Vino anyone? Yes please!!

We had never initially planned on coming to Mendoza, but after hearing so many complimentary stories from others we had met on our travels, we decided it would be a worthwhile addition to our itinerary.  Unfortunately this meant yet another cross country bus journey, though we quickly discovered that the rumours we true, and that it had been worth the extra cost and effort.  Nestled in the desert to the east of the Andes, Mendoza is deliciously warm, surprisingly green and affords you the most spectacular views of the magnificent stretch of snow-covered mountains that separates Argentina from neighbouring Chile. 

Two of our four days were spent doing what we came here to do; cycling in the sunshine from winery to winery to liquor and chocolate factory to artisan beer garden, sampling fine wines, home brews, olives, oils, chutneys, jams, chocolates and liquors of every imaginable variety.  (Tobacco flavour?  No thanks, I think I’ll pass!)  It was certainly a boozy few days, but not in the sense that it would have been a few years ago.  Long gone are the sorrow-drowning days of old.  Every drop is considered, not guzzled; each glorious burst of flavour savoured; appreciated.  We sample some of the most delicious red wine I have ever had the pleasure of tasting, and become a little better educated on this subject that is so very close to my heart. 

Our favourite of the wineries boasted a huge balcony adorned with comfy couches, and many an hour was whiled away with our feet up, mulling over a fabulous bottle of Malbec, looking out over the vineyards it came from, framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes.  There have been many days of late that I have felt travelling has been wearing me down, and more and more I have been anticipating our return home, and wishing its hasty arrival upon us.  But in those hours I relished in the warm feeling of utter contentment, and was once again able to fully appreciate how privileged we are to have experienced all that we have.  In less than one year we have seen more than a lifetimes worth of two week vacations would have allowed us, and though I am excited for our return to the people and places that remain closest to our hearts, for the first time I feel truly saddened that this incredible experience, and all that is entails, is finally drawing to its inevitable conclusion.