers

and Europe. AB InBev. bought the Camden Town
Brewery for 80 million dollars, prompting howls of
protests from the real beer enthusiast and the the actual
banning of Camden beer from some independent tap
rooms. In business Big brother take overs of small but
plucky outfits is a well established ploy by the multi- Pirca Lager -
nationals. Think LOreals buy out of Bodyshop and
Fresh and round with complex
Unilevers move on Ben & Jerry Ice cream. Expect much
the same in the craft beer industry. Quilmes has already
aromas. Your glass empties
rolled out its own artesanal brand Patagonia, a definite quickly. Fresca.
improvement on the original stuff. Kuntsman is another
multi-national owned label with craft beer aspirations. La sombra del Futre Kolsh de
montaa. Light and refreshing.
Beware the subterfuge however. Strictly speaking a One for a bonfire beside the river.
craft beer is a beverage produced traditionally by an
independent entity with no outside ownership and a Jagger Irish Red Ale. Sweet and
small production output. The marketing managers paint easy to drink with taste of caramel.
a corporate take-over of a small label as just a friendly Goes down too easy. Dangerous.
boost in the arm and the small producer will continue
in the same vein with no head office interference. In
the long term this is pure hogwash and the reason why
La Palmira C ream Stout- ahumada.
many craft beer enthusiasts are up in arms. Soft, creamy, smokey bitter. Goes
well with friends.
Meanwhile, the craft beer locomotive rolls on here
in Mendoza. The tap rooms of Aristides are proving Frangus oat meal stout. Intense
wildly popular, especially amongst wine tourists with flavour. Lots of bite. A hit with a
flagging palates. They are foot soldiers in the Great Beer dish of cured ham.
Revolution.

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 Where to Buy Your Bottle

Hopfen Beer Market

A bottle store specialising in Mendocino
craft beer. Thursday night tastings with
brewers. Labels include Del Barrio,
Damero, Birra, Menduka, Aldea Gala, Artis
Home Brewers, Mlz, Pirca, Old Krum y
Paradise, amongst others.

Montevideo 794, Mendoza City

El Botelln
Locaated in the 5th Section towartds the
park and on Sarmiento 635 this bar has
at least 14 varieties - Nuevo Origen, La
Palmira, Fulana, Maleva y Portal, amongst
others. You can fill your own bottle and
they have a gluten free option

Paso de los Andes 756 / Sarmiento 635,

Mendoza City

Justo Al Paso
A bar and bottle store on Juan B Justo
with beers from such diverse place as San
Luis and Bariloche, many of them award
winning brews.
Happy Hour from 7 to 10pm

Juan B. Justo 513, Mendoza City

Casa Vigil Palmares

One of Mendozas most famous winemakers
Alejandro Vigil, is also a brewer. You can
buy Chachingo Craft Beer at his wine store
Casa Vigil Palmares in Palmares Mall.

Palmares Open Mall, Godoy Cruz

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 BARS
INSIDE MENDOZA CITY

The list below has some great bars but if youre looking to browse, head to Aristides Villanueva Avenue,
the nightlife strip of Mendoza. Its a continuation of Ave. Colon and is simply referred to as Aristides by
the locals. Pubs, bars, restaurants and shops cram together from Belgrano to San Martin Park to provide
you with ample bar options. Get your shut-eye before a night out because the clubs dont even get started
until 2am, and call a taxi because they are all located out of the city in Chacras or El Challao.

LA TABERNA DE MOE
This all-day, all-night drinking institution is popular with a
young, student crowd and is a refreshing antidote to the cool
posers on Aristides street. Located downtown, just off San Martin
Avenue, it is basically a hole-in-the-wall beer den disguised as a
kiosk. And like all the kiosks, it has lots of Duff Beer.
Catamarca 22. Tel 425 5317

ANTARES BAR
Aristides street would not be very complete without its own
micro-brewery bar. Antares is the real deal and a pioneer
in this respect with bars located across the country since
before it became trendy to brew your own grog. Its long
bar displays tempting casks of great quality beers such as
Scottish ale and Irish stout. This expansive bar packs them
in at night and serves decent pub grub too. Antares Bar.
Aristides 153.

