Argentina 2013: Andes, Maipú, and Wineries

What a day! We did some amazing things.

It all started with breakfast in our hotel, and then Isabel and Gemma earned a great "prize" for behaving so well on our cross-country car trip: new baby dolls! Definitely a big hit.

Then we set out in the car with two main objectives for the day:

#1 = See the area's main geographical feature: the Andes Mountains.

#2 = Tour a winery.

I am happy to report that we accomplished both objectives!

While the Andes are technically within view of the city of Mendoza if you are on a high enough floor of a building, we were told that by driving about an hour south and west to the small city of Potrerillos, we would have stunning 180 degree views of an impressive section of the mountain chain. With the girls happily playing with their baby dolls in the back seat, we followed provincial Route 7 directly toward the mountains. And right in the middle was the imposing and awe-inspiring Mount Aconcagua. This massive mountain marks the highest point not only in all of the Andes, but it is in fact the highest point outside the Himilayas (rising to nearly 23,000 feet). In other words, it's the tallest mountain in both the Western and the Southern Hemispheres, beating out anything North America, Africa, Australia, Europe, or the rest of South Aerica has to offer. We were not disappointed by the view!

Here are some breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in the first and fourth picture below, fully snow-covered all year round.

Self shot:

At one point we asked Isabel to take a picture of us and the mountains; I definitely think she has a career as a photographer. Here's what she took:

I guess when Isabel says "Dada you are tall and strong," it's because she has this exact perspective.

Following our scenic drive, we set off to accomplish Objective #2: wineries. So we made our way to the small city of Maipú, the heart of Mendoza's wine industry. We got lost once or twice, so when we got there we decided a refresher was needed: lunch and a playground!

(Ever heard of "Salsa Golf" before? It's like a cross between mayonnaise and tomato, with a hint of lemon..very interesting.)

We also saw this great sign, advertising "Wine and Olive Tour In Bike" with descriptions like, "Visit Wineries and Olive with tasting and all Ticket includes". Classic translation.

Then we found our way to Bodega Trapiche, one of Argentina's premier (and most well-known) wineries. We took the official tour, which lasted about an hour. Interestingly, we learned that while today Argentinians "only" drink about 2 bottles of wine per person per week--putting them behind only France and Italy--until the 1980s they consumed roughly 4 1/2 bottles per person per week. The reason for this "sad decline" (as our tour guide put it) was due to the new mass production of other substitute drinks like Coke, beer, and inexpensive juices.

I am proud to say that for the most part Isabel and Gemma behaved well, earning a cup of apple juice during the tasting at the end.

Here are some photos of the winery: