Image by Diaan de Beer
Riekie writes: After more than a day of travelling, Nikki, Diaan and I arrived last night – exhausted but excited. Mendoza – the picturesque wine mecca of Argentina – has already stolen our hearts. Not least for the bustling tree-lined inner city streets filled with cafes and character. When we stopped in front of the imposing façade of the Park Hyatt Mendoza, we positively gasped. Set right on the vast and bustling town square (so typical of rural Argentina’s urban landscapes), the historical charm of hotel’s exterior reminds you of the mansions and villas described in Isabel Allende’s novels, while the interiors are a testimony to modern design sensibilities and utter luxury. From dimmed night lights in the lavish bedroom-sized bathroom to the freshly-baked pastries and fluffy white robes and towels, we were thoroughly spoilt. Not to mention the much-needed loofahs to wash away our travelling tiredness and a magnum-sized vase of fresh lilies in each bathroom to make us feel at home.
The cherry on top? The welcoming glass of local Malbec we received upon arrival – perfectly and ever so slightly chilled to the correct temperature to enjoy this chocolatey cultivar. It was a fitting taste of things to come as we are setting out today to explore some of the top wineries – and eateries – in the Mendoza wine region…Argentina’s answer to the Cape’s winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and one of the most coveted wine regions in South America.