BLACK SHEEP
Just off the Alameda strip, the Black Sheep is an American-
style sports bar with big screen TVs and decent bar food
like nachos, homemade burgers and hot and spicy chicken
wings. While especially popular during sports matches, The
Black Sheep is one of the few bars to stay open everyday
from 12 till 4am so you can grab a pint whenever you like!
Maipu 131, Mendoza (261) 561 4283.

BELIEVE IRISH PUB

One of the few bars in Mendoza with a bar counter and
high stools to prop yourself up on. Kelly, the English part-
owner/pub-mascot is almost always there to share a chat
and a smile with the crowd; which is most likely a factor
in its notable popularity among expats and travelers. On
the menu is a great collection of draught beers, bottled
beers (try the Warsteiner) and surprisingly decent pub
grub. TV screens hang in every corner airing hit music-
video montages or football games. Monday night is
International night and for their packed events DJs rock
the house. Colon and Espaa 241. Tel. 261-429-5567.
HANGAR 52
www.believeirishpub.com.ar
This warehouse bar has a rough and ready bohemian vibe
with bare walls and high, corrugated roofing. There is nothing
rough and ready about its beers however as they offer smooth,
well honed IPA, lagers and stouts. There are over 50 variieties
to choose from and service is rapid as they operate a self service
ticket system that puts an end to long waits - a drinkers curse in
Mendoza. The food is standard fare but with big convivial tables,
resident DJs and early evening opening hours it has quickly
become one of the most popular and lively bars on the strip.
Aristides 168.

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 BIKE TOURS
In Maip
The most economical way to do a wine tour in Mendoza. Take bus (171,
172 or 173) from Catamarca and Rioja to Urquiza street (see below)
where youll find several bike rental companies. Some are notorious
for dodgy bikes. Check and double check you get a good mount as a
puncture can cause a mini nightmare. Head south, as north of Maipu
is urban and not pretty.

RECOMMENDED WINERIES
Rutini, Tempus Alba, Di Tommasso, Carinae, Alandes and certainly
Trapiche. When returning have a late lunch at the excellent El
Enemigo.

USEFUL INFORMATION
AIRPORT Tel: 5206000 Accesso Norte s/n. El Plumerillo. SHIPPING WINE Ordinary post will not ship wine
and a courier can cost at least U$ 30 a bottle. The most economical way is send it with your checked luggage
in a special styrofoam wine box, available at most wine stores or at Trout & Wine, Espejo 266. CRIME Be
alert. Mendoza does have crime. Hold on to purses on the street and at restaurants. Avoid carrying valuables.
Hostel lockers are not safe. Danger spots: bus terminal and internet cafes. NIGHTCLUBS In most nightclubs
you have to queue twice for a drink which can get slightly exasperating as the night wears on. It is wise to
buy several drink tickets at once for an easy, unimpeded flow of alcohol. Bathrooms are usually ill equiped so
bring your own toilet paper. Many nightclubs are 200 light years away in Chacras which can cause problems
getting home. Clubs rarely get going before 2am. MENDOZA EXPATS CLUB An organization which enables
Expatriates to meet each other. www.mendozaexpats.org. HAIR DRESSER English speaking and eccentric
hairdresser Haisley will do your hairdo right: (261) 156416 047 - Clark 298 corner. Olascoaga.
CHANGING DOLLARS - Cambio, cambio shout the arbolitos (money changers) outside Galeria Tonsa (San Martin
1173), the place to go if you want the best street rate. Larger denomination notes are preferred. To make sure you
are not getting ripped off check the current rate of the dolr informal on www.ambito.com. The Mendoza rate is
generally 30 centavos less.

EVERYTHING YOU NEEDED

TO KNOW ABOUT TIPPING BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
Its a cultural minefield and a frequent topic amongst tourists and locals. Here we try to unravel the
thorny subject of tipping by answering the most frequent questions.
- Should I tip? Yes. Mendocinos are too nice to push the point but those who work in hospitality,
especially waiters, are very much dependent on gratuities.
- Who should I tip? Most definitely your lunch or dinner waiter and to a lesser extent your driver
and wine tour guide if you are happy with the service.
- What should I tip? 10% is the norm for meals or if in doubt 100 pesos is reasonable.
- Is the winery lunch tip not included with the wine tour package? No.

