Continuing with our first series for wine and gastronomy experiences around the world, we make yet another stop in Mendoza, Argentina. This time to the Valle del Uco. Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Valle del Uco is renowned for its high-altitude vineyards, diverse terroirs, and a cool climate, yielding elegant wines celebrated for their vibrant acidity, particularly notable for their Malbec and Torrontes varietals.
Our latest exploration takes us to Gualtallary, a subregion within Valle del Uco, known for its rocky limestone soils and diurnal temperature variations, ideal for slow grape ripening and flavour development. Here, at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 meters above sea level, the magic of winemaking unfolds.
Winery restaurants have revolutionized the wine and dining experience, seamlessly blending oenological craftsmanship with culinary artistry. These venues offer not just exceptional wines but also expertly crafted dishes highlighting local flavours and innovative recipes. While accolades like Michelin stars add prestige, the real allure lies in the immersive journey, tantalizing taste buds, sparking creativity, and nurturing the soul.
A journey that usually starts with a tour around the place, talking about the wine making process, visiting the winery where great part of the magic happens, to end with a perfectly paired lunch. This is what we experience at Huentala’s ‘La Isabel Estate’ in Tupungato in Valle de Uco, subregion of Mendoza.Â
La Isabel Estate is located at 1,400 masl, in Gualtallary, a high-altitude wine region located in Tupungato. It is not your normal set up for a winery, but that’s where the magic unveils. Every part we visited could only be perceived from inside the winery, and it’s the wow in every corner. Not only that, but it’s full of art from local artists from the biggest ant in the entrance to the group of foxes that represents the fauna in the place.
We began our vineyard tour with winemaker Pepe Morales, exploring the growth process of grapes varieties and the impact of Gualtallary’s diverse soil on their characteristics. The altitude conditions, with increased sunlight and UV exposure, result in thicker grape skins and more tannins, intensifyinf the wine’s colour.  Our next stop was the winery, followed by the circular-shaped barrels room where the blending process unfolds. Here we also met  Julio Camsen, the visionary behind Huentala, that against all the odds, anticipated the potential of the farm when acquired it back in 2002.
Moving to the upstairs restaurant RASTRO, we were treated to a delightful 14-course sharing menu that took us through an interesting journey, a tribute to the region, country and cultures. Starting from pre-Hispanic times with indigenous ingredients like quinoa, potato, and avocado; to Spanish conquest-era additions such as beef, wheat and dairy; and further influenced by African spices and traditions. The culinary journey continued through migrations from the Middle East, and Mediterranean Europe in the XIX and XX centuries, which brought hummus, knishes, cheeses, etc; and ending with influences from recent migrations from the Asia Pacific, and Central America migrations in this century.Â
Huentala has several lines of wines, from the famous El Sombrero, and Gran Sombrero, to the more premium lines Isabel Estate, and now Zonos, that consist of the blend of the same varietal of grapes, but from different zones within the vineyards, that proven to be totally different, one of the characteristics of the soil at La Isabel Estate. For me, the recently launched Malbec from the Zonos lines, it’s a wine with deep, concentrated floral aromas notes with balanced tannins; which was another great discovery to pair with the fine dinning experience. We finished the afternoon, with a private tour to the wine bar terrace at the very top of the building, from where you can admire the whole winery.Â
From farm-to-table delicacies paired with award-winning wines to vineyard picnics amidst scenic landscapes, winery restaurants offer a glimpse into the essence of the terroir, celebrating the marriage of food, wine, and nature.
Embark on a culinary odyssey unlike any other as you explore wineries with restaurants and discover the perfect fusion of wine and gastronomy, where each sip and bite transport you to a realm of unparalleled delight. Experience the epitome of culinary excellence amidst the vineyards, where every meal is a celebration of flavour, innovation, and the timeless art of winemaking.