Bicycling and Viticulture in Mendoza
In the heart of Argentina's wine region, Mendoza, lies the picturesque Maipú Wine Bike Route. This popular tour offers an authentic and relaxed experience, combining wine tastings with cycling through scenic rural paths surrounded by century-old olive groves and vineyards.
The journey begins in Mendoza city centre, where a bus ride costs approximately 4.50 pesos each way and takes around 30 minutes. Upon reaching Maipú, the first stop is often Entre Olivos, a charming olive oil factory. Here, visitors can sample a variety of olive oils, mustards, aji, olive pastes, jams, chocolates, and liquors, all while enjoying lunch in the garden surrounded by olive trees.
The Maipú Wine Bike Route offers a unique opportunity to visit several wineries in a single day. Bike rentals are easily accessible, such as from Mr Hugo's, a company located in Maipú, which also offers a free bottle of wine for renting bikes, though this is not widely advertised.
Notable vineyards and wineries along this route include Bodega Trapiche, renowned for its beautiful balconies overlooking the vineyards, making it an ideal spot for wine tasting and relaxing in the sun. Another must-visit is Casa Vigil (Bodega El Enemigo), awarded 1 Michelin Star and 1 Michelin Green Star, led by winemaker Alejandro Vigil. This vineyard offers a contemporary tasting menu paired with El Enemigo wines in a thematic setting.
Other family-run wineries and traditional bodegas in Maipú provide immersive experiences of Argentine wine culture, offering warm, authentic atmospheres that the region is known for. Some tours even include visits to 2 or 3 carefully selected wineries, with enologist guides explaining winemaking, combined with meals and vineyard walks, such as at Bodega Santa Julia, Domaine Bosquet, or Bodega Jean Bousquet.
In addition to wine tastings, visitors can also explore olive oil mills and wine museums, all set against the backdrop of Maipú's picturesque rural environment. A highlight of the tour is the tasting at the bar of Entre Olivos, where the 'tasters' are generous double shots of two flavors of choice.
The Maipú Wine Bike Route caters to both adventure and wine lovers, offering a memorable combination of scenic rides, rich wine tastings, and authentic regional flavors. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or simply a wine enthusiast, this tour is not to be missed.
Traveling along the Maipú Wine Bike Route presents an unparalleled lifestyle experience, blending travel and leisure with food-and-drink escapades. The route takes participants on scenic rides, amidst vineyards and olive groves, stopping at wineries like Bodega Trapiche and Casa Vigil for wine tastings and lunch, further highlighting the region's food-and-drink culture.
