Club Tapiz

Activities

• Winery tours are the obvious highlight, but tours vary from winery to winery, so start with one which will explain the whole process in detail and in English. Bodega Tapiz – same owners as the hotel, but 15km away – is quite the best, and it's included in your room tariff. Carolina Fuller is a charming Anglo-Argentine with a great passion, expertise and infectious enthusiasm for wine making. She’ll show you the vineyards and explain planting, pruning and harvesting techniques, then take you through the winery, encouraging tastings at every stage of the process, from grapes to bottle. Unmissable!
  
  
• Once you’ve done this tour, you can move on to other bodegas in the Maipú region, ranging from large (Trapiche and Familia Zuccardi) to small (notably Tempus Alba, with its stunning architecture, superb wines and the particular vision of its owners). Carlos Pulenta’s inspiring bodega Vistalba – also with magnificent architecture – is very nearby in Luján de Cuyo. Arrange a driver to take you, or – if you’re feeling energetic – borrow Club Tapiz’s bikes and set off on a tour by yourselves. Ask for the excellent Winemap and make sure you get a box lunch; alternatively stop at La Bourgogne’s excellent restaurant in Vistalba, or at the Familia Zuccardi bodega restaurant (reservations required at both). And bring a hat for the hot sun!
  
  
• Mendoza isn’t just about wine. That pure water comes from Andes’ snowmelt, and if you have time, it’s definitely worth getting into the mountains. Hire a car and guide and head off on the road to Chile, with marvellous trekking in the State Park in the foothills of Aconcagua. However, going there and back in a day wouldn’t give you much time to walk, so you might wish to add this on to the end of your itinerary.
  
  
• Skiing is possible at two places in Mendoza, late June to September: the world famous Las Leñas is in the south of the province, but the humbler family resort Los Penitentes is just 20km (15mins) away. Again, you’d want to stay in one of the local hotels, but could happily combine a couple of days skiing with a few more wine tasting.
  
  
• Tango classes are offered in the old pulperia at the hotel, but book ahead.
  
  
• Superb landscape throughout Mendoza province, ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities, such as fishing, rafting and horseriding. Los Potrerillos is a good base for these, just an hour away and very picturesque. Ask at reception for them to arrange a trip for you.
  
  
• Mendoza – just 20 minutes away - is one of Argentina’s loveliest cities: wide tree-lined avenues, pretty plazas, and some excellent shops, wine boutiques and restaurants. Particularly recommended are: The Vines of Mendoza tasting room and information centre, and the excellent restaurant and wine bar, Azafrán.