Accommodation
Casa de UcoMendoza, Argentina
As you approach Casa de Uco by car, a low rise building appears out of the vineyards seemingly rising organically out of the ground, not obviously a hotel and with no immediately apparent front entrance. On entering the building, the opposite side is mainly glazed looking out over three small lagoons, making it light and airy, with views towards the Andes. The architect, who is also the owner, has successfully created an architectural gem.
The hotel has just 16 rooms and three villas, all of which are spacious and furnished to complement the natural finishes. The Laguna Suites and Master Suites all look out over the lagoons to the front and have private terraces in, a great spot to watch the sun rise and light up the Andes in the early morning.
The vineyard is located on the upper slopes of the Uco valley where the lack of underground water and stony soil produce some of the best Malbecs and Pinot Noir in Argentina. The vineyard also produces a number of other grape varieties, but perhaps the most interesting wines are the carefully selected blends which vary from year to year.
In late February / March the ‘vendimia’ (harvest) is in full flow and guests can visit the winery and then try their hand at picking grapes and crushing grapes, followed by an ‘asado’ lunch in the middle of the vineyards.
There are a number of other state of the art wineries and excellent restaurants nearby making this a wonderful place to relax in one of the sunniest places in Argentina.