Argentina: Mendoza, Malbec, and More

Argentina: Mendoza, Malbec, and More

Malbec grapes in January

The Woodside Wine Appreciation Club is excited to present its members and friends with an opportunity of a lifetime. After several pleasurable, leisure-seeking, and fine wine-hunting excursions to Argentina, we’ve decided that it’s time that we share some of our unparalleled travel experiences … with you. We’re going to Argentina in late-December, and you’re invited. Join us on a journey filled with exclusive and memorable fine wine, Latin culture, and luxurious dining. Along with Jerrold, our person-on-the ground, and go-to-guy, we’ve teamed with Sabrina Mosquera, professional interpreter and sommelier, and Javier Inzaurraga, wine-hunter tour specialist, to provide you with a unique travel package. We will take you off the beaten path, to introduce you to some of the finest people, places, and tastes (palates) in Argentina.

Sparkling rosado toast at Domaine St. Diego

Signage at Domaine St. Diego

Trip overview: Escape for 9 days from the winter equinox, and explore the beautiful country of Argentina in the peak of its summer. Three days of touring the metropolis of Buenos Aires (optional) are followed by six days of adventure and exploration of some of the world’s finest artisan wineries, in the beauty and romance of Mendoza, nestled in the foothills of the Andes. Guided events and excursions are scheduled and facilitated throughout, with ample time to independently explore the city and region. The schedule affords travelers peace of mind and confidence that this will be an amazing experience. Rest assured… you’ll be well taken care of, have a fabulous time, and return home with lasting memories and wines for the cellar.

Street mural depicting tango in San Telmo, Buenos Aires

Mark your calendars: December 29, 2010 through January 7th, 2011 Itineraries and pricing: Full Trip Option: Includes Buenos Aires & Mendoza $1200 (taxes included) Part Trip Option: Includes Mendoza only $1000 (taxes included) Buenos Aires - December 29th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011 - Along with Jerrold and Sabrina Wednesday, December 29, 2010 This evening, we’ll be gathering for a delightful reception at Casa Coupage, an exclusive “secret supper” and wine club in Palermo. Hosted by resident sommeliers, we’ll be welcomed into their gorgeous Belle Époque apartment (with 18-foot ceilings and stunning marble staircase) for a tutored tasting and introduction to the wines of Argentina. See: www.casacoupage.com Thursday, December 30, 2010 Join us on a facilitated city tour – a great introduction to the history, architecture, arts, and culture of urban Argentina – including the iconic Teatro Colon, Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta Cemetery and more. Our day of exploration will be followed by a classic Tango show and gourmet dinner with wines at the one and only Homero Mansi's. See: http://www.esquinahosdsmeromanzi.com.ar

Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada in central Buenos Aires

A Porteno enjoys a hot cup of mate

Posing for a photo outside the University of Buenos Aires’ School of Law in Recoleta.

Friday, December 31,2010 (New Year’s Eve) There are several options for New Year’s Eve celebration in bars, clubs and restaurants (e.g., prix fix menu). We suggest that you make reservations with the establishment in advance. Transportation may be a challenge, so consider booking accommodations close to your selected venue. We can offer suggestions for these arrangements. The all-night fireworks display is not to be missed! Saturday, January 1, 2011 Depart from Jorge Newberry domestic airport in downtown Buenos Aires on New Years day. It’s a two-hour flight to Mendoza on LAN Air Chile. Mendoza - January 1st-7th, 2011 Along with Jerrold, Sabrina, Javier, Renée and Ken Saturday, January 1, 2011 Wine hunters (and Woodside Wine Club founders) Ken and Renée will be admiring the panoramic views of Mendoza and the Andes, at the Sheraton Hotel’s rooftop lounge. Join us for some fine wines and local tapas. We can suggest options for how to spend Sunday (deceptively quiet!), and subsequent free days, in and around Mendoza.

Panoramic views of Mendoza and the foothills of the Andes

Sunday, January 2, 2011 Daytime is free time. The evening will feature an authentic poolside assado (an Argentine barbecue featuring a wide array of fresh meats and vegetables), on the rooftop of the wine hunters’ apartment building, with a great view of Mendoza and the Andes. This gathering will be another opportunity to experience the summer solstice, and taste fabulous Mendoza wines and local foods. Javier, our partner, friend and professional Mendoza wine tour guide, will be joining us, along with Jerrold and Sabrina. Monday, January 3, 2011 Day 3 will be our first full day of touring selected wineries with Javier, in the Maipu/Lujan de Cuyo area. We’ll start with a visit to the exceptionally lush vineyards of Domaine St. Diego. After a long and leisurely lunch at the historic artisan winery of Clos de Chacras, we’ll tour Hilltop view from Domaine St. Diego

the charming, rustic bodega of Hacienda del Plata.

Touring the vineyards at Hacienda del Plata

Tasting wines at Hacienda del Plata

Touring the barrel aging cellars at Domaine St. Diego

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 Free time during the day. In the evening, we’ll be treated to a reception at the award-winning bodega Tempus Alba. As the sun sets, we’ll indulge is an assortment of wines and foods, and enjoy live entertainment with Tango dancers, musicians, and singers.

Looking in at the tasting room at bodega Tempus Alba

Views of the picturesque bodega Tempus Alba

Wednesday, January 5, 2011 Day 5 will be our second full day wine hunting. This time, we’ll experience the rich terroirs of the Uco valley. We’ll visit Benvenuto de La Serna, O.Fournier, and Domaine Jean Bousquet. We’ll also enjoy a very special lunch at Divino, with Ignacio Reina - winegrower and owner of Bodega Los Cerrillos. See: www.tupungatodivino.com.ar

Touring the winery at Benvenuto de la Serna

Looking out on the sunny Uco Valley from Divino restaurant

Thursday, January 6, 2011 Free time during the day. Our final evening will be marked with a casual farewell reception, featuring guests of honour Hernan Cortegoso, and Vito Ramonda, owners and winegrowers of Serrera. We'll savour the fruits of their labour, as Hernan shares his experiences in winegrowing in the Uco Valley. Friday, January 7, 2011 Depart for home (or continue your travels). Your responsibilities: Participants are required to arrange and purchase their own flights, travel insurance, transportation to/from the airports, accommodations, and dining (outside of excursion and meals detailed in the above itineraries). We’d be happy to provide recommendations to interested parties. We can also offer advice on additional activities and excursions.

Note: Our intention is to follow the above itinerary, but in the unlikely event that we’re unable to do visit any of these places, we have established an equally enjoyable array of alternatives worth pursuing. Important Reservation and Payment Dates:

- a 10% NON-FUNDABLE deposit reserves your spot today! - 40% of remaining balance, also NON-REFUNDABLE, is due

September 17th, 2010. - final 50% of trip cost is due on December 3rd, 2010.

Questions? Comments? Ready to reserve? Call Ken at 519-853-4787