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DINING OUT
MENDOZA
CITY
La Patrona
Cozy Mendocino restaurant with a
casual, rustic charm attracts with
traditional Argentine food and
friendly and warm atmosphere.
Hearty empanadas and sizzling asado
go with warm, open sandwiches. We
recommend the artichoke hearts
and goat cheese; roasted vegetables
with white wine and honey; or the
more traditional pick of rich glands
cooked in lemon. 9 de Julio 656. Tel
- 4291057. Mon. to Sat.:12.30pm-
3.30pm and 8.30pm-close. Avg. Meal
cost: $220.
Josefina
Trendy and cosmopolitan, Josefina
Rest is an island of elegance on
hectic Aristides Street. The building
is a playful mix of the urbane and
the natural. The warmth of vintage
style drawings adorning the walls
are illuminated through large,
handsome street windows. The
food is eclectic and seasonal. www.
josefinaresto.com.ar Aristides
Villanueva 165, Mendoza 5500,
Argentina Tel. 261 4233531
El Mercadito
The perfect spot for some lunch time
sunshine or al fresco dining. Run by
three friends, El Mercadito has a cool
vibe and relaxed music making it a
favorite. Opening in the morning for
Josefina
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Recommended
healthy breakfasts and antioxidants
juices, El Mercadito stays open
throughout the siesta with its light
menu of sandwiches, big salads
and some Argentine classic meals.
Aristides Villanueva 521.
Tel - 4638847. Avg. meal price: $190.
Chacras de Coria: Viamonte 4961. Tel
- 4962267.
Organo
Thin-crusted gourmet style pizzas and Los Toneles
sandwiches are the specialties crafted
by celebrity gourmet couple Vanina
Chimeno and Francis Mallman. Pizza
lovers can customize their own with Los Toneles
high quality ingredients and watch
how theyre made in the clay oven. We Located 15 minutes walk beyond the
recommend the lomo (steak) sandwich city center, this handsome historical
with garlic aoli (mayonnaise) and the winery offers Old World elegance
dulce de leche pancakes. This new and atmosphere. The expansive
restaurant is located in an elegant restaurant serves traditional dishes
building with inside or outside dining. with a gourmet twist and its the
h t t p : //re s t a u ra n t e o re g a n o . c o m perfect lunch or dinner spot for those
Rivadavia 789, Mendoza 5500, Argentina who have just arrived and want
info@restauranteoregano.com some genuine Mendocino ambience .
Lateral Norte Acceso Este 1360. Tel -
431 0403. Open Tuesday to Saturday
lunch and dinner.
Grill Q
Torito
Torito is alluring the crowds to Juan
B Justo Street, the new IT place in
Mendoza for a night out. Classic
Argentinean comfort food is cooked
on a huge grill with very traditional
options such as burgers, lomos (steak
sandwiches) and cuts of beef. Fresh
and excellent quality ingredients are
used and the menu includes vegan
and gluten free options. Football
fans are welcome to big games and
their outside courtyard is perfect Grill Q
for balmy summer nights. www.
facebook.com/toritotime Juan B. Chic parrilla style restaurant (part
Justo 234, Mendoza 5500, Argentina of the Park Hyatt hotel) with open
Tel. 0261 423-3394 kitchen. Famous for grilled meats
and gigantic empanadas, and serves
Brod hearty Argentine classics such as
locro a stew that hails back to
Charming bakery coffee shop with the early independence days. The
expansive courtyard set in old Hyatts other restaurant, Bistro M,
colonial townhouse one block from offers a more gourmet evening menu
Plaza Independencia. Excellent for and the most exuberant lunch menu
light lunches and battery charging in town. Chile 1124. Tel - 4411225.
coffee stops. Great wine selection Avg. meal Grill Q $250 pesos. Bistro
next door at Winery wine store M - Executive Menu $280.
