This article originally appeared in Sellebrity, Volume 1, Number 1.
Argentina is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest countries to visit and an important destination when it comes to luxury travel. With an abundance of culture, amazing architecture and some of the world’s most incredible wines, Argentina offers something special around each corner. Having the honor to experience Argentina in my travels to Buenos Aires and Mendoza with famed winery owner and friend Marcello Victoria, of Achaval Ferrer, I found a myriad of different hotels, restaurants and wineries that offered their own luxury travel experience. Join me through my travels and experience my top picks that Argentina has to offer.
WHERE TO STAY – – –
Park Hyatt Buenos Aires – Located in the fashionable Recoleta shopping and residential district on Avenida Alvear, the hotel integrates the city’s historical past and its innovative modern design with ultramodern comforts. Highlighted with beautiful gardens, the Park Hyatt offers a stunning array of sights and experiences along with the renowned graciousness and impeccable service. Learn more at buenosaires.park.hyatt.com.
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires – The “it” hotel of Puerto Madero is a converted warehouse that features a Philippe Starck-designed red driven interior located minutes away from both the Rio de la Plata and the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur. Feana is a unique luxury hotel that offers something for everyone with a distinct bistro, a library bar and a cabaret venue with the famous Rojo Tango Show. Other amenities include an outdoor pool lined with red lounge chairs, a spa, an elegant ballroom and an attached arts center. With walls of captivating red velvet, Faena Hotel Buenos Aires is an alluring adventure of seductive elements giving guests a one of kind experience. Learn more at faena.com.
The Vines of Mendoza – Nestled at the base of the Andes in Mendoza’s prestigious Uco Valley, The Vines of Mendoza offers an experience of the finest wines, glorious terrain and spacious private villas. Staying at The Vines Resort & Spa is a beautiful and balanced experience with a unique and rustic luxury.
Foodies rejoice and feast on the culinary excellence of famed chef, Francis Mallmann and his signature open-flame cooking at Siete Fuegos. Siete Fuegos offers true Argentinian flare and sets the stage for an array of paired wines that have been strategically curated.
What sets The Vines apart from other resorts are the Private Vineyards. Work side-by-side with world-renowned consulting winemaker Santiago Achaval and the vineyards talented team to make your custom small-batch one of a kind wines from your own vineyard on the property. Learn more at vinesresortandspa.com.
Cavas Wine Lodge Mendoza – The first lodge of its kind in South America, Cavas Wine Lodge offers guests a serene portrait that only Mendoza can offer and the legendary wine growing region at the base of the Andes. Cavas Wine Lodge is a luxurious boutique property hidden between top wineries and the beautiful Andes Mountain range and offers spacious villas, an amazing spa and vineyard lined walk ways that create a story like maze.
Guests will be taken on a culinary adventure by Executive Chef Leo Najle creating the most exquisite ever changing menu, organically grown and harvested dishes are paired with wines from the wine cellar hidden underneath the resort. Learn more at cavaswinelodge.com.
WHERE TO DINE & ENTERTAIN – – –
Don Julio – This Palermo Soho steakhouse is a must if ever traveling to Buenos Aires that serves choice cuts from their neighboring hidden butchery steps away from the restaurant. This rustic style and family owned warm and inviting gem serves the most memorable meats for which Argentina is known. With a paired marriage of Argentinian beef and wine, Don Julio takes you on a rustic culinary journey like no other. With the famous open kitchen, guests are given full access to view impeccable cuts of meat, marbled to perfection and season by the historic grills that speak volumes to the success of Don Julio. A note of advice, come with an empty stomach and time to truly experience Argentinean food at its best. Learn more at parrilladonjulio.com.ar.
Rojo Tango Show – Faena Hotel Buenos Aires draws fashionable crowds to Puerto Madero with its famed Rojo Tango show at El Cabaret. With internationally acclaimed dancers, Rojo Tango is the top performance that pairs amazing food, service and artistic musical journey performed by premier dancers, singers and musicians that have been acclaimed as some of Argentina’s best. Learn more at rojotango.com.
