Argentina: Buenos Aires, Salta & Mendoza 8 Nights

Regions

Mendoza is the capital of Argentinean winemaking - about 80% of the country's production comes from this province in the eastern slopes of the Andes with a climate that is generally dryer and warmer than found in Chile. To compensate for the heat, the wineries use irrigation and plant their vines at higher altitude which keep the vineyards cooler but more importantly give wide diurnal variations of temperature that can be up to 20 degrees Celcius from night and day. This slows down the ripening cycle of the vines which lets the skins mature properly to develop fine tannins. Nestled under the shadow of the Andes in a unique location that allows winemakers to use the microclimates from varying elevations to produce different character in their grapes, this is a land of almost unlimited potential. Famous for producing some of the best Malbec in the world, other European varietals such as Cabernet, Chardonnay and even Pinot Noir are enjoying a growing reputation - not to mention the white Torrontes originally from Spain's Rioja, which produce produces a fragrant, crisp white considered Argentina's best - even though it exports more of its more expensive Chardonnays. The region also produces some superb super-premiums which are often exciting blends of different grapes.

Salta, an up and coming region which is 600 miles north of Mendoza, is one of the most unique and exciting wine regions of the world. Vineyards are planted at 5,000 to 8,500 feet making them the highest vineyards in the world and providing the cool terroir and temperatures needed to preserve the fruity character of the Torrontes grape, as well as producing some excellent Malbec and other varietals. Driving through this region is "like diving through a huge version of the Grand Canyon" says our Peter Smith, and although it takes some effort to get there, it's worth it for the scenery alone not to mention the superb wines.

Must See and Do

You'll find magnificent architecture in Buenos Aires which is an elegant, cosmopolitan city exuding "old world" charm unrivaled in the Western Hemisphere; tangos hotter than Dancing with the Stars says they should be; beef that rivals Kobe, Angus, and anything in Texas; a club scene with "cumbia" amd "Zizek" that makes New York look staid and doesn't end until the first light of dawn; one of the best wine bars anywhere (Gran Bar Danzon) with over 200 selections; and for "Byronic romantics" among you, Patagonia Sur, one of the most romantic dining venues in the world; lots of avant-garde art galleries, hip bars and cafes and ultra chic restaurants; and, finally and maybe most important so you can enjoy all of the above and more because you'll enjoy an exchange rate that gives you more bang for every buck than almost anywhere.

Wineries You May Visit

Properties will be a selection of large and small producers. Argentinean properties vary greatly in their presentation and philosophy, and many smaller producers do not speak English. Therefore choice of visits is dependent on guests' ability in Spanish language, as well as normal constraints of time of year and advance booking notice. All visits are requested on an individual basis and winemakers' schedules can fill well in advance at certain times of the year. Visits are personally selected by Peter Smith, based on his extensive experience in the region, and are often with winemakers who are personal friends of his such as Catena, Carmelo Patti, Achaval-Ferrer, Altus, Salentein, Luigi Bosca, Fabre Montmayou, Ruca Malen, Andeluna, Pulenta, Tapiz, Decero, Domingo Hermanos, El Esteco, Etchart, Lavaque, Nanni, Yacochuya El Porvenir, Mounier and Colome. Note: Argentinean wineries are beginning to charge for tastings, however the owners will often waive the fees if they decide they like you, particularly when you are sent by Peter Smith. For this reason we do not charge tasting fees up-front, since you are likely to end up paying more this way. The fees at each particular winery will be noted on your itinerary once the visits are confirmed.

Accommodation

Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa is the new addition to the Starwood Luxury Collection, created in the historic hacienda of Bodega El Esteco. With spectacular views of the Calchaquí Valley vineyards where you can take a stroll through the extensive gardens and admire traditional architecture and antique colonial patios.

The hotel's uniquely designed suites accent traditional culture and offer guests the luxury of a double Jacuzzi in the bathroom, whilst the Winespa offers world-class treatments with breathtaking views of the valley.

The Lodge at Bodega Colomé is one of the world's really unique hotels. Located on the estate that boasts the highest vineyards in the world - not to mention the oldest working winery in Argentina - this 9-room boutique hotel is truly in a class of its own. Owned by the Hess Collection, the estate is run with typical Hess attention to detail and appreciation of art and nature - including its own art and history museum way up here on the slopes of the Andes.

