Vines of Mendoza Blog

Since starting The Vines of Mendoza a couple years ago, there hasn’t been much time for our committed founders to catch their individual or collective breath. They’ve put everything they are into establishing The Vines of Mendoza. And, now that we have our legs under us a bit better, they seized a much-deserved opportunity to head to Europe this summer (winter here in Mendoza so not a bad time to get away) for a bit of sightseeing, relaxing and, of course (ever the entrepreneurs) work.

Michael headed out at the end of May, first bound for London with a stopover in New York City for some work-related meetings. In London he attended the preeminent London Wine Fair where Argentine wines and bodegas were very well represented. Then it was onto Amsterdam , where he noted there was an Argentine restaurant on almost every corner! A bit of an exaggeration maybe, but there’s no denying that Argentine cuisine is finding itself at home in Amsterdam. This week he’s enjoying a bit of legitimate rest, sightseeing and dining about in Barcelona where he’s recently been joined by Pablo, our Argentine cofounder.

The London Wine fair

After spending the weekend together in San Sebastian, in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, they will travel next week to Vinexpo, the leading international wine expostion in Bordeaux, France, where they will catch up with our third cofounder, Dave. Together, the three of them will be making the most of their debut visits to this granddaddy of all wine events which attracts people from all walks of the wine industry from around the globe. Argentina is expected to make a very strong showing with many bodegas pouring their finest Malbecs, Torrontés and other emblematic varietals for the attendees.

Argentine Parrilla in Amsterdam

After a quick refueling stop in Paris (and one last croissant), Michael will be back home in Mendoza in a couple weeks. Dave and Pablo will stay on in Europe a bit longer.

As Michael said on a recent (work-related) call, despite his time away going by very quickly, this trip is twice as long as any vacation he’s ever taken before. He also said he’s really looking forward to a good steak with a big glass of Malbec when he gets back to Mendoza! And, we’re looking forward to his return - rejuvenated, revved up and ready for what’s next.

“In one year, more than 10,000 people visited our tasting room” Marcela Lledo, from The Vines of Mendoza.

After a successful season, from one of the most important Wine Information Center in the country, Marcela Lledo, Community Relations Manager of The Vines of Mendoza tells us what foreigners prefer when it comes to wine and tourism.

-What can you tell us about this tourist season for you?

The Vines of Mendoza had an excellent season, especially considering that our company opened only a year ago. We were amazed by the growth of the foreign tourism, especially American and European, which is the segment the company aims at since we have a wine club thought for those markets. It was observed that most of our clients had some wine knowledge and knew that Mendoza was the right place to get to know this product a lot better and visit wineries. However, it was in The Vines of Mendoza where they were able to get to know the high quality of these wines, the wide grape varieties, main wine regions and find out about our wine culture.

-How many tourists came to The Vines this season?

We had approximately 10,000 people from May 2006 up to date, mainly Americans and, to a lesser extent, Europeans.

-What new proposals did you offer tourists?

Our tasting room is one of a kind in the country, and the first one to open. It gives you the possibility to discover and learn what is most relevant about wine and its environment in a 40-minute tasting guided by professional bilingual experts. We offer Boutique flights: Las Muestras (2 white wines and 3 red ones), Los Tintos (5 traditional Argentine red wines, without including Malbec), and Los Malbecs (5 different malbecs, each with its own character) and Reserve flights, which include a tasting of 5 Ultra-Premium wines.

For those who have little knowledge about wine tasting, we have developed a special program, a sensory tasting class, where visitors can discover the basic steps (sight, smell, taste, final impression) to taste wines in a fun practical way.

Finally, we host especial events such as Cheese and Wine Event (where you pair 5 wine varietals with different cheese types), Winemaker’s Night (where a winemaker from a particular winery presents its wines and tells visitors about their philosophy) and Sparkling Night (3 Sparkling wines from different wineries are presented and there is live music as well).

-Which are the actions to be taken during winter?

We are going to keep working in the tasting room as we have done so far and we will keep bringing new boutique and Ultra-Premium wines to taste by the glass. What is more, we will continue to work with our Acequia Wine Club, hoping to add new markets. And we certainly hope to have new Private Vineyard Owners in Valle de Uco, where towards the end of this year, the plantation of vines for the first investors will begin.

-What new project do you have in mind?

We are evaluating different projects to keep growing, getting stronger and widen our market; but they are still not defined, always trying to offer a unique experience for wine lovers.

Thank you Marcela, for giving the insiders scoop on The Vines of Mendoza!

20% off every single wine in our ENTIRE wine shop?! Yes, you read correctly.

To help all of you in the northern hemisphere kick off the summer season, stock your cellar (even though in Mendoza we’re seeing snow flurries), and get ready for grilling (asados), parties, trips to the lake and poolside relaxation… we’ve pulled out the stops.

Buy a case of your favorite wine or mix and match a case to discover a new favorite at our online store.

Check out some of our summer favorites!

To kick off your festivities, start with the fresh, delicious 2005 Terza Volta Sauvignon Blanc. Floral with a rich body of fruit, silky palate and an elegant refinement. You may start with one glass, but will soon be indulging in your 2nd or 3rd.

Or try the 2003 Obra Prima Malbec, meaning masterpiece, from Familia Cassone. Famed wine journalist Jancis Robinson says, “is a name to look out for.” Impressive indeed! Still undecided about which varietal to choose? Uncork the 2003 Vistalba Corte B, a velvety, lush blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and Merlot. With gorgeous plum, boysenberry and fig fruit layered with cocoa, and spice, it is a true powerhouse that ends with a non-stop heady finish.

Viva el Verano! Salud to summer!

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