We're off to the wine country....

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Having joined forces with Holden and Julia, we are off to the wine country of Argentina. We have been tasting the wines with every meal and find the Malbecs very good. They may be competing with the full-bodied cabernets of the US.

We will be staying at the Nuevo Hotel San Francisco in the Coria neighborhood of Mendoza.

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Photos

At the Nuevo Hotel San Francisco
The pool is a wonderful retreat from the heat of these days - especially when the children have left for their naps. It's a good thing they nap at different times than we do!

At the Nuevo Hotel San Francisco
The pool is a wonderful retreat from the heat of these days - it's also great for sky-viewing - day or night. We enjoyed a full moon and lots of unfamiliar constellations on this trip.

At the Nuevo Hotel San Francisco
The pool is a wonderful retreat from the heat of these days - it\'s also great for sky-viewing - day or night. We enjoyed a full moon and lots of unfamiliar constellations on this trip.

Walking around Mendoza
In the Plaza Indepencia. They were getting ready for their big wine festival, which marks the beginning of harvest season - March and April.

Walking around Mendoza
In the Plaza Indepencia. They were getting ready for their big wine festival, which marks the beginning of harvest season - March and April.

Winery touring
At the Fabre Mayou winery. This winery was established in 1908 by some Italian immigrants. It has some of the oldest vines in the region. It is current owned by a frenchman, who adheres to many french traditions, from the roses in the vineyards - to warn of blights - to the exclusive use of french oak barrels, imported at some expense.

Winery touring
At the Fabre Mayou winery. This winery was established in 1908 by some Italian immigrants. It has some of the oldest vines in the region. It is current owned by a frenchman, who adheres to many french traditions, from the roses in the vineyards - to warn of blights - to the exclusive use of french oak barrels, imported at some expense.

Winery Touring
We also learned that of the three qualiries of wine produced here, only the top quality is aged in the oak and the barrels are only used for four years before being sold off. Apparently, they lose their best qualities after four or five years.

Winery touring
On the tour, we learned that this winery has protected the oldest vines with expensive netting. Although the region has moderate temperature year-round, they can experience hail storms during the growth season. the hail is so big - golf ball-sized - the grapes would be damaged if they were not protected.

Winery Touring
We also learned that of the three qualiries of wine produced here, only the top quality is aged in the oak and the barrels are only used for four years before being sold off. Apparently, they lose their best qualities after four or five years.

Winery Touring
We also learned that of the three qualiries of wine produced here, only the top quality is aged in the oak and the barrels are only used for four years before being sold off. Apparently, they lose their best qualities after four or five years.