You know, it’s really Amazing how close Mendoza is to Santiago. Normally, I just jump on the LAN shuttle and bam, 45 minutes later over the Andes, I am there. However, this time, Francisco and I decided to take the scenic route and drive, something we hadn’t done since 2006. Good tunes and a dashingly scenic drive, five hours later we arrived in Mendoza–well, hanging out on our terrace at Cavas Wine Lodge to be precise.
Mendoza is a wine boom town. New wineries seem to be popping up left and like wild flowers in spring time. After visiting some memorable new ones and some forgettable, my impression is that everyone (Argentines and foreigners) want a piece of the Malbec action. What really blew me away was that all the projects were less than 6 years old. On this trip, I officially got “over” Malbec as an obsession. Yes, it is a great grape and when well done, is a beauty, but people seem to overlook the fact that Argentina produces a lot of other varietals. I tasted some Cabs and blends that were refreshingly different; the most inspiring bubbly yet in South America; and even some tasty Syrah. In the upcoming weeks, I will be sharing some of my latest finds and musings about what’s up over there.

Definitely Argentinean and Chilean wines are complements to each other. And they are so close, if you do come down to visit one side, it’s really worth the trip over the mountains to see the other.