Walking around privileged growing areas
This time we discovered on foot the diverse soils of Riccitelli Winery. This winery has vineyards in two areas of Mendoza: Luján de Cuyo and Gualtallary , in the Uco Valley. Due to their suitability in terms of climate, altitude, and privileged soil conditions, these lands have attracted winemakers from around the world to plant their crops here. We walked through them to learn about the particularities of each one.
In Luján de Cuyo, the owners of the winery have 20 hectares of vineyards dating back to the early 20th century (between 1927 and 1930), specifically in the Las Compuertas region. At an altitude of between 1,000 and 1,100 masl, this area offers cool nights and ideal temperature ranges to maintain the natural acidity and freshness of the grapes.
The soils in these lands are alluvial in origin, with a sandy and clayey loam texture, 1 to 2 meters deep, supported by a subsoil of gravel and pebbles, which occasionally surface. Malbec adapts exceptionally well to these well-permeable soils, where its roots burrow into the pebbles and reach great depths.
Riccitelli wines are also made with plants from the Gualtallary region, in the Uco Valley of Mendoza. The climate there is temperate, arid, and windy. The soils are rich in calcium carbonate, volcanic ash, caliche, and gravel, strongly influenced by the altitude, making this area currently one of the most important region in Argentina for wine.
Here we tour part of the estate, which comprises 35 different plots located in the area known as Gualtallary Monasterio, between 1,350 and 1,400 meters above sea level. In this landscape we observe how the plots, with different exposures on slopes of very diverse soils, convey a distinctive mineral character to the wines of this unique place.
A getaway on two wheels
Wine and Ride is a local venture that offers a tour of the wine route along the best wineries, vineyards, landscapes, and wine-producing sites in Mendoza, tasting exquisite wines and the best cuisine.This local company offers a variety of experiences throughout the departments of Luján and Maipú, with or without a guide, enjoying wineries, vineyards, olive groves, lunches, snacks, and tastings. You can simply rent a bike and set off on the wine trails, or you can sign up for a package with various services designed to fully experience Mendoza.
The tour can be self-guided, or you can book to visit wineries such as Bonfanti , Vinorum, Terrazas de los Andes, A16, Trivento, Stocco de Viani, Familia Cecchin, or the Laur olive farm. The route is characterized by tranquility, imposing old manors and fresh air.
Riding the wine!
There’s another way to explore the vineyards in Mendoza. There are options to explore by horse the privileged and wonderful area of Lunlunta, Luján de Cuyo, allowing you to enjoy Mendoza’s most breathtaking landscapes on horseback.
Rancho Viejo
Rancho Viejo main activity is horseback riding through vineyards. Their ranch is located on a 100-hectare estate, where the main crop is vines, as well as olive trees, fruit trees, and small vegetable plantations. It’s a route filled with alleys and mature trees, a pleasurable experience for all the senses.
Leaving the farm, we follow a path that leads us to the Mendoza River, which always has a harmonious flow, allowing us to navigate and enjoy it on horseback. Along the river, we have a small range of hills. If there is time, guests can explore them and the small trails carved out on horseback, which allow us to discover the native flora.
The options for horseback riding are endless. They range from a one-hour ride to a six-hour ride, with groups of up to 20 people. Rides can be morning or afternoon, and include a barbecue, a vegetarian lunch, breakfast, or afternoon snack. You can visit one or two wineries and enjoy tastings or go on a full-moon ride.
La Guatana
La Guatana is a family business that welcomes locals, national and international tourists. The idea is to get to know the surroundings, listen to stories, and learn that horses are an integral part of the history of winemaking.
The landscape is welcoming with a former seminary which building takes us on a journey back in time. Its architecture and intertwined dirt roads lined with trees and irrigation ditches reveal the river and its magnificent mountain backdrop.
Furthermore, learning about the story of passion and love for animals behind La Guatana is an experience in itself. Each animal is cared for with affection and dedication, and we won’t just find horses: various species of birds, such as turkeys, chickens, birds of prey, rabbits, and goats, accompany the experience and remain in the memory and heart of every visitor.
On foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, Mendoza invites you to enjoy its landscapes, which will remain forever in your memory, and its wines, which will linger on your palate.
Text and Photo Credits: EMETUR (Tourism Board of Mendoza in collaboration with Riccitelli Wines, Wine and Ride, Rancho Viejo and La Guatana)