Argentinawithfriendstravel’s Weblog

August 4, 2021

Argentinian Wines JESS@FriendsTravel.com

#ArgentinianWines

Dear wine Connoisseur!

Greetings from Argentina! We hope you, your family and friends are well.

Argentina is a country with so many different geographic resources and such various climates, which not only contributes to diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna but also enhance what the land brings to us. Without a doubt, wine is not the exception to this. Whatever route your journey takes, there will always be a corner where we could make a toast with wines that grow near the sky, wines embraced by the sun in the heights and even wines with smell of sea.
Get ready for a journey in which Malbec -a wine with French DNA that resides in Argentina-, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Torrontes and Chardonay will end up pleasantly surprising you.

Close to the sky
The height matters and regarding to wines it is a commandment. In Salta’s province and in the heart of Calchaquíes Valleys, we find Colomé, which is one of the highest wineries due to its location 3.000 meters above sea level, in addition to the fact that it is one of the oldest in the country. Its past dates back to 1831 and for that reason, its history is as rich as its delicious wine. Its current owner arrived in the American continent looking for new challenges. After exploring Mendoza and Chile, it was in Salta where he found a wine that captivated him and made Colomé one of the country’s most exclusive wineries.
It has a winery hotel and a museum dedicated to light that surprises every visitor.
Malbec: Altitude Wines

A religion
In Córdoba, wine was born because of the Jesuits, who planted the first varieties in Estancia Jesús María 400 years ago and then due to immigration in Colonia Caroya. As a result, the first Argentinian wine was born and they called it Lagrimilla. Since that moment, Córdoba has developed its own wine route along different wineries that produce red and white grape varieties in the touristic valleys.
It is a journey through its inhabitants’ history, the tradition of those who still cultivate vines in a handicraft way and hills landscapes. But most of all, it is a sensitive trip in which air smells of herbs, flowers and fruit.
Cabernet Franc: Wine route

A wine mine
We invite you to discover one of the best-kept secrets of Argentinian north. In Jujuy’s province, more precisely in Uquía, we find the world’s highest vineyards located 4000 meters above sea level. However, in spite of its altitude, the more interesting fact about Uquía’s vines is the decision to use an abandoned mine in the heart of Humahuaca Gorge in order to prepare a wine cellar. Its temperature and amount of moisture permits an special appreciation for white and red wines by the best wine critics.
Merlot and plenty more: Secrets of Humahuaca Gorge

Wines with smell of sea
From the window of its dining room, where the tables invite to enjoy a great breakfast or dinner in addition to an interesting talk between diners – who have never seen each other before but still, know themselves -, it is possible to observe one of the most southern vineyards in the world located some meters from the beach, where since this year the most Argentinian marine wine will be produced. In Bahía Bustamante (180 km from Comodoro Rivadavia and 250 km from Trelew) and in a landscape surrounded by sea, steppe, silence and fauna, we will find experimental vines that within a short time will undoubtedly give plenty to talk about and to drink, of course. It is another reason to discover this paradise in Patagonia.
Pinot Noir: Wildlife: El Pedral and Bahía Bustamante

For some reason, it is the best…
In the south of Mendoza’s province, we find Uco’s Valley whose soil, climate and topography characteristics make it one of the most important wine regions of Argentina. In addition, it is not a chance event that right there it is located Piedra Infinita Winery, which has been chosen for two years in a row as one of the best wineries in the world, at 1100 meters above sea level and at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range. It is a winery that does not compete with the landscape. In fact, it is part of it since the winery is inspired in the Andes which give identity to the wines and for that reason, Piedra Infinita pays tribute to them with a simple construction built with natural materials. Without any doubts, its restaurant explains why the winery has received this deserved award.
Chardonay: Premium Mendoza


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March 4, 2021

#Argentina #Adventures Off-the-Grid JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Off-the-Grid Adventures in Argentina

Argentina, a country synonymous with adventure,
is for the type of person whose bucket list is always in need of new additions. It’s for the travelers who roll their sleeves up, get immersed in local culture, and take leaps of faith (both figuratively and physically). Argentina boasts a huge variety of climates, regions and off-the-beaten path excursions so you can get the most out of your visit while crossing off bucket list items you never knew you needed.

So for those that have already done almost every you-name-it adventure in the books, here’s a list of Argentina adventures to add to your bucket list:

Drive Ruta 40 or “La Cuarenta:” To travel all of #Ruta 40 (Route 40) it would be equivalent to driving from New York City to L.A. (plus a little extra). In lieu of traveling the full 3,200 miles, adventurers can begin their drive in #Bariloche and head south to traverse along the #Andes, through volcanic lava fields, national parks, glaciers, colorful lakes, steep canyons, and forests home to 2,600-year-old trees. As arguably one of the most beautiful road trip routes in the world, La Cuarenta is truly for the adventurous traveler who doesn’t mind long drives through skinny mountain roads, camping overnight in canyons, and going completely off-the-grid.