Laras de Chacra is a delightful boutique hotel close to the city of Mendoza, in one of the nicest suburbs and close to many of the best wineries of the region, as well as several excellent restaurants within a 10 minute stroll from the hotel.

Alvear Palace Hotel stands in the heart of the Recoleta, a refined quarter of the city with parks, wide avenues and an elegant architecture of classic style. The best restaurants, coffee stores, antique shops and boutiques of Buenos Aires are found in this area, as well as some of the most important museums and cultural centers.

Four Seasons Hotel is South America's only "World's Best Hotel" recognized by Institutional Investor and rated in the Top 100 International Hotels, Resorts and Spas by Zagat in 2006. It is located in the La Recoleta District, the cultural epicenter of Argentina.

Kempinsky is also in the heart of Recoleta. This distinguished boutique hotel offers a calm and secluded atmosphere decorated with precious antiquities in European style. Conveniently located within walking distance of the exclusive shops, trendy restaurants surrounded by embassies and private residencies.

Ombú de Areco is a family-owned country house which is part of a working estancia, or cattle ranch, about an hour north of Buenos Aires. This is a very authentic experience reserved for very small numbers of guests, and includes authentic parrilla barbecue dining, horse-riding excursions and introduction to the activities of the estate and the gauchos who take care of the herd.

Inclusions

• 8 Nights - 9 days hotel in shared double/twin room
• Breakfast daily - 8 or 7 if flight to Salta is to early in AM
• Private chauffeured vehicle for transfers and tours with bilingual driver/guide
  (Note: transportation to/from dinner is not included, and will be arranged with local taxis as needed)
• 4 gourmet dinners including fine wines
• 5 lunches, including fine wines, at wineries or restaurants
• Tango show (with one of the dinners)

Exclusions

Round trip airfare, customs fees, telephone, tips, taxis, alcoholic beverages, personal items, and wine and dining that are not specifically included in itinerary.

Pricing

All prices shown are per person double occupancy (twin share) and ultimately depend on program chosen, preferred accommodation, number of guests and type/size of vehicle. Prices that "can be as low as" refer to lowest per person price possible based on a group (3 couples, etc) of six like-minded wine and gourmet dining enthusiasts traveling together.

Chauffeur Program priced from $4,919 per person double occupancy but can be as low as $3,699.

Please Note: We do not offer our Self-drive Program in South America. Our private chauffeur-driven and guided version of the same itinerary but with wonderful local knowledge, insider information and "flavour" that only an experienced and friendly Argentine driver / guide can provide is truly a great value and a relaxing, fun experience.

Argentina - Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Salta 8 Night Wine World Adventure

Day 1
Morning - Arrival by air from your home town. Then transfer to your downtown hotel.

Afternoon - you're sure to enjoy an "insider" tour of the sights of the city with your private driver and personal guide. Lunch is open, so you can choose what you prefer to do according to your arrival time.

Dinner - This evening you will enjoy a dinner and tango show at one of the best establishments in the city - you may even be tempted to get up yourself and hit the boards.

Day 2
Morning - The morning is free for you to visit the cultural treasures of this cosmopolitan city; it has a rich collection of museums, art galleries and historic sites including of course the famous balcony of the "Pink House" where Eva Peron made her inspiring speeches to the Argentine population. Lunch has been arranged at one of the most exciting restaurants of the city, "Cabernet", which boasts a wine list of over 350 labels that includes fantastic boutique wines that are hard to find in Argentina, let alone back home. You can also visit the restaurant's wine store across the street, where you can purchase wines to take back home - owner Joaquin or his assistants will advise on the best way to ship them, and even have them delivered to the airport for you before you depart.

Afternoon - The rest of the afternoon is again free, or you can take the option of a private tour if you wish, to cover the lesser-known parts of the city that aren't covered on the standard circuit.

Dinner - This evening we highly recommend dinner at either Patagonia Sur, one of the most truly romantic restaurants anywhere in the world or Milion (no, it's not spelled wrong!) a trendy, bohemian restaurant and bar that is housed in a lovely historic town-house. Be careful here, as you may be sucked into the Argentinean night-life and end up not getting back to your comfortable hotel bed before dawn!

Day 3
Morning - After breakfast, you'll leave your hotel and drive north to the family-run estancia of "El Ombú de Areco", where you will enjoy a traditional parilla lunch under the shade of the biggest Ombú bush, a very unique shrub that is emblematic of the Pampas of Argentina.

