Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza, Argentina

Cavas Wine Lodge is a Relais & Châteaux property located in the heart of Argentina’s premiere wine country: Mendoza.

Inspired by typical Spanish colonial architecture, the rural estate features a vineyard and a mezmerizing view of the Andes mountains.

Indeed, for wine lovers and travelers seeking a romantic hideaway, Cavas Wine Lodge provides a delightfully unique experience.

Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza, Argentina

This Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel is located in Costaflores, Alto Agrelo; approximately one hour’s drive from Mendoza’s airport.

Even with a good navigation system, roads in rural Argentina seldom have signs and Google Maps is not always reliable. Travelers must plan ahead by carefully setting up their GPS before starting out.

With some good planning, eventually you will find a well maintained gravel road (no 4×4 required) that leads drivers through the vineyards and straight to the hotel’s gate.

The estate was truly impressive. From its regal entrance gate to its Spanish colonial style — the scenery was absolutely breathtaking!

As we entered the main building our amazement continued; there was a spacious and tastefully decorated lounge — complete with sculptures and modern paintings. The restaurant featured a well-protected patio and adjoining a pool adorned with spouting fountains.

The adjacent Moorish-Roman spa — with its own outdoor patio and facilities — was equally well-designed. Spa menu highlights include relaxing baths and massages for a day of total relaxation.

Next to the restaurant, a theatrical staircase doubles as a platform for tango dance shows that take place in the wine cellar level below. The wine cellar itself boasts a stylish tasting room for guests to sample the latest vintages.

Cavas Wine Lodge’s Suites

The lodge has 14 spacious suites — discreetly placed throughout the vineyard —  complete with comfortable living rooms, generously-sized bedrooms and private terraces featuring pools with dramatic views of the Andes Mountains. Other amenties include walk-in closets and a rooftop terrace with a fireplace.

Restaurant at Cavas Wine Lodge

Guests can decide between dining in the elegant dining room or on the terrace with its spectacular views.

The restaurant offers regional cuisine and of course, a selection of the best Argentine wines.

Chef Martin Gerardo Gandulfo Dolz and his team prepare inventive dishes. The traditional Argentine sirloin steak is available, but the kitchen delights in offering unconventional options for those with creative palettes.

For the entrée, we opted for the salad with smoked salmon and ricotta cheese paired with the house white wine: 19 Esclones Sauvignon Blanc / Cavas Experience.

As main course, we selected the braised goat raviolis covered with bean sauce, peas and an asparagus garnish. The excellent Bonarda Reserva 2008 was the