We overnighted at a fancier hotel, which is also a small winery. It was one of the treats of the trip, and it was very much appreciated. Thankfully trying to find the place wasn't too much of a challenge, but it still wasn't easy.
As soon as we arrived we hit the sheets for a good mid-day siesta. It was the most amazing bed on the trip thus far, which is really appreciated after over a week away from our own bed.
We woke up in time to eat supper, which was mediocre at best. Truth be told we were still full from lunch, but since supper was part of the price we were certainly going to eat it!
By dinner's end the cold was taking its toll, so I went fast asleep. Meanwhile Mike ended up watching the Canada-Russia men's hockey game.
Round 2 - Tasting wine
Appointments made: 3
Appointments kept: 2
Appointments made on time: 0
Navigating around the province of Mendoza is a pure exercise in frustration. While we had expected some challenge, what we ended up facing was just insane.
Signs: minimal, and usually small and sometimes spray painted
Street signs: one or two, unless you're in a town
Signs to get to Ruta 40 (the main route): none
La Azul
With some reverse navigation we made it to our first winery. It is small and thankfully only had a tasting with some education about the winery. (Which I don't mind at all)
Number of tastings: 3
Wine quality: good and outstanding
The outstanding bottle is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec 2004, aged in oak for just over a year. For just over $20 it was a steal.
The problem? It had no label. So in a rush decision I decided not to buy it, fearing what customs would think.
Oh how I regret my decision - it was that good.
O Fornier
We had lunch here, and unfortunately (for Mike) there was only the pairing option.
6 dishes, 4 wines.
Again we were quite late, but had gotten really lost at one point looking for the major Ruta 40. Apologizing when we arrived, the host says it is common for people to get lost.
Umm, wouldn't that signify a problem that you might want to solve?
I'm starting think that the remise industry has a hold on the wine tourism industry.
I found the Alpha Crux the best, which priced for about $30 USD. If you want to understand the markup incorporated our bureaucratic system, this same wine can be purchased through Opimian for just under $60 CAD. (And yes, I understand there is shipping fees, brokerage fees and the like....but that's quite the markup!)
Thankfully I managed to escape the tour.
Still trying to find our way
Skipping the last tour, we just wanted to find our B&B and relax.
We were fools for thinking that trying to navigate was frustrating thus far, since the fact that we actually found our B&B was nothing short of a miracle.
We had direction and found the street no problem. We also had an address. We, of course, were hoping for a sign to identify the B&B. Fools!
We drove for more than we thought we should and couldn't find a single sign. We then looked to the building numbers: 2013, 1985 - we were heading in the right direction.
2165, 1801, 937, 1593, 1689...
While the numbers may not be precise, that is pretty much the sequence: random.
We turned around one more time to give one last go of it, and preparing to ditch the accommodations to find something else. We had randomly pulled over to try and figure out a plan, when looking over there was the address we were looking for! But no sign, or any indication that it was indeed the right place.
Desperate, we rang the bell, when a lady came out inquiring "Tiffany?" Success! And pure fluke. I haven't a clue why they don't have a fricken' sign.
Oh, and to make matters worse there is apparently another building down the street with the same number. They get so many people looking for the B&B that they have the phone number of the B&B to communicate with.
Common sense need not apply.
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