Exploring Two Passions: Bicycles and Vineyards in Mendoza
In the heart of Argentina's wine region, Mendoza, a day filled with vineyard visits, wine tastings, and bike tours awaited. The journey began in the quaint olive oil factory, Entre Olivos.
The day's activities included a visit to the factory, where we were introduced to the world of olives and olive oil. We also had the pleasure of tasting various oils, mustards, aji, olive pastes, and bread. Homemade chocolates were another delightful treat at Entre Olivos.
A small bar with dozens of flavored liquors was a surprising find at Entre Olivos. The 'tasters' were generous double shots of two flavors of choice, offering a delightful twist to the day's itinerary.
Lunch was enjoyed in the garden behind the shop at Entre Olivos, providing a picturesque setting for a leisurely meal.
The day continued with a visit to Trapiche, the largest vineyard in town. The tour included a visit to the huge tanks where the wine is fermented and stored, as well as a cellar where the prize malbec was aging. The tour and three tastings at Trapiche cost 50 pesos each.
A tour and wine tasting were also paid for at Domiciano, one of the two biggest vineyards in town.
For the bike enthusiasts, bikes were rented from Mr Hugo's, a company that offers a free bottle of wine when renting. The recommended bike tours in Maipú, such as the Wine and Chocolate Bike Tour, offer bike rides between vineyards, tastings, and meals, lasting about 8.5 hours.
La Botella, a local store, was another highlight of the day. The store manager showed off his wine collection and offered a homemade wine, which tasted like vimto or sugary, wine-flavored syrup. A discount card for a free wine tasting was received from Mrs Hugo at La Botella.
To reach Maipu from Mendoza city centre, a bus ride costs approximately 4.50 pesos each way and can be taken from bus stops number 10 on buses 171, 172, or 173.
Booking wine bike tours through platforms like GetYourGuide or Tripadvisor is a convenient option, as they often bundle bike rental, guide services, and tastings. Popular tour packages include visits to 2–3 wineries plus olive groves with tastings and lunches included. Expect prices to vary depending on the length and inclusions but often fall between $50–$150 USD per person.
For those preferring a self-guided tour, local shops in Maipú or Mendoza city offer bikes for rental. Key vineyards to visit in Maipú by bike tours include Bodega Santa Julia, Domaine Bosquet, Jean Bousquet, and others listed above.
Overall, the day was a delightful exploration of Mendoza's wine and olive oil scene, complemented by the picturesque landscapes and local charm.
- Our day in Mendoza not only included travel through vineyards and bike tours, but also a visit to Entre Olivos, where we experienced a unique blend of lifestyle, food-and-drink, and sports, enjoying various tastings and homemade chocolates.
- As the day progressed, we engaged in sports by renting bikes from Mr Hugo's, partaking in a Wine and Chocolate Bike Tour that combined travel, sports, and food-and-drink experiences.
