Babies to the Max: Mendoza, Argentina

Packing for this trip was challenging. Stringent weight limitations on internal flights, vast temperature changes between cities (and countries), and a diverse sampling of activities made it a difficult task. However, I was thrilled to arrive in Mendoza to temperatures in the nineties and a private pool at our villa. Cavas Wine Lodge is located among a vineyard at the foot of the Andes Mountains, which separates Argentina and Chile.

The Main Lodge

Rustic Luxury

A myriad of publications and lists (not to mention our driver) described 1884 Restaurante as one of the best in the world. Housed in a winery established in 1884, all of the dishes are cooked over some form of fire. We were seated in the gorgeous courtyard and enjoyed watching the BBQ light up the night! Unfortunately, we were already feeling the effects of our above average meat consumption and barely had an appetite for the incredible meal. But even something as simple as empanadas were extraordinary here, and we managed an adequate showing in finishing our meal. I believe we disappointed our driver by not having at least six courses!

The staff had great food making abilities.

Not so great at photography

Watching the sun rise over the Andes made me miss my sunrise buddy, Max.

Some of the "wildlife" located around the property.

Not a bad view for our morning cafe de leche.

The chandelier in the lodge would be a perfect memento for Laura….

Our Day O' Wine began at Bodega Caleum, a small winery that was started a few years ago by two siblings and their mother.

The owner conducted our tour and tasting. He also described the business side of wine-making, such as choosing a name, label, and marketing techniques.

In a small enterprise, the owners have to be involved in all aspects. He gets on top of the vats to manually operate the press himself for some of their high-end wines and he has the muscles to prove it!

Just a little wine for breakfast!

Next, we visited a mid-sized established winery, Bodega Pulenta Estates.

The rosebushes at the end of each row of grapes is symbolic now, but they were used in the past as an early warning system for diseases that might affect the grapes.

They also make olive oil!

The perfect spot!

Everything is recycled here. The wine barrels will eventually be used to make furniture!

The owner of the vineyard used to be the only importer of Porsche and Ferrari in Argentina. Vintage engines are used as decoration in the cellar. Jason felt an instant bond!

Before beginning our tasting, we were given a "smell test" to help us identify some of the different flavors present in the wines we would have.

Even though Jason says smell is my superhero power, I am TERRIBLE at identifying smells without using my other senses. I'm confident the winery had never had someone quite as bad as me at their game.

By the time we reached the third winery for a tasting lunch, we were both doubtful about consuming more. Although the food and wine pairings at lunch were delectable, another seven course meal was just too much. I know, poor us.

The afternoon wind was starting to develop into a sand storm.

The heat, the wine, the food...we definitely needed a nap. This vacation was exhausting. Although I was beginning to understand why everyone kept asking if we were newlyweds; it wasn't because we seemed so happy, it was because they are all drinking non-stop!