Algodón Wine State

Impeccable vineyards and guaranteed relaxation in San Rafael

Scott Mathis' Algodón Wine Estate project in the province of Mendoza comprises a luxury real estate development, high-end wine production and a boutique hotel perfect for relaxation. All around a 9-hole golf course.

There are few rooms, spacious and very comfortable, overlooking the vineyards or the large gardens. The bathrooms, in which stone stands out, have a contemporary design. The staff, mostly from San Rafael, is as attentive as the modern architecture of the establishment.

The hotel offers a variety of recreational activities such as a visit to the vineyards, led by a specialist, who does not skimp on details when transmitting his experience in local wine production. For sportsmen, the aforementioned golf course, surrounded by old poplars, olive trees and vineyard lines, is the star of Algodón Wine Estate. There is also access to the tennis courts: there are clay and grass courts, where with a little luck one can find José Luis Clerc, the former Argentine tennis player, giving a clinic. Traditional and electric bicycles are also available for guests to ride around the peaceful estancia.

We arrived at Algodón on a January day, in the middle of a heat wave, so the temperature was perfect for enjoying the swimming pool. In fact, we only went out to savor the fresh seasonal fruits, which in the area -especially the pit fruits- are very good. In the evening, at Chez Gastón restaurant, we opted for the three-course menu, accompanied by the outstanding wines of the brand, either in their Blue Label version or the premium black label ones, which are really very superior.

Breakfast is a la carte, super complete, with natural orange juice, energetic eggs and avocado and, of course, the homemade jam of the famous Cuyo peaches.

During our stay, a visit to the Laberinto de Borges was a must. San Rafael is very large and this attraction is located about 30 minutes from the hotel, at the Los Álamos estate. That's where we headed. 

The park was made possible thanks to the friendship that united the writer with Susana Bombal, one of the owners. A grandnephew of hers, Kmy Aldao, used to accompany her in those long gatherings, so all that collection of memories motivated him to give shape to the project, which - besides the labyrinth - has a restaurant with tables under the trees, an interpretation center in which the visitor is detailed the history of the place, common areas for picnics and, most notably, a tower named in honor of Maria Kodama, Borges' wife, from which the beautiful work can be appreciated in its entirety.  

Another recommended visit from the resort is to Yancanelo, the olive oil factory. The store also offers a visit to the small museum that tells the story of the beginnings of the industry. We were delighted with an interesting collection of old machinery such as the iconic mills and strange devices.

Back at Algodón Wine Estate, being tea time, we relaxed with an infusion accompanied by some local pastries and dried fruits and nuts. The most delicious: prunes. The day ended with a dreamy sunset, in the special corner that Algodón has for sunset lovers.

Tasting the wines of the Algodon line is another must during the stay, as well as strolling along the trails of the huge estancia, whether on a leisurely walk, in the carts that each visitor has to go from here to there or on bicycles. The patio of each room invites you to enjoy a yoga practice and then sit down, uncorking the complimentary wine, to simply listen to the birds singing.

The serenity, the beauty of the landscape and the outstanding wines are the perfect synthesis of Algodón Wine Estate.