WHERE TO WINE – – –
Matervini – A trip to Mendoza would not be complete without experiencing wines crafted by Argentinean legends and winemakers Santiago Achaval and Roberto Cipresso. In 2008 Matervini was born, and like all wines designed by these pioneers, challenged the different geology of the country.
With traditional winemaking and new sustainable practices Matervini leads the way in creating unique wines that stand alone with personality and tells a story that only its winemakers can.
Seasoned wine lovers looking for unique labels should look no further as the boutique winery produces some of the best forward thinking wines coming from Lujan de Cuyo. Learn more at matervini.com.
Familia Zuccardi – Since being founded in 1963 by Alberto Zuccardi, three generations have produced some of the top high-end wines from Mendoza. The Zuccardi family is known for their commitment to environmentally high quality wines.
With great wines comes an equally unforgettable culinary experience at the winery. First class service creates the story of food and wine that is as beautiful as the winery itself. Learn more at zuccardiwines.com.
Finca La Luz – Located in Valle de Uco, Finca la Luz lies at the base of the Andes Mountain Range and is a known for the large portfolio of high-end wines that have a unique personality and class. The family winery is a great visit for the luxury traveler that appreciates a wide range of the wines. Built in 1969, Finca La Luz stands as the oldest winery in Valle de Uco. Learn more at fincalaluz.com.ar.
Finca Don Duilio – Located in the Pedernal which is in the Southwest province of San Juan, Finca Don Duilio boasts a special family winery experience you’ll never forget. The family history has led the winery to develop its wines in a charming and magical environment ideal for growing vines. Unlike many winery experiences, you’ll walk the vineyards with the amazing family that welcomes you with open arms and brings love and laughter to your experience.
Take the drive and rent a helicopter out and enjoy wines, savor delicious dishes designed for lunch or dinner in a Valle Encantado, and take the opportunity to stay with Finca Don Duilio for the night in the spacious and unique guest rooms for the whole family or with friends and enjoy an incomparable view that awaits you. Every element to your experience gives you a look into the history that has made the winery so special and the wines which bring the story together. Learn more at graffignayanzon.com.
La Giostra Del Vino – I had the wonderful experience to meet and taste wines with Giuseppe Franceschini, the winemaker responsible for La Giostra Del Vino and one of the most amazing Chardonnay’s I’ve tasted in my time in the wine industry. Giuseppe brings an amazing blend of Old and New World philosophies to his winemaking, and integrates his experience in travel from all of the great regions in which he has made wine. With an array of cultural influences and unique way in winemaking Giuseppe creates wines that are true art. Learn more at lagiostradelvino.com.
Achaval Ferrer – Since the time it was founded, the wine cellar has pursued a path strongly marked by its philosophy and vision. Its Italian roots, given by Robert Cipresso himself, have been a pivotal contribution as an ideological foundation, which has been strengthened by bringing on and curating a growing vision by President & CEO Silvio Alberto.
Some stand out wines to experience are Quimera and Finca Bella Vista. These distinctive and unforgettable wines have an unmistakable mark of excellence one must experience. With years of staying true to the vineyards and the soils, Achaval Ferrer crafts wines that are pure perfection. Learn more at achaval-ferrer.com.
JA! Wine Shop – In the heart of Palermo Soho you’ll find JA Wine Shop, but more importantly you’ll find owner Joaquin Alberdi who is dedicated to show the great wines of Argentina like no other. With weekly samplings, the best cheeses and hospitality, JA! boasts the largest selections of Argentine Wine and more than 500 labels of large wineries and different terroirs. With a smile bigger than Argentina, Joaquin leaves a lasting warm impression and a storybook palate of wines. Learn more at lodejoaquinalberdi.com.
Destino Argentina – With pride and love for Argentina, Destino Argentino organized this recent trip to show the potential for luxury travel throughout Buenos Aires & Mendoza. Destino Argentina brings together 170+ leading companies in the country and, since 2003, has focused on international promotion of Argentina to awaken interest and make the country a premier destination for luxury travel. Learn more at destinoargentina.com.ar.
