Chile and Argentina Wine Regions - A La Carte
Customized Luxury Wine Lodge Stays

Argentina Wine Regions
The Northwest One of the most attractive regions, with its gorges and small towns of beautiful colonial architecture, a region where the Inca roots have melted with modern life. Its valleys possess numerous archaeological remains belonging to different cultures that have lived in this area since time immemorial. Deep dry gullies climb up to the Puna (heights) via dusty routes to lost villages and ruins from Pre-Hispanic times in the land of the Inca or “Sons of the Sun”. This is why they say that here South America touches the sky. The visitor plunges into a magical ambiance where the fresh air and the transparent atmosphere stress the presence of the colorful hills and the irregular geological formations of the gorge. Its warm weather and its nice people make the stay of the visitor really enjoyable. Home to abundant natural attractions and atmospheric relics from the pre-Columbian and colonial past, this is the more ‘traditional’ part of Argentina. It includes the provinces of Jujuy (numerous wildlife reserves), Salta (with the best preserved colonial city in the country, hundreds of archaeological sites, and colonial buildings), Tucumán, La Rioja, Catamarca and Santiago del Estero.
Colome’ Argentina Salta Northwest Salta Region
The secluded luxury boutique hotel, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, provides a heavenly refuge in which to unwind and enjoy the Colome’ experience which unites the quest for adventure, the wisdon of the native culture and the utmost in comfort and high quality. The tranquility of the vast landscape combined with the Estancia’s holistic principles and biodynamic farming practices dissolve the stress and turmoil of modern-day living. The energy of the land itself, along with the exquistie wines and excellent cuisine, promise to bring you back into alignment with your inner being. The vineyards and inn belonging to Mr. Donald Hess, enjoy an exquisite 96,000-acre plot in the heart of the Andes, 9,596 feet above sea level in Argentina’s northwestern corner. Mr. Hess restored the original 1831 bodega on the property and adhering to strict biodynamic principles, revived the original vineyards to develop one of Argentina’s most colorful and delicious retreats. Located in a remote location in the middle of the Calchaqui Valley the four hours drive from the capital of Salta will take you through beutiful small villages, forests, steep gorges, deserts, and wind past riverbeds and up an 11,000-foot slope. Colomé is far from cities but yet very civilized. Guests can hike along trails alone or be guided by the owner himself. The cuisine, wine, nature and beauty will enrich your experience at Estancia Colome’.
Cuyo And The Andes Green valleys between imposing mountains and gorges are the highlights of this region where the Andes reach their maximum expression in the mythical Aconcagua Hill, the highest peak in the American continent. Cuyo means “the country of the sand” in Mapuche language and the name is due to its arid irregular land that lies next to the highest mountains. Today, Cuyo, is also the land of the sun and good wine. The region has an excellent climate and the sky is hardly covered with clouds. Under clear blue sky, small villages let the seasons pass quietly by only interrupted by the carnivals, Indian markets and the worship of “Pachamama” or Mother Earth who provides maize and the pastures where the llamas and guanacos graze. Andinism can be practiced at all its levels, ranging from small hills to the mighty Aconcagua Mountain. Towards the east, in the area of San Juan, Valle Fértil is one of the most beautiful and picturesque departments of the province, with a lovely landscape of sierras and cactus, and the gateway to the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as “Valle de la Luna” (Moon valley). The signature wine of Argentina is the Malbec, and it is produced at its best near Mendoza. Also the Bonarda, Tempranillo, and Torrontés, and other distinctive grapes grown here are as well. The Vendimia, or harvest festival, is the province’s main public holiday and the main national celebration of wine. It stretches from the last Friday in February until the next Sunday, early in March; the 2008 dates are 29 February to 10 March.

