The road to Cavas Wine Lodge has nature scenes that rival even the most spectacular sights in Patagonia. With a backdrop that consists of the daunting snow-capped Andes Mountains, coupled with rows and rows of vineyards on either side of you, it’s an experience that can only be described with emotion. Located 20 minutes outside of the city of Mendoza, it is the first South American lodge completely dedicated to wine and wine lovers alike. Argentina is growing to be a prominent contender for some of the best wines in the world rivaling that of the top dogs in France and Italy.
The lodge is nestled in 35 acres among the vines and has 17 villas. They each are in their own private house and are beautifully decorated with fur throws and beautiful Argentine art. Every room and villa comes equipped with its own private plunge pool, one fire place in the room and one in the rooftop, which is perfect for stargazing and offers beautiful views of the Andes Mountains. The lodge was designed as a place to savor food, wine and flavors, to say the lodge is romantic would be an understatement.
The heart of the hotel, unsurprisingly, is the wine cellar, also known as the cava. The cellar holds only the best Argentine wines, including Malbecs, which Mendoza is famous for. It is underground to ensure the wines stay cool, with a winding staircase leading up to the library, restaurant, and the Spa. The Lodge’s restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients to produce traditional Argentine cuisine. In my personal opinion, there is nothing better than a great sirloin steak and red wine pairing. My favorite wine was a 2005 Achaval Ferrer Quimera, it was so good that I still buy it for every dinner party to this day.
The Spa is famous for it’s vinotherapy treatments, an ancient Roman practice using honey, wine, and grape treatments to nourish the skin. I wonder if you could just put a straw in the bathtub and have a drink at the same time? What I love most about Cavas Wine Lodge is your freedom to have privacy, romance, and relaxation all at the same time while staying in an exquisite natural setting. As I write about it, it makes me want to book a flight there right now!
Photographs courtesy of the property.