can be purchased and sampled in
courtyard. Chile 894. Tel:4252993.
 Recommended
OUTSIDE
THE CITY
Finca Agostino
Elegance, history and the perfect
marriage of food and wine is what
youll experience by dining at
the restaurant of Finca Agostino
winery. The overall vibe is polished
and handsome. The food is equally
majestic 5 courses of well thought,
imaginative dishes that are paired
exquisitely with all the winery wines
often explained and described
by the chef Sergio Guardia. The
menu is seasonal with much of the
ingredients freshly picked from the
propertys organic vegetable garden
and orchard. Carril Barrancas 10590,
Maip. Tel - 5249358. Avg. meal
price: $650 pesos.
Finca Agostino
Lunch in a Winery
Whatever you do in Mendoza, make
sure to have lunch in a winery. There
is nothing quite like sitting back to
a long line of wine glasses holding
delicious Chardonnay, Torrontes,
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon
(amongst others), accompanied by
the finest, gourmet food Argentina
has to offer. The icing on the cake
is that icing on the Andes in the
background and the lush green vines
of the vineyard. It is definitely the
most civilised way to get drunk on
the planet.
DINING OUT
Ruca Malen
Ruca Malen winery is synonymous
with gourmet food & wine pairings
in Mendoza and was a pioneer in
this area. Having lunch in Ruca
Malen is also a visual experience,
from the food served in creative
plates designed especially for the
occasion by local craftsmen to the
breathtaking view one gets of the
Andes and the vineyard. It also offers
great vegetarian and gluten-free
options. Ruta Nacional Km 7, Agrelo,
Lujn de Cuyo, Mendoza. Tel: +54 261
553 7164. Cel: +54 9 261 454 1236. AlPasin
mendoza@bodegarucamalen.com
Los Negritos Prmula Cantina Ferroviaria
Family-owned restaurant in the A small, genuine restaurant that is a
rustic splendor of Las Vegas in homage to Mendozas railway heritage.
Poterillos, 80 km from Mendoza. This Part of the winery Estrellas de los Andes,
is without doubt the best restaurant this cantina is the Argentinean version
in the mountains, specializing in of a 50s diner. The atmosphere is relaxed
traditional family recipes that add and immediately transports you back to
a new twist to Andean fare such as the good old days. You can even have
humitas, tomatican and mondongo. your lunch in an old restored wagon. The
The restaurant itself is simple and setting is not pretentious and nor is the
modern with no frills, but the food of food. The menu consists of three courses
course. Open weekends and public with 3 to 4 options in every course. The
holidays 12 midday to 4pm. Avg options change every week according to
$250 AR. Los Olmos ST. La Vegas, the season and the availability of local
Potrerillos. Te. (0261) 155697431. products, made on a huge outdoor grill
and mud oven.
Olavarria 225, Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo.
Tel 261 2213899 from Tuesday to Sunday
and holidays from 11am to 18 pm
La Azul
A pioneer in the Uco Valley region,
this boutique winery now offers
hearty lunches in a rustic setting with
stunning views of the mountains.
Family-owned , the owners are often
your hosts and they take pride in
serving giant portions of excellent
beef and pork dishes, accompanied
by the winerys excellent, high
altitude wines. Popular, authentic
and unforgettable. Open Tuesday to
Sunday. Lunches only. Tupungato.
Tel - (02622) 423 593. La Azul
Restaurant Lares de Chacras Terruo-Club Tapiz
One of Mendozas most charming Tucked away among the sprawling
boutique wine hotels has now opened Maip vineyards lies Club Tapiz
its excellent restaurant to the general Resort and its lovely restaurant
public. Located in the picturesque Terruo. This handsome eatery