Afternoon - Later in the afternoon you will enjoy a ride through the country with one of the Gauchos (cowboys) of the estate, as you view the activities of a working ranch - you may be lucky enough to see branding, dipping or even the birth of a new calf, depending on the activities going on that day. Returning to the house you can enjoy the pool or choose to visit the nearby town of San Antonio de Areco, to browse antique shops, traditional artisans' workshops or while away a couple of hours over coffee at a café that still looks as it did in the days of Eva Peron.

Dinner - is back at the estancia, where you're likely to be entertained with an impromptu song by one of the gauchos as you relax under the evening sky, surrounded by the sound of crickets and nothing much more.

Day 4
Morning - Return to Buenos Aires from the estancia after breakfast, with the timing depending on your departure schedule and continue your journey - an awesome scenic flight over the Andes to Salta, in the far north-western mountains of Argentina.

Afternoon - Transfer to your hotel where you can relax; enjoy a stroll through this historic city.

Dinner - Dine as you wish with recommendations we will provide.

Day 5
Morning - After breakfast, you'll have a spectacular drive through the rugged valleys of the Andean foothills. This takes about 3 hours, as you wind your way through canyons and river beds, past herds of goats, Llamas and amazing rock formations. On arrival in Cafayate you will have lunch at one of the winery-restaurants that have recently been created here.

Afternoon - you'll enjoy visits to two of the top producers in the afternoon, such as Hermanos Domingo, Yacochuya, El Porvenir, Mounier or others. The vineyards here start at about 4500 feet elevation, up to about 6500 feet, and the climate, geology and history of this region is one of the most interesting in the world. Famed oenologist Michel Rolland discovered this place back in 1988, believe it or not, and since then has been involved with San Pedro de Yacochuya - his first consulting venture outside of France. Check into your boutique hotel, flanked on one side by the Andes and on the other by vines, with time to relax.

Dinner - has been arranged for you in the hotel's excellent restaurant.

Day 6
Morning - Continue your travels through the mountains to Colomé, arriving in time for lunch (about a 2 hour drive). The journey is again worth the effort for the scenery and experience itself, but you'll really appreciate the added rewards when you get to your destination. Here you are in the company of the highest vineyards in the world, from about 8,000 feet to almost 10,000! Colomé itself is owned by the Hess Collection, and boasts a lovely 9-roomed guest house that has to be one of the most exclusive hotels in the world.

Afternoon - You'll visit and taste at the winery of course, maybe take a horse ride or browse the estate's art museum.

Dinner - you'll be inspired by a lovely dinner half-way up the side of the Andes mountains.

Day 7
Morning - This morning you depart after breakfast to return to the city of Salta and fly back to Buenos Aires, the only route to get to your next destination, Mendoza. Due to the travel today, lunch will be a rather humble airport snack.

Afternoon - we'll get you to Mendoza in time to squeeze in a visit this afternoon at one of the region's top producers, before you check into the delightful boutique hotel of Lares de Chacras.

Dinner - You will have time to unpack and relax at your hotel before dinner, which we leave to your own choice at one of the many excellent restaurants in this upscale suburb of Mendoza - we can of course help with reservations if you wish.

Day 8
Morning - Today we have arranged a program for you in the Valle de Uco, located one and a half hours from the city of Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes mountain range. This area is the region with the highest potential of development in Argentina's wine industry. We will arrange for you to visit and wine taste at Salentein, where besides tasting, we'll visit Killka: a very special art gallery with spaces for works of art from local, national and international artists. After, we go to Andeluna winery, then we'll visit Altus winery, where we'll have the pleasure of enjoying a delightful lunch in a old house specially designed to receive guests.

Afternoon - Return to hotel at the end of the afternoon and spend some time enjoying the beautiful countryside or shopping in Mendoza where you can remain through, or...

Dinner - Dine at your choice of restaurants that we will provide based on our interests.

Day 9
Morning - This morning we'll visit one more winery in the district of Lujan de Cuyo, not far from our hotel, where many of Mendoza's top producers are found, chosen from great names such as Catena Zapata, Carmelo Patti, Achaval-Ferrer, Alta Vista or others, with a final lunch included at Cava de Cano.

If you are continuing to Chile you will depart this afternoon by air for the spectacular flight over the Andes, passing by the highest peak in South America, Aconcagua.

If you are heading home you will depart according to your flight schedule, and if there is time you may be able to do some shopping in Mendoza. Depending on your itinerary you will depart in the afternoon or evening.