More Fabulous Wine

You will not be surprised to learn that we found wonderful wine and gracious and generous winemakers in Mendoza, but you may be surprised (we were) to find this:

Yes, that is a giant menorah on the main square of Mendoza, Plaza Independencia. It was put there in recognition of Israel's 50th anniversary.

Now, the expected: wine. We traveled to the Uco Valley, about an hour and a half drive from Mendoza, to visit the Dutch-owned Salentein winery. In addition to making excellent wine, Salentein is investing in wine tourism, with a small hotel and excellent restaurant. The owner also has built an art gallery, with a small collection of Dutch art and a larger collection of contemporary Argentinian art. The facility itself is gorgeous:

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We had the extraordinary opportunity to speak with Andrés, the chief operating officer; Lorena, the hospitality manager; and the legendary winemaker José Galante. The winemaking facility is outstanding, as are the wines.

We also had lunch with them at the Salentein posada restaurant, with Salentein wines, of course. Lunch included a mushroom-stuffed endive, Argentinian beef, trout, a pre-dessert lemon-orange drink, and apple tart with ice cream. Words cannot describe the beautiful presentation or the delectability of the meal.