wine village of Chacras de Coria, boasts an elegant interior, excellent
a 20 minute drive from the city, service and a wine list that is sure
Lares offers traditional local dishes to please even the most finicky of
in a rustic deluxe environment. wine snobs. Ruta 60 s/n 5517 Maip.
Every Wednesday they offer asado, Tel: 496 0131. www.tapiz.com Lunch,
Argentine bbq. Larrea 1266, Chacras every day, 12pm 3pm. Dinner, Sun
de Coria, Tel. (0261) 491 1061 www. -Thurs, 8pm-11pm, Fri & Sat until
laresdechacras.com/ 12am. Avg. meal cost: $450 pesos.
25
 THE WINERY GUIDE
Lujn de Cuyo
CITY
Clos de Chacras
Charming boutique operation with
nice history. A five minute walk
from Chacras plaza. Best Wine: Gran
Estirpe. (0261) 496 1285/155 792706.
Monte Libano s/n, Lujn de Cuyo.
www.closdechacras.com.ar
Terrazas de los Andes
The fine wine sister of Chandon
Argentina is a beautifully restored
bodega with well-appointed tasting
room. Best Wine: Cheval de los
Andes. (0261) 488 0704/5. Thames
and Cochabamba, Perdriel, Lujn de
Cuyo. www.terrazasdelosandes.com
Terrazas de los Andes
Luigi Bosca
The Arizu dynasty are the royal
family of Argentine wine and their
seat of operations is a handsome and
elegant 110-year old winery. (0261)
498 1974. San Martin 2044, Mayor
Drummond, Lujn de Cuyo. www.
luigibosca.com.ar
Catena Zapata
Showcase winery designed like
a Mayan temple overlooking
vineyards and the Andes Mountains.
Rich, complex wines. (0261) 413 1100.
Cobos s/n, Lujn de Cuyo. www.
catenawines.com
26
Maip
Los Toneles
City Center winery Los Toneles
has a charming Old World feel
and excellent restaurant. It is a
five minute walk east of the bus
station.Direccin: Acceso Este
Lateral Norte 1360, 5519 Mendoza.
(0261) 431-0403. Open everyday.
www.bodegalostoneles.com
LUJN
DE CUYO
Melipal
Great Malbec and gourmet lunches
make Melipal one of the most
exclusive wineries to visit. (0261)
4790202. R.N.7, 1056km, Agrelo,
Lujn de Cuyo. www.bodegamelipal.
com.ar
Mendel
An old style winery ran by one of
Argentinas most famous winemaker
dynasties the De La Motta family.
(0261) 524 1621. Terrada 1863, Mayor
Drummond, Lujan de Cuyo. www.
mendel.com.ar
Via Cobos
American winemaker Paul Hobbs
was one of the first to recognise
the possibilities of Malbec and his
Bramare label is possibly one of the
best examples of this varietal. (0261)
479 0130. R.N. 7, Lujan de Cuyo.
www.vinacobos.com
Ciudad
Lujn de Cuyo
Maip
Valle de Uco
Tapiz
Great wine lodge Club Tapiz, high-
end restaurant Terruo and an
instructive wine tour including
barrel and bottle tasting. (0261) 490
0202. Ruta Provincial 15, Km 32.
Agrelo, Lujn de Cuyo. www.tapiz.
com
Valle de Uco
Los Toneles
Cruzat
A boutique traditional sparkling wine
producer with gorgeous bubbles that
can be enjoyed from their terrace
overlooking vines. (261) 5242290, Costa
Flores, s/n, Perdriel,
www.bodegacruzat.com
Alta Vista
Masterful mix of modern and
traditional. Tasting includes
distinctive Torrontes or single
vineyard Malbecs. (0261) 496 4684.
lzaga 3972, Chacras de Coria, Lujan
de Cuyo. www.altavistawines.com
Matervini
Two Malbec pioneers - Santiago
Achaval and Robert Cipresso,
break new, exciting ground with
rich, mineral wines from unusual
terroirs. This tiny, boutique
operation only sells from the
winery. Cobos 2142. matervini.com.
Tel. 261 5616691.
Belasco de Baquedano
Gleaming modern facility with
fascinating aroma room and restaurant
with Andean view. (0261) 524 7864.
Cobos 8260, Lujan de Cuyo. www.
belascomalbec.co
Belasco de Baquedano
Nieto Senetiner
Located in a beautiful old winery
in Chacras, Senetiner was founded
in 1888 and makes a great range of
wines and sparkling wines. (261) 496
9099, Guardia Vieja S/N, Vistalba,
Lujan de Cuyo. www.nietosenetiner.
com.ar
