Biking Maipu Wine Tour
Mendoza Wine
The Mendoza Province in Argentina sits within the central corridor of Argentina. This region is so packed with wine, they alone produce more than two-thirds of the country’s favorite drink. This equates to the fifth-most exporter of wine in the world.
When standing in this arid climate within the foothills of the Andes, one has to look around and wonder, with all that wine and this climate, where does all the water come from?
Ah, the delicate battle between environmental conditions, the grape and the grower.
Maipu - The Jumping Off Point into Wine Country
Maipu is a small town just outside of the city of Mendoza. Mendoza is the capital and has beauty and charm all to its own.
The major bus-stop is here, and although there are some taxis that will take you to Maipu (18km south), the bus system is efficient and cheap.
The first thing you’ll notice about Maipu, is how small it is. Finding a room isn’t hard however, as many people in the surrounding area rent their rooms out to eager tourists looking to enjoy themselves.
Ready to bike?
Let’s do this.
Maipu Bikes | Picking up your bike
Believe it or not, biking up to twenty miles in a day to visit 10+ wineries in 90-degree heat is quite a sought after activity to do.
There’s plenty of small bike shops available to cater to all these crazy tourists. But one, in particular, stands out. Maipu Bikes. Why? Because they host you in their tiny wine room next to their bike shop for a free wine happy hour - after you’ve already been to many wineries - they pour you local free wine after. Woof…
The Town of Maipu
Maipu is a beautiful town where you’ll find the nearest working ATM - yes, this place is small. You’ll also find a beautiful park that sits in the middle of town close to the post office, pharmacy and bodegas selling fresh fruit.
After stocking up for the day, let’s begin.
1st Stop: CarinaE Vinos
Carinae is a deliciously quaint boutique winery owned by a retired French couple. Of course they’re French. They specialize in Torrontes, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé.
2nd Stop: Bodega Familia Di Tommaso
After the long first ride of the day to Carinae, it’s a much shorter ride just down the road to Tommaso. Built back in 1860, Tommaso is one of the oldest winery’s in the region. The decor and the feel make you wonder if you’ll be served in a metal tin cup.
Tommaso - Cabernet franc, Malbec, Cab Sauv, Albina and Sidra.
3rd Stop: Bodega Mevi
There’s nothing better than to sip a glass of wine that’s been grown on the land you’re currently staring at.
If you were in need of a break (3 wineries already), this is the place to do it. With breathtaking views, Mevi is certainly a place to relax and enjoy some wine.
Mevi specializes in Malbec, Syrah, Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, Malbec Rosé
Fourth Winery Coming up!
4th Stop: Trapiche
Trapiche is also one of the oldest winery’s in Argentina having been first established back in 1883. Trapiche is held on a massive estate filled with an abandoned railroad and llamas. Llamas? Llamas.
How many wineries have we been to so far??
Trapiche specializes in Pinot Noir, Cab sauv, Sauv blanc, Voignier, Merlot and Pinot Grigio.
5th Stop: Alandes (AMP Cava)
Alandes sits off a dusty road and seems to be tucked away more than the others. At first, you feel you may not be welcomed in. That, of course, washes away easily as friendly staff breathlessly take care of your visit.
Also, order 2,3 or 6 empanadas. The wine’s good too.
Final Stop: Vinoteca "La Botella" - no hyperlink : )
Ever wonder what it looks like after biking in 90-degree heat to 6 wineries? See below.
The last stop is where you return your bike. And proceed to walk to the free wine happy hour. Fun people to meet (other travelers) and laughs..continuous laughs..everyone’s having a good time with Maipu Bikes.
