Wine enthusiasts rejoice, because today is National Wine Day! While it’s unclear when and how this unofficial holiday first began, there are plenty of people around the world who celebrate regardless of its origins. To see social media content from years past, simple search the #NationalWineDay hashtag on your favorite social media platform.
As you may already be aware, Argentina consistently ranks within the top wine-producing countries in the world, alongside others such as Italy, France, Spain, and the United States of America. So this year, we wanted to tap the experts that we have the pleasure of working with in Mendoza.
We asked for some of their top recommendations, so you can feel like a certified sommelier no matter where in the world you’re celebrating today. But, with fair warning, it may just inspire you to book a trip and experience the region for yourself!
Lares de Charcas
Lares de Chacras Boutique Hotel reflects the art of combining Andean stone with typical desert wood in a subtle union that captures the naturalness, simplicity and modern comfort. Upon entering Lares de Chacras, it’s obvious that guests are officially in Mendoza, the land of wine. It’s a spacious and comfortable hotel and the floors even have windows so you can take a peek at the underground cellars. So, what wines are they recommending?
White Wine: Alpamanta Chardonnay
This wine (which is available on their menu) is an organic wine that is consistently popular. It has a tropical fruit fragrance and subtle notes of vanilla. Overall, it has a great body and a long, soft final taste that guests love.
Red Wine: Matervini Tinto
This is a fabulous Malbec, a variety that is common within Uco Valley (Valle de Uco). Matervini is a new project of Santiago Achaval and Cipresso that is quickly making a name for itself, as it truly demonstrates all the passion and love both parties put into all of their wines.
Park Hyatt Mendoza
The Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel, Casino & Spa, with its beautifully restored 19th-century Spanish colonial façade, is a prestigious five-star hotel. The hotel is situated in the main business district in the center of Mendoza, in front of Plaza Independencia. It is ideal for business and leisure travelers, including rooms with stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the city of Mendoza. The luxury hotel in Mendoza is close to the most significant vineyards and wineries of the region. Here’s what they will be raising a glass of on National Wine Day in Mendoza.
White White: Susana Balbo Torrontés
Produced in very limited quantities, this wine was fermented for three months in medium-toast French oak barrels. The result is a wine that embraces the delicate floral aromas of this unique grape variety, intertwined with enchanting exotic fruit characters, a twist of lime, and notes of wild honey and fresh vanilla.
Red Wine: Casa el Enemigo
The grapes are sourced from Gualtallary, limestone soils, round rocks and extreme high altitude – ideal for making a wine of elegance and ageability. The winemaking is traditional Mendoza style. Alejandro brought old 100 year old Alsatian foudres (barrels) from Italy and had them re-toasted and reassembled in Mendoza. The gentleness of this wood brings out the true character of a cool climate cabernet franc.
Bonus: What to do in Mendoza for non-wine drinkers?
There are plenty of other things to do in Mendoza aside from tasting, blending, and bottling wine! Some of the most common recommendations we heard were partake in outdoor activities such as biking, rafting, trekking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also pay a stop by Mendoza mountain and enjoy a day of sightseeing which could include exploring the towns of Potrerillo and Uspallata, visiting Puente del Inca, and then taking a walk to Laguna de Horcones to trek to a magnificent overlook that lets you appreciate the splendor of Mount Aconcagua the highest mountain the Americas.
For some additional ideas, you can always review our complete Mendoza Travel Guide or contact us for more information about our wine tours!