 THE WINERY GUIDE
Driving time from Mendoza City
Benegas Lynch
Rich history and richer wines. Lovely
old bodega with lots of character.
Best Wine: Cabernet Franc. (0261)
496 0794. Ruta 60. Cruz de Piedra.
www.bodegabenegas.com
Caelum
Modern, medium size winery on
the main road to Chile just before
the mountains and has a nice
family feel to it. Best Wine: Fiano
(261)156992890. R.N.7 km 1060,
Agrelo. www.bodegacaelum.com.ar
Dominio del Plata
Argentinas most famous female
winemaker Susana Balbo is creating
some rich and complex wines in the
heart of Agrelo. (0261) 498 9200.
Cochabamba 7801 Agrelo, Lujn de
Cuyo. www.dominiodelplata.com.ar
Renacer
Dominio del Plata
This Chilean-owned winery creates
the label Punto Final. Small, modern
operation with tours that include
a hands-on lesson in blending.
Brandsen 1863, Lujan de Cuyo.
(0261) 524-4416 or 524-4417. www.
bodegarenacer.com.ar
Lagarde
Owner of the oldest white wine in
South America. Try the hand-crafted
sparkling wine made from 100
year old vines. (0261) 498 0011 Ext.
27. (261) 6815961 San Martin 1745,
Mayor Drummond. Lujn de Cuyo.
www.lagarde.com.ar
Casarena
A beautiful mix of old and new,
this winery mixes tradition and
modernity in an old style winery
with a super modern restaurant with
splendid views of the vineyards and
mountains. Brandsen 505, Perdriel.
www.casarenawines.com (261)
6967848.
Casarena
Restaurant
Carmelo Patti
Mendozas most famous garagista.
Carmelo Patti himself is often there
to show you around (in Spanish). Best
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon from the
barrel. (0261) 498 1379. San Martin
2614, Lujn de Cuyo.
Decero
Attractive, modern facility with
spectacular views of the mountains
from the cozy tasting room. (0261) 524
4748. Bajo las Cumbres 9003, Agrelo,
Lujn de Cuyo. www.decero.com
Vistalba
Tasting room where one entire wall
is a subterranean cross section of the
actual vineyard clay, roots and rocks.
Fabulous restaurant. (0261) 498 9400.
Roque Saenz Pea 3135, Vistalba.
www.carlospulentawines
Vistalba
Budeguer
Modern-style Budeguer winery
offers you the chance to blend
wine and art in a warm and relaxed
atmosphere. Its superb terrace is
open until 8pm and it is the perfect
spot to sip a glass of Malbec enjoying
the sunset. Reservations required
at turismo@budeguer.com or (0261)
6830749- www.budeguer.com
R.P.N.15 Km 31,5 Agrelo, Lujn de
Cuyo. Mendoza.
Achaval Ferrer
Modern boutique close to Mendoza
riverbed. Big concentrated wines.
(0261) 488 1131. Cobos 2601, Perdriel,
Lujan de Cuyo. www.achaval-ferrer.
com
Kaiken
This rustic 80 year-old winery houses
a new venture by the prestigious
Chilean winery Montes. Big and
powerful wines, destined for fame.
(0261) 4761111-14 INT 113 / Mobile
(0261-153 530 789) /Mobile (0261-155
509 453)
Lodging Art Gallery
Chandon
The original foreign investor, French-
owned Chandon has been making
great sparkling wines in Mendoza
since the 1960s. (0261) 490 9968.
R.P.15, Km 29, Agrelo, Lujn de Cuyo.
www.bodegaschandon.com.ar
Chandon
Ruca Malen
Excellent food, great guiding and
first-class wines. The pairings over
lunch make for an unforgettable
culinary experience. (0261)
5537164 / 4540974. R.N.7 Km
1059, Agrelo, Lujn de Cuyo. www.
bodegarucamalen.com
Estrella de los Andes
Old World winery and canteen style
restaurant with a railway theme.
Simple and authentic.
Tel. 2612213899 / 2614649190
info@bodegaestrelladelosandes.com
Kaiken
Dante Robino
Founded in 1920, an atmospheric old-
style winery with a modernist, light-
filled tasting room with excellent
view of mountains and vines.
(0261) 488 7229 Ext. #2. Callejn
Maldonado 240, Perdriel. www.
bodegadanterobino.com
Familia Cassone
A charming, family owned winery
in a beautiful setting. Try the
