Written by The Biltmore Beacon
Well-known area chef Ricardo Fernandez announced dates for the fifth Culinary & Wine Tour to Argentina, Oct. 18 – 30, 2019.
In a land of brilliant landscapes, tantalizing aromas, elegance, and world-class wines, Ricardo and his wife, Suzanne, have redefined the notion of “getting away from it all,” by creating the trip of a lifetime.
“The tour is the finest culinary and wine travel in Argentina,” Chef Ricardo said. “Our guests are immersed in the best of Argentina’s food, wine and cultural experiences.”
During the week-and-a-half tour, the itinerary includes the old-world elegance of Buenos Aires, the high plateaus of Mendoza wine-making areas and San Carlos de Bariloche, called the “jewel of Patagonia.”
“Guests enjoy world-class accommodations and an exclusive insider food and wine experience,” Suzanne said. “Our tours are the perfect blend of guided adventure and leisure — including luxurious spas, museums, art, shopping, tango or simply taking in the view.”
During their 25 years as residents of Haywood County, Ricardo and Susanne are well-known in Western North Carolina culinary circles for launching one of the first farm-to-table restaurants in the region, the Lomo Grill.
After operating a catering business and monthly cooking classes, the couple curated an immersive first-class excursion taking food and wine lovers to Argentina, beginning the first tour in 2015.
“Seeing the grapes on the vine growing against the backdrop of the Andes, then venturing inside for a private lunch and tasting with the vintner, it is simply unbelievable,” said Ricardo. “You can’t get this kind of intimate experience anywhere else.”
“Whether you’re lured by the romance of winemaking, cosmopolitan city life, or the natural beauty of Patagonia, we have the perfect itinerary for you,” Suzanne said.
Culinary and wine tour — Argentina
Buenos Aires – Mendoza – Bariloche, Oct. 18 – 30, 2019
Escorted by WNC residents, Chef Ricardo Fernandez Battini and Suzanne Fernandez
A few highlights:
Wineries in Uco Valley
With the highest vineyards of the province, visit three wineries —Bodega Piedra Negra, wine-making culturefrom Burdeos, France; Andeluna winery, with landscapes of the Andes and Tupungato mountains; and Salentein Winery, wine-making tradition of one of the most important Mendocinean families.
Wineries in Tunuyan
Visit, Catena Zapata Winery, in the Catena family for three generations. Enjoy the cellar, Catena Zapata, inspired by Mayan architecture. The area has been long considered the best “terrior” for Malbec wines.
Buenos Aires Tango show
Dinner at Rojo Tango Show —recognized as the city’s finest tango show.Three-course dinner, wine and champagne.
Buenos Aires shopping and sights
Visit The Teatro Colón, main opera house in Buenos Aires, ranked third best opera house in the world, with private guided tour.
Bariloche
Private mini tour of Bariloche City with shopping. Visit Cerro Catedral, one of the best ski resorts in Argentina, with an exclusive view of Nahuel Huapi lake.
San Martin de los Andes
Enjoy a tour of the Seven Lakes Route, through Argentina’s famous Andes region. Discover the beauty of Patagonia, stopping at small villages along the way.
Tour includes domestic airfare within Argentina; private shuttle transport to and from airports in Argentina and hotels in Argentina.