Algodon Wine Estates

Algodon Wine Estates, in the Argentinean province of Mendoza, brings together two of the favorite pastimes of civilized gentlemen (and ladies): fine wine and golf. Those with a predilection for spending half a day swinging clubs and putting on the green, and the other half swirling and sipping glasses of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, will be right at home.

A family of golfers developed the 9-hole golf course and purchased the original Algodon villa in the mid-‘90s. Their dramatic transformation of the rustic adobe house resulted in a contemporary villa-style hotel complete with spacious suites, wireless internet, satellite TV, and a range of stylish amenities. There are throwbacks to the villa’s history in the antique structure, and some welcome modern additions — a fireplace in every room, for example.

A second, recently constructed lodge feels fresher and more modern, but offers a little less antique character — though who’s complaining when every room has a private patio and the stone-tiled bathrooms come with “wine therapy” bath products? An indoor wet bar and two public fireplaces are inviting locales for a nightcap, while chaises around the pool beckon sunbathers during the day. Around the villa, olive groves invite an evening stroll.

As one would expect of a resort in a world-famous wine region, the cuisine is a major focus here. The restaurant, featuring a shaded brick patio and rustic pine tables, draws a nightly crowd of guests and non-guests alike with its organic regional Argentinian menu and bottles of Malbec and Bonarda produced onsite at the Algodon vineyards.

How to get there:

Algodon Wine Estates is approximately a 15-minute drive from San Rafael Airport (AFA).