Finca Adalgisa - Mendoza, Argentina

Set in a small private vineyard amidst Argentina’s premier wine-growing region, Finca Adalgisa charmed us with its relaxed, rustic atmosphere

Post updated December 2011

A renovated 20th century estate in the heart of Mendoza, this boutique hotel on a family winery combines wine, food and the comforts of home in a beautiful setting just minutes from the famed wine region on Argentina. Guests can freely roam the property of this working winery, relax in the den with a selection of books and comfortable chairs or sit by the small pool enjoying views of the Andes.

Arriving late at night after a 20 minute drive from Mendoza’s city center, we were warmly welcomed to our rustic, but inviting two-story room. We immediately lit the fireplace with the stack of wood already in lace for us on the patio and enjoyed a glass of the property’s wine before turning in. The next day we awoke to a basket of fresh baked breads, jams and butter waiting outside of our door and enjoyed our own homemade coffee overlooking the vineyards. 

We arranged to take the bikes at the property (no charge) to the nearby winery. However, I found the tire on my bike to be flat.  Since we were running late, our charming hostess quickly retrieved her own bike to make sure we did not miss our appointment and off we went through Argentinean wine country with the Andes as the backdrop. Thanks to her, we made it to Alta Vista winery for our scheduled tour.

Alta Vista Winery, (Alzaga 3972,  54 (0) 11 4815 7070, tourism@altavistawines.com) has some of Argentina’s most award-winning Malbec wines.  We booked a private tour through the modern facilities with a tasting and rode away with as many bottles as we could carry back.

Back at Finca Adalgisa, we arranged dinner on-site and were met by one of the winery workers who lead us through the vineyard to the tasting room/dining hall where there is no menu. After being seated in what looks like a large, modern living room with white couches and low tables and where every table has its own tiny personal fireplace, we tasted the property’s wines with traditional appetizers of meats and cheeses. Then we were served the famed Argentinean steak with salad and lingered over wine until late that night.

Before reluctantly departing the next day (so reluctantly, in fact, that I called the airline to try to change our flight), we purchased lots of local specialties - olive oil, jam and wine - from their pantry.

Finca Adalgisa offered the perfect combination of rustic accommodations with modern amenities, seclusion but access to the Medoza wine region, privacy with services available as needed. We can't say enough about the property or proprietors and it's not just us...we recommended this to friends who went six months after we did and raved as well. We hope you enjoy it too.

Finca Adalgisa, Chacras de Coria, 0054 (0)261 4960713. Before you go, find out about the latest happenings - wine ratings, art tours and cooking classes - on the Finca Adalgisa blog: http://www.fincaadalgisa.com.ar/blog/.