Images by Diaan de Beer
Nikki Benatar writes: After our lavish stay at the Park Hyatt Mendoza, we embarked on our first day in Argentina refreshed and rested. First stop, Norton Bodega, which blew us away. From its enviable location at the foothills of the Cordon del Plata mountains (nestled in front of the snow-capped Andes) to a mesmerizing cellar tour and a delectable tasting in the winery’s private garden.
We then moved on to Ruca Malen wine farm and restaurant – one of the top three gourmet eateries in the Mendoza region. In fact, Frommers dubbed it ‘the best wine restaurant in South America’. Not without reason. Our host guided us through a three-hour five-course food-and-wine pairing that included a line-up of specially created mouthwatering dishes, and some of the finest wines.
Alta Vista was a fitting final stop on our wine tour and the winery’s many award-winning wines had us hook, line and sinker.
Dinner at the grand five-star Diplomatic Hotel’s La Bourgognon restaurant (the only Relais & Gourmand restaurant in Mendoza) was an unparalleled treat and Diego, our host, was a veritable font of knowledge about everything from local olive oils to the various ingredients of the delectable dishes on offer.
And, if you´re travelling in an intimate group or as a family and want to experience a farm-stay on the outskirts of the city, opt for Villa Victoria – a renovated historical family home with a dreamy wraparound verandah.