In Vino Veritas - Chacras de Coria

Intuitively, I was right here in Chacras de Coria, a suburb of Mendoza. My host Miguel had no shortage of suggestions when I told him what I wanted to see. The recommendation to visit a small winery and a larger one was also the right decision. The idea to do it by bike was also very good, and lo and behold, there are well-prepared operators in the area (Charcas, not Mendoza). Kindly, he drove me there and, thanks to silly German punctuality, at 10 minutes past 4, I rang a proper bell with a rope at the garden gate, which was still locked. The young lady then put together an individual tour for me on a map with a highlighter, which I completed exactly as planned. I was given something like a chopper bike and a helmet too. High handlebars, wide comfortable saddle - 6-speed gear, what more do you need? A confident riding feeling, somewhat similar to a Bonanza bike (do you know that?). However, the drivers don't particularly care about a silly Gringo on a stupid bike. I was warned, and it worked out fine. I should avoid certain streets - 'not so good and safe'! OK, said and done. Sometimes the road signs are missing, but thanks to GPS and a map app, I managed. An approximate schedule was also given. 11 o'clock: 1st winery (small). Mr. Patti was already in the middle of explaining, and an internationally mixed group listened to his words while tasting several fine wines - all for free! There was a feeling of warmth and hospitality, and I was also asked where I come from and what profession I have. Something personal was shared about each country, and my entry in the thick guestbook was accordingly exuberant. Well, I can't waste anything, but it was already quite a lot. The next winery was a big one. The gatekeeper asked about my desire and directed me to a bicycle parking space. English tour in 10 minutes. That's a timing. The other wine riders all arrived late. Yes, it was said that the wine tasting would take place during the pre-ordered lunch. Of course, I had not pre-ordered. The charming tour guide said she would ask in the kitchen for me, after admiring barrels, large stainless steel tanks, champagne method, and organic vines. She asked me to take a seat at the counter with the English students. We got along very well right away and exchanged travel experiences. We had already tasted the Chardonnay. Surprise: someone had canceled the lunch, and I could jump in. I was even given the difficult decision of choosing between premium wines or 'classic' - if it's premium, go for it! 6-course or 3-course menu - a brief consideration. If everyone else has the 6-course menu and I have the measly 3-course menu - no, one should indulge oneself. I must say, it was top class, in a pleasant ambience, and the food was excellently presented, with imaginative design - 'you eat with your eyes' (after the title of a cabaret program by Helmut Schleich, the Munich comedian from 2001). It was really worth it, even if you don't come out sober. I think there were 9 wines and a champagne-eh. The liver is accustomed - cycling - you can handle it! 3rd winery - let's see. Guys, I have to confess, I limited myself to visual pleasures and scenery. Overall, a great tour. Oh yeah, the photos show it: contrast program. On the one hand, the noble world of top gastronomy, on the other hand, a few hundred meters away, bitter poverty, miserable stray dogs, car wrecks, garbage, and dirt. The world is somehow quite unfair. Che comes to my mind again (see post about Rosario), and I philosophize to myself - feeling guilty. As punishment, I'll skip dinner tonight and only drink water (but a good one!).