The city of Mendoza in Argentina is known as the capital of wine with thousands of bodegas (vineyards) nestled near the Andes Mountains. 75% of all wine in Argentina comes from this region. Mendoza's hot and dry climate makes it an ideal place to grow red wines, and Malbec is considered the most popular and recognized Argentine grape alcoholic drink worldwide.
Most of Mendoza's best wineries are located on the outskirts of the city, a few kilometers apart. Consequently, some enterprising locals have taken to renting out bicycles to carefree tourists looking to explore and sample wine.
There are several companies that offer bikes along with wine tours. However, you can opt out of this offer and organize your own trip to wineries and cellars by renting a bike from a private individual for a more affordable price.
So, on one of the hottest, driest days of the year, you'll head out for a tasting. The first bodega is Vina el Cherno, where you'll be thrilled to have a few glasses. The 3km drive along dusty, tree-lined streets is quite enjoyable. Be sure to book a guide so you don't get lost in the Mendoza Valley. You'll visit four wineries, perhaps too quickly, and start debating which was the best. The winner might just be the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The next stop on the list is Flia Di Tommoso Wine Cellar and Restaurant. After a short tour of their historic wine cellar and some tasting, you’ll head to the outdoor restaurant for lunch. As you enjoy your meal and a perfectly-chosen bottle of Malbec, you’ll notice the endless sea of grape vines in the outdoor area around you. “I feel like I’m in a wine movie,” some of Flia Di Tommoso’s diners have said.
The drink will start to intoxicate you as you drive to the next wine cellar. After another long drive in the midday heat, you arrive at Bodega Carinae. The French owner will bring you the first cold drink of the day: a bottle of rosé. Settle in under the shade of a nearby tree, enjoying a good wine, delving into the deeper themes of life and travel.
Once the last drops of rosé have been consumed, take a break from the wine. Visit the Laur olive plantation, just across the road from Quirin. Take the tour, but before you do, try the bread with sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil. It’s a good snack to accompany the grape spirit.
The total time of the wine tour covers 6 hours. The surprising thing is that the return is much more interesting than the trip there.
Returning to the private owner to return the bike, you will meet several other tasters who will be drunk on wine. All wonderful days have a wonderful end. You will be treated to a glass of free wine, and after the heat has dissipated, you can head back to your hotel.
A Mendoza wine tour by bike is an unforgettable experience that is definitely worth trying. There are several other provinces in Argentina, such as Salta, Cordoba and San Juan, that produce wine, but Mendoza is the star of tourism with an incredible variety of production. The wines range from world-famous, award-winning Malbecs to simple patero (pressurized) wines.
The eastern department of Maipu is home to famous wineries such as Trapiche, Zucardi and Lopez. It reaches 700 meters above sea level, while the hot spot of Uco Valley, a more southern area in the shadow of the Andes, is 1100 meters. These areas have distinctive microclimates that are key to growing the luxurious vineyards of Mendoza.