jasmine tinted ros amidst the
pastoral splendour of the owners
expansive garden. Anchorena y
Terrada. (261) 424 6301. www.
familiacassone.com.ar
27
 THE WINERY GUIDE
Lujn de Cuyo
Septima
A beautifully designed winery with
clear views of the mountains and a
large terrace used for sunset wine
events after 6.30pm on Thursdays.
(261) 498 9550, Ruta 7, 6.5km, Lujan
de Cuyo. www.bodegaseptima.com
Pulenta Estate
Cool minimalist design and rich
complex wines make this a winery
with finesse and style. Best Wine:
Cabernet Franc. (0261) 155 076426.
Ruta 86, Km 6.5. Lujan de Cuyo.
www.pulentaestate.com
Trez Wines
Three friends making award
winnning wine in a small, circular
winery.Tel.4877085y
+54 9 2616854019.
turismo@trezwines.com
Don Manuel Villafae 25
Modern winery in the wide open
vineyards of southern Maip.
Intense, complex wines. Art
exhibition all year long. Ruta 60
s/n, Rodeo del Medio. Maip. (0261)
5083067. www.dmvwines.com
Finca Agostino
Elegant and picturesque winery
with ancient vines and walled
orchard. Offer superb lunches and
cookery classes. Carril Barrancas
10590, Maipu. ( 261) 5249358. www.
ncaagostino.com
FincaAgostino
Agostino
Finca
Familia Zuccardi
A professional, far-sighted operation.
Attractive restaurant amidst the
vines, famous for its asado-style
lunches and generous wine pourings.
(0261) 441 0000. R.P. 33, Km 7.5,
Maip. www.familiazuccardi.com
28
Maip
Alpamanta
Exemplary biodynamic vineyard set
in the rustic splendor of Ugarteche.
Ideal for families and nature lovers.
Calle Cobos s/n.(0261) 153468398.
www.alpamanta.com
MAIPU
Rutini / La Rural
Well-stocked museum with
invaluable antiques like cowhide
wine presses and buckets. Giant
oak tanks stand in large, cavernous
halls. (0261) 497 2013 Ext.125.
Montecaseros 2625, Coquimbito,
Maip. www.bodegalarural.com.ar
Lopez
Popular, old-style winery with two
museums on the wine. Restaurant
offers gourmet cuisine with a
panoramic view. (0261) 497 6554.
Ozamis 375, Gral Gutirrez, Maip.
www.bodegaslopez.com.ar.
Facebook/Bodegas Lopez Oficial
Trapiche
Argentinas biggest winery is a
mix of old and new, traditional and
industrial, and has the old train
tracks leading up to it. (0261) 520
7666. Mitre s/n. Coquimbito, Maip.
www.trapiche.com.ar
El Enemigo
One of Argentinas most talented
winemakers Alejandro Vigil
opens the door to this colorful and
unconventional boutique operation.
Boisterous, gourmet lunches offered.
Videla Aranda 7008, Maipu. (0261)
697 4213
Casa El Enemigo
Valle de Uco
Catena Zapata
Showcase winery designed like
a Mayan temple overlooking
vineyards and the Andes Mountains.
Rich, complex wines. (0261) 413 1100.
Cobos s/n, Lujn de Cuyo. www.
catenawines.com
Norton
Old-style cellars contrast with a high-
tech production line. Tank and barrel
tastings,and jug fillings on Thursdays
are popular with the locals. (0261)
490 9700. R.P.15, Km 23.5. Perdriel.
Lujn de Cuyo. www.norton.com.ar
AMP Cava
Premium wines made from different
terroirs but all by renowned winemaker
Karim Mussi Saffie. Technical tastings
and a close proximity to the city make
it a recommended visit. Gmez Adriano
3602. Coquimbito. Maip -
(261) 4813201/4668048
Tempus Alba 4
Charming family run winery with
modern facilities and terrace with a
view. Carril Perito Moreno 570. tel.
4813501. www.tempusalba.com.
Carinae
Small, charming, French-owned
winery offering personal tours and
well-honed wines. Surrounded by
vineyards and olive trees. (0261) 499
0470. Videla Aranda 2899, Cruz de
Piedra, Maip .
www.carinaevinos.com
Carinae
Rutini Museum
Familia Cecchin
A family winery using organic and
biodynamic principles where you
can see the entire process from the
beautiful green vineyards to the
minimal intervention winery. (0261)
497 6707, Ruta 60 , 500mts before
