To me, there is something a little magical about the place where wine is born. Vineyards conjure up beautiful, peaceful images of fields filled with lane upon lane of grapes, lovingly crafted into the magnificent drink that we call wine. Imagine then, if you will, a holiday where you can make a beautiful vineyard your home for a week or two; then add in stunning views of the majestic Andes Mountains, and you’ll find yourself in Casa de Uco and their wonderful Vineyards & Wine Resort. Situated in Mendoza in Argentina, you’ll generally need a connecting flight to get here from London, although there are a few direct flights, with a connection, it’ll take around 18 hours. This is a great stop to include on a South America tour and is well situated, with direct flights to both Santiago in Chile and Buenos Aires.
The Resort
Tucked away on the Andes Mountains, Casa de Uco lies on a 320-hectare estate in the middle of the lush green Uco Valley. A fertile paradise; the high altitude and a climate of warm sunny days and cool nights mean this area is perfect for growing grapes and is fast attracting the country’s top winemakers; the wines produced here are among the most celebrated in the world. Although the architecture of the hotel is modern, it somehow seems to stretch out elegantly within its surroundings. Inside, the décor is sleek, sophisticated, and perfectly matches the calming atmosphere outside – which always seems to be visible thanks to the plentiful huge glass windows. Of course, the underground wine cellar is a very special part of this resort, giving a home to some truly exceptional wines.
Rooms
There are 7 rooms, 9 suites, and vineyard bungalows; all beautifully furnished, very comfortable, and offering amazing views of the Uco Valley and Andes Mountains. All the accommodation includes private balconies or terraces and offers 42 inch HD Televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, a safe, 24-hour room service, and bathrobe and slippers. The suites give you that little bit more space but the secluded bungalows that can be found a little distance from the main resort give you a lot more room and much more privacy. The single bungalow even includes a rooftop terrace with a private Jacuzzi – the perfect spot to sample a glass of the vineyard’s finest!
Restaurant & Bar
The restaurant at Case de Uco prides itself on offering fresh, seasonal produce grown locally (often in the amazing garden at the resort itself). Taking their inspiration from the Uco Valley, the executive chefs create a clever and delicious menu with an international flair. The cocktail bar is much celebrated if you fancy an occasional change from a glass of wine!
Winery
The exclusive boutique winery is a fascinating experience for wine lovers; state-of-the-art equipment is used to produce fine wines. Explore the true art of winemaking from start to finish; you can help harvest the grapes, and of course, the wine tasting experience is second to none, guided as you are by the resort’s resident expert sommelier. You even have the opportunity to create your own blend, complete with its own unique label!
Pool & Activities
The particularly turquoise infinity pool is perfectly positioned to give you breath-taking views of the mountains. A Jacuzzi, solarium, and peaceful lagoon can be found alongside the pool. The Uco spa is rather special, taking advantage of this wonderful location to offer treatments using rich minerals extracted from 300 meters underground and spring water packed with antioxidants – you’re almost guaranteed to be totally relaxed! The spa also includes a sauna, aroma steam room, deep soaking hydrotherapy baths, a fitness center, and a Hamman-style room.
One of the main pluses of the resort is you can adopt a wine country lifestyle; your time can be spent riding horses through the vineyards, on biking or trekking excursions, or just exploring these amazing mountains. For thrill-seekers, what better location to paraglide, mountain bike, or even go white water rafting.
If you’re a wine enthusiast like me, then this resort will literally be a dream come true; stunning views, a luxurious environment, and of course, the delectable wine itself – what’s not to love?!
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