ARGENTINA: There Must be Somewhere In Mendoza To Taste Wine

When I hear the name Mendoza I can't help but think of rolling hills, dry climate, sunshine, grapes and vineyards. 

Oh, okay, I also think about wine. 

So when in Mendoza wine tasting is in order. 

The end of February is the end of summer in the southern hemisphere, so in many vineyards the grapes were still hanging from their vines.

We chose Decentera vineyards to sample some of the local produce. 

The Andes mountains create a beautiful backdrop. 

As they were preparing for harvest we had a quick tour of the production area. 

Once the grapes are picked and crushed, they start the fermentation process in steel tanks.

Then they use French oak casks for aging.

Fast forward the process to the finished product. 

We did a 5 course lunch with 5 wine pairings. 

GASP! Who's idea was this?

I have to confess, I am a lightweight when it comes to wine tasting. 

Needless to say, I slept the rest of the afternoon away. 

I vowed to make up for it the next day,

 so we rented bikes 

to explore the countryside. 

Very pretty vineyards dot the countryside.

I also have to confess, I can have good intentions...

But I can sometimes be led astray by a bad influence

 and a glass of cider.