Cross the Andes via #Horseback – #Trekking through the Andes on horseback is like traveling back in time. Adventurers can start their journey at the stunning mountain area of Uco Valley in Tunuyan with the full hike usually lasting six days through the stunning terrain. Along the way travelers will get a glimpse of glaciers, breathtaking valleys, clearwater lakes, and of course the various stunning peaks of the Andes. Mountain expedition teams will provide travelers with the necessary equipment, traditional Asado barbeque meals with Argentian wine and of course maintain the health of the horses throughout.

#ScubaDive in Ushuaia: Not only by visiting Ushuaia will you be able to walk around the southernmost city in the world, but you will also be able to dive into the frigid waters in search of ancient shipwrecks, kelp forests and a variety of marine life. For experienced adventurers, book a scuba-diving excursion out to Monte Cervantes Shipwreck, where you can catch a glimpse of the 500ft passenger boat that sank in 1930s.

Explore #Glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park: In El Chalten, adventurers can get a glimpse of Argentina’s notorious glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Los Glaciares is named for its numerous glaciers that are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field – the largest icefield in the Southern Hemisphere after Antarctica. To catch a glimpse of the glaciers and natural beauty, travelers can explore a variety of trails available near El Chalten. For the more adventurous, glaciers expeditions and guided ascents are also available.

#HeliSki in the #Andes: Situated at the foot of the towering Andes Mountains in Argentina’s Uco Valley winemaking region, it is hard not to look up and imagine the feel of the fresh snow beneath your feet. Go into uncharted territory with a heli-skiing or heli-snowboarding excursion where the heliport is only yards from your lodge. After getting acclimated to the altitude, excursion guides take small groups flying through the rugged Central Andes Mountains in search of the perfect valley of snow to drop the group and let you enjoy your own private slope.

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December 19, 2020

Argentina for Wine Lovers JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Zuccardi, a must-visit for wine lovers
What do South American estates know how to do better than the Europeans in terms of wine tourism? (The first European estate to show up on the list is Spanish at number six.) Under consideration here is not wine quality but rather their innovation and development of characteristics attractive to visiting oenophiles. No less than 500 experts in the wine industry shared their top seven favourite estates, of which four were required to be from outside their specialty regions.

Zuccardi Valle de Uco, widely considered one of the best vineyards in Argentina. How about a wine tasting and dining with the family!

Also titleholder of the best wine tourism experience in South America, the overall winner has been at the forefront of Argentinian viticulture since 1963. In southwest Mendoza’s Uco valley, the #Zuccardi family, now represented by its third generation, hosts its visitors in a contemporary, rough-cut stone building that blends into the landscape. The estate has its own restaurant right on the premises.

Further west on the Atlantic coast, Bodega Garzon is a point of reference for Uruguayan wines, thanks for the careful cultivation of vines at 160 meters above sea level. Its advantage? The terroir created by some of the oldest soils on the planet. The grapes are harvested by hand.


The estate won 2018’s “Best Winecellar in the New World” title awarded by Wine Enthusiast magazine, in part thanks to having understood the role of tourism in its success; it offers vineyard hikes, blending workshops, and picnics among the vines. Visitors can even pick up a few Garzon’s ambassador chef Francis Mallmann’s secrets. He’s the world-renowned Argentinian master of wood-fire cooking who also officiates at the Château Lacoste near Aix-en-Provence in France.

South America is also represented among the top 50 by Chile, with the Montes and Vina Vik estates.


As for Europe, Austria’s Wachau estate took the regional title. France is represented by the Bordeaux region’s Château Smith Haut-Lafitte in 7th place and Château Pichon Baron in 19th.

#TravelAgent #JessKalinowsky
EMAIL JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
VISIT www.FriendsTravel.com Since 1985

May 27, 2020

#ArgentinaVacations #SouthAmericaVacations #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Argentina South America

Argentina has been called the “Land of the Six Continents”. Although this title communicates the country’s great geographic diversity, we struggle to limit ourselves to six. Each region in its 3,000 mile territory is special and distinct.

The country’s northern half is rich in culture and natural beauty. The high northwest cradles ancient towns, where villagers honor their Andean roots. In the northern rainforests of Misiones, Iguazu Fall’s* great waters roar on endlessly. At the edge of the wide Rio de la Plata, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires bustles to the staccato steps of the Tango. The dusty central pampas are home to the Gauchos, the cowboys who herd Argentina’s famous beef cattle. On the western border, Mendoza’s prized vineyards produce the world’s finest Malbec. *I have hiked Iguazu Fall’s, done the river in a rubber raft, and toured Iguazu Fall’s by helicopter. ‘Air, land and sea!’ 

In the south, innumerable penguins, whales and sea lions struggle against the elements on the wild Atlantic coastline of Patagonia. Bariloche and Calafate compel exploration of the outdoors, tempting visitors with crystal blue mountain lakes, towering glaciers and perfect powder. And at the end of world, the sparkling port of Ushuaia is the last haven of expedition ships bound for Antarctica.

Argentina offers you an endless collection of beauty. No matter what part this vast land has captured your imagination, our expert travel counselors will help you craft the perfect experience.

JESS Kalinowsky will make your First Class, Business Class or Coach air travel reservations from your hometown to South America, and your pre and post tour or cruise, hotel reservations.

EMAIL #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com

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