36 hours in Mendoza: Living the high life

Mendoza is characterized by cowboys, vineyards and mountains; but aside from its great rustic charm, it also offers some of life’s ultimate luxuries. As a province that has boomed with international tourism over the last 10 years, there are no limits to the new heights of luxury travel available. Take your time to indulge in gourmet experiences, space out in spa relaxation and enjoy the privilege of the unblemished, idyllic outdoors.

Written for 36hrs.in

Friday, 5:00pm

Take to the sky to really see what Mendoza is all about. An hour long private flight will show you how this desert sprang into life from snowmelt and sparkling blue dams which channel glacial water to irrigate the blanket spread of vineyards that drape down from the foothills of the Andes. Finish off with a glass of sparkling wine as you touchdown at sunset and watch the tapestry of mountain colors change. Book a flight through custom tour company Grapevine Wine Tours.

9:30pm

The ultimate Argentine chef, Francis Mallmann, is still considered one of South America’s finest and after more than 30 years at the top, who’s to disagree? Mendoza is home to two of his restaurants: 1884 and 7 Fuegos. The acclaimed 1884 restaurant is tucked in a winery just outside the city center where a grandiose setting gives way to even more grandiose food and a wine list longer than Homer’s Odyssey. For a more outdoors experience, make your way to his new 7 Fuegos restaurant in The Vines of Mendoza vineyard property in Uco Valley, 1.5 hours south of the city. Seven courses of different Argentine BBQ techniques paired with great wines beneath a canopy of stars. Both offer ample opportunity to savor Argentina’s world-renowned steak.

9:30am

The early bird catches the worm and in Mendoza that bird drinks world-class Malbec. Organise a private chauffeur from your hotel to drive you out to Pulenta Estate in Lujan de Cuyo, 1 hour from the city. Brothers Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta, who have one of the richest family histories in Argentine wine, created the winery to make premium wines. A private tour includes an aroma session and a tasting of the icon wines including their fabulous Cabernet Franc. If you want true indulgence, ask for a paired chocolate tasting – nothing quite as epicurean as chocolate and silky red wine for breakfast!

11:00am

Lujan de Cuyo is still the ‘home’ of Malbec, but the new Uco Valley wine region is Mendoza’s wildest and also most stunning. Uninterrupted mountain views with fields and vines as far as the eye can see, a slice of heaven and home to the most modern wineries and luxury accommodation options.

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