reaching Ozamis Sur roundabout
Maipu, www.bodegacecchin.com.ar
 THE WINERY GUIDE
Driving time from Mendoza City
Familia Di Tommasso
Officially the second oldest winery in
Mendoza and still run by Argentine
hands. Their charming and rustic
restaurant looks onto the vineyard,
just two steps away. (0261) 524 1829.
Urquiza 8136, Russell, Maip. www.
familiaditommaso.com
The Vines of Mendoza
A cooperative of international wine
lovers who have all bought a vineyard
plot each in Uco Valley to make their
own wine with experts. Add to this
a fabulous 5-star hotel and Francis
Mallman restaurant and Uco Valley
will never be the same again. Ruta 94,
Tunuyan. (0261) 461 3900
Salentein
Designed like a temple to wine, this
ultra-concept winery includes a
modern art gallery, lodge, and chapel
set high in the Andean valley. (02622)
429 500.R.P 89 s/n, Tunuyan. www.
killkasalentein.com
Salentein
Diamandes
Modern, imposing winery with
magnificent wines, part of
prestigious French group Clos de los
Siete overkooked by Michel Rolland.
Calle Silva S/N. Vistaflores. (0261)
4760695.
Bodega Masi
Fascinating Italian job in the heart of
Tupungato with commanding views
and commanding wines, especially
the Amarone inspired varietals and
unusual blends. Tel. (0261) 156539573.
www.masitupungato.com
Restaurant
Trivento
Located in the bucolic splendour of
southern Maipu, Trivento is owned
by the Chilean Concha y Toro. This
modern winery has a beautiful deck set
amidst the vineyards and offers bicycle
excursions within the property. Ruta 60
y Canal Pescara, 5517 Maip, Mendoza.
(0261) 413 7196. www.trivento.com
VALLE
DE UCO
Atamisque
This Uco winery has some great
white wines, a unique stony roof and
they breed their own trout which is
served in the charming restaurant.
(0261) 156 855184. R.P. 86 (Km 30), San
Jose, Tupungato. www.atamisque.
com
La Azul
Simple, small production winery
with not so simple Malbecs, a small
traditional restaurant and now a
beautiful lodge. (02622) 423 593.R.P
89 s/n. Agua Amarga, Tupungato.
www.bodegalaazul.com
La Azul
O. Fournier
Most architecturally innovative
winery with rich, concentrated
wines. Excellent lunches in the
modernist visitor center. (02622) 451
088. Los Indios s/n, La Consulta, San
Carlos. www.ofournier.com
Gimenez Riili
A brand new family run affair, part
of the exciting Vines of Mendoza
project. This is a modern winery in
a stunning setting. (0261) 156317105/
0261 / 153470392 - Ruta 94 (s/n),
Tunuyn. www.gimenezriili.com
R.P.N.15 Km 31,5 Agrelo, Lujn de
Cuyo. Mendoza.
Lodging Art Gallery
Trivento
Finca Sophenia
Modern, high tech winery in
stunning location. High quality
wines overseen by Matias Michellini.
www.sophenia.com.ar (02622) 154-
45622
Domaine Bousquet
Another French transplant to the
Andean foothills of Valle de Uco,
this sizeable operation produces
high altitude Chardonnay, Merlot
and Malbec. Ruta 89. Tupungato.
www.domainebousquet.com (0261)
5274048
Corazon del Sol
A stark, modern winery with big,
concentrated reds. Californian
owned and inspired. Tunuyan. Tel.
0261 659 0043.www.corazondelsol.
com.
Andeluna
The old-world style tasting room
looks upon dramatic views of
vineyards against mountains.
Probably the best gourmet lunch
in the winery. (02622) 423 226
Ext 113.R.P. 89, Km 11, Gualtallary,
Tupungato. www. andeluna.com
Andeluna
Piedra Infinita
Innovative, elegant and modern,
Piedra Infinita is the imposing,
dramatic contribution of Familia
Zuccardi in Uco Valley.. Open
from Wednesday to Sunday. www.
zuccardiwines.com.
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MAP OF
WINE TOUR
MAIP

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 MAP OF
SAN MARTIN
PARK

Mendoza City Tour Route

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