The Cavas Wine Lodge, 5 Star, Mendoza Argentina
Nestled in a 35 acre vineyard, Cavas Wine Lodge is strategically located between the best known wineries and the magnificent Andes Mountain range. After the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, the tranquility of the wine region is welcome. The unique architecture, open air courtyard, winery, spa,(with signature wine therapy treatments such as a scrub, bath in red wine, nutrition wrap & massage), and beautiful location with a view of the Andes, all combine for a stunning stay near Mendoza. Enjoy a tasting with our sommelier or a private dinner in the spacious underground cellar that showcases 250 carefully selected wines from the Mendoza region. the kitchen offers an exquisite array at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and cooking lessons may be booked in advance. Children over age twelve are welcome. There is a great respect for our environment. At Cavas wine Lodge we use bio detergents and we recycle glass, aluminium, pet and cardboard. Projects for 2008-2009 include an organic farm for fruits and vegetables, using compost to nurture our land.
Chile’s Wine Regions
In Chile’s central valley grow the finest rootstock, brought from Europe generations ago, including many varieties extinguished in the old world by the 19th century phylloxera louse plague. Chile’s wine region, from 30°-40° south latitude, includes eight separate valleys, each with its own characteristics and wines. The Casablanca Valley is generally considered the finest producer of whites, principally Chardonnay but with a growing reputation for Sauvignon Blanc. The Maipo valley, meanwhile, is Chile’s most traditional wine region and producer of the country’s finest Cabernets and Merlots. In recent years Chile has dedicated itself specifically to the creation of fine wines for export. Almost all the principal vineyards lead tours through well-kept grounds; the best-known of these include Concha y Toro, founded in 1863 and today Chile’s largest, and Santa Rita, which has recently received gold medals in international competitions. Near Santiago, the Undurraga and Cousino Macul vineyards also merit a visit.

Casa Lapostolle, Santa Cruz, Chile
Fusion of luxury, comfort, and hospitality, Casa Lapostolle, the family-owned producer of premium Chilean wine, celebrate the opening of its striking state-of-the-art gravity-fed Winery & Lapostolle Residence, dedicated solely to the production of its flagship wine Clos Apalta. Located just near the winery, Clos Apalta Exclusive Guest House is open all year round and offers extraordinary view on the vineyard and the surrounding mountains. Four “casitas”, nestled into the native forested hillside of the valley, provide serenity and privacy. Terraces offer ideal settings for quiet contemplation or intimate meals. Each “casita”, named Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Carmenère in devotion to the varieties planted in the Apalta vineyard, has a magnificent view of the valley and provides a private and peaceful environment that is harmonious with the local landscape. We offer several activities as well as simple lodging with optional services and activities for the unexpected visitors.There is no better way to relax than to be in one of these “casitas”, appreciating the spectacular views they provide. We guarantee a great night of sleep and an even better morning!
Clos Apalta valley is located in Colchagua, the southern portion of the famed Rapel valley, 200 Km south of Santiago, between the Pan-American mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. It is a horse-shoe-shaped valley bordered by mountains on three sides. From the slopes at the foot of the mountain, the vineyards lead down a plain along the Tinguiririca River, which plays a key role in the quality of the vineyards by moderating the temperature, preventing extreme variations and ensuring a long, slow ripening period. At sunrise and sunset, the foothills block the sun’s rays, limiting the vines exposure to intense sunshine. The Guest House, where the living and dining room are located, is an excellent and well-furnished place with a wonderful atmosphere.
Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, of the Marnier-Lapostolle family, founded Casa Lapostolle in 1994. This family is best known for producing Grand Marnier and also owns the renowned Loire estate Chateau de Sancerre. Based in Apalta, Casa Lapostolle’s objective is simple—to create world-class wines using French expertise and the superb terroir of Chile. With exceptional reviews, awards and accolades for its wines being received from across the globe, Casa Lapostolle is fast becoming a byword for world-class Chilean wine. The winery is 100% gravity-fed spanning five levels, three of which are buried into the granite of the Apalta hillside to provide a natural cool temperature environment for cellaring and ageing.This rare vertical design allows the wine to flow naturally downward during every stage of the production, eliminating the need to pump, which can adversely affect the subtle flavours of the wine. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the highest level of the winery where they will be 100% hand-destemmed, a labour intensive technique performed by only very few wineries throughout the world.
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