Lujan de Cuyo Wineries

We went about a half hour south on Route 40 to the Lujan de Cuyo region with our Italian Argentinian driver, Damian. Route 40 is the major north/south route running the full length of Argentina. The Andes and foothills are always to the west. It is still very hot, over 90F. We visited three wineries.

The first, Huarpe Wines, is a small family run vineyard. Huarpe are the indigenous local people and the wines and vineyard pay homage to them. The owners, Anna and Jose Hernandez Toso, began the vineyard in 2003. Anna gave us a tour and we particularly liked their Cab Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

The second vineyard, Budeguer, was larger and more commercial, like the Napa vineyards with a very modern setting, lots of art, etc. A nice tasting.

Last we visited Bodega Renacer, a lovely vineyard with a great restaurant (voted best in Mendoza). Great food, great wines. An excellent Malbec dessert wine that tasted like an Amarone.Read more