Cafayate - Land of Fine Wine

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Wine, glorious wine. There are too many bodegas to visit in just a weekend. We managed to get around three of them and leave enough to ensure we return for another go in the future!

First stop was the Vasija Secreta (Secret Barrel) which claims to be the oldest bodega in town. It is a beautiful little place on the edge of town and easily walkable. We were impressed by the small museum and their tales of being completely non-mechanical. All the equipment is hand operated, but they no longer crush the grapes using their feet! No matter how interesting the tour is though, it's really the sampling you go for, isn't it?! And we were very impressed. We got to try a red, a rose and a white. Strangely for us it was the red which didn't impress. These wines are not available in the shops and supermarkets as they are a small operation and sell directly to restaurants. We were so taken by the white torrontes and the rose that we bought a bottle of each. Now that's unusual for us!

Our next visit was at the organic bodega Nanni in the centre of town. Once again it was a small operation and it had a very nice courtyard from where we were shown the equipment. The tasting session was a bit of a disappointment though, as neither of us found their organic wines to our liking. Still, we've tried it now so we know what not to buy!!

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Photos

Cheers!
Here's to fine Argentine wines!
Sorry it's a bit blurred. Perhaps the guy who took it got bigger samples than we did!!!

Cabernet Flavoured Ice Cream
More of a sorbet really, but Russ didn't care!

The Secret Barrel
Vasija Secreta - our first tour

Inside the Old Bodega
A nice little museum area. (But you DO really need to speak Spanish!)

Nanni's Table
A bit too big to take home but I really liked it. Just a shame we didn't like the wine!

Is this the best location in the world for wine?
Breathtaking scenery

Don David
We passed a huge bottle on the way out to Etchart. Next time we'll see where this Don David stuff comes from!

Wine Making
The modern way at Etchart.

The finished product
on its way to the UK or the USA perhaps?

Lots of wine!
Our wine rack looks a little empty in comparison!

The Wine Museum
I quite liked this tile outside. Inside it was a bit musty, but very interesting.

Comments

[Ronnie]

wine tasting...
Want to go back when Mario and I come in August?

[Dave G]

What's the wine?
So you big up this "wine [that] was fabulous, but about 5 or 6 times what we would normally pay for a bottle" but don't tell us what the hell it is! Well I can afford £1.50/£1.80 so what is it? Oz Clarke says wonderfu things about the region, but doesn't specify what to drink, so it's up to you to recommend stuff. He does think it is a very up and coming area though, so maybe you should be buying some shares in a vineyard or two!! Cheers!

[Mark]

will the adventures never end for you two? I'm so hope that you are still travelling and living life to the fullest

[amanda the great]

super jealous
cafayate!!! i'll get there on my next trip to argentina!

[amanda the great]

super jealous
cafayate!!! i'll get there on my next trip to argentina!