Mendoza. The Barossa valley of Argentina. After a great 14 hour semicama bus ride (seasoned with good food, beers and a couple of glasses of bubbly from our fit hostess Giselle) we got out at the metropolis of Mendoza at 8am. Quick taxi to the Hostel, checkin/s/s/s, we walked town to the bus stop - tripped to wine country and got out at Mr Hugo's bike rental. 5 mins later and we (Mike and I) were pedalling the 9 kms of (Autumn?) tree lined streets to the farther most vineyard. Spectacular backdrop of the Andes, yellowing vines and glorious sunshine. A fine sample of local reds/whites and then time to ride. Another 2 of these before we got to Familia De Tomassen winery. A marvellous lunch served with the most exceptional Sydrah (cider) I have ever tasted was the prelude to the tasting. I was sold - ordered 2 boxes of Sydrah delivered to our hostel and we were off again.
2 more wineries took us to Tempus Alba, a very tidy, well designed establishment. We headed straight to the deck in the afternoon sun, ordered the 3 wine sample and sat back for the afternoon. Plento was the wine of the day, being enjoyed another 4 times. Chatted with 3 groups of travellers, got decidedly pickled and finally got back on the bikes. Half hour late to Hugo's we resigned our licences and walked to the bus. 40 mins later and back to the Hostel for another s/s/s and off to dinner. Quiet pizza early, sound checked for 3 young lads playing later that night then out to find a bar.
Of course when in Argentina, the Irish bar! Ordered 2 beers and spotted 2 lasses we saw on the ride. Alberde and Mette engaged us for about 4 hours, all of us adding to our days tally of drinks. By 1am Mike was hammered and asked to leave. On the walk back the Police had a chat to us - I allayed their concerns and charged Mike back to the hostel. A hasty return to the Irish bar and chatted to 3 locals outtside, ending up drinking with 1 till 8am at a little hole in the wall. Trundled back in for 3 hours sleep, woken up by....Alberde/Mette/Mike, hard time! Quick pack, taxi to the bus station and 14 hours return trip. All not lost, met up with an American lass who just finished WOOF'ing AND 2 cases of SYDRAH!!!!
All in all a great 2 day trip! Crazy.
