שפונדרה

I woke up and caught the 380 bus into the center of Luján De Cuyo in the Luján De Cuyo Region. According to a map that I received there is a bicycle rental shop in the center near the main plaza. I walked around for about 30 minutes trying to locate the shop, and after asking a few people I found out that it doesn't exist. I returned to the main plaza and sat down on a bench contemplating what to do. I decided to continue my trip whether with buses, taxis or any other means of transportation. I found my way to Pueyrredon St. and walked west. I decided to start hitchhiking and after about 15 minutes somebody stopped. I told the nice driver that I wanted to go to the beginning of Guardia Vieja Road. He said no problem and after a 15 minute drive he dropped me off and pointed me in the direction of the street. According to 2 maps I had, this road is filled with bodegas. After a 3 km walk I came upon my first bodega of the day, Bodega Nieto Senetiner.

להמשיך לקרוא ←

I woke up early and caught my usual bus to Maipú. After the usual chit chat with Hugo and his family, he brought out the crown jewel of his bike collection; at least I thought so. It was a nice blue almost mint (untouched) condition bike. I know that I would not have to check this bike out for any kinks. It also had such a comfortable seat that I could bike around all day long, not that I wasn't doing that anyway. I got on the bike and rode into the center of Maipú. 

I arrived at Bodega Lopez around 9:30 in the morning. I waited around until a tour ended and then joined the group for the tastings down in the wine cellar. The wine cellar was a chilly circular room with different pictures and small cages with wines inside. I tasted a simple Chardonnay and a dry Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were not really good. The tastings were free so I bought another wine bottle opener (my 5^th). I started peddling towards my next bodega.   

להמשיך לקרוא ←

I arrived in Maipú especially early because I decided to ride down to Luján De Cuyo in the Luján De Cuyo Region. I hooked a right on Perito Moreno Road and crossed Argentina's famous Route 40. Moreno Road turned into Aráoz Road until I was finally able to turn left onto San Martín Avenue. Riding on San Martín I was again shaded by a massive canopy that stretched along the entire road. After peddling for about 20 km I arrived in Luján De Cuyo. I pulled out my wine map and was reminded that I notified Bodega Alta Vista that I plan to come for a tour at 13 o'clock. I started peddling south and stopped at Bodega Lagarde where the guard talked to a woman who said to come back at 14. I arrived at Bodega Luigi Bosca at 11:30 only to be told to come back at 15 for the next tour. Now that I had some reservations and had some time to kill, I sat down and opened the map again.

I spotted Bodega Carmelo Patti along San Martín Avenue. I only recognized the building by its number – 2614. I dismounted my bike in a small courtyard and walked toward an office door. Seeing somebody talking on the phone I knocked gently and waited. When the call was over I walked in and introduced myself. The person who I shook hands with was none other than Senior Carmelo Patti himself. 

להמשיך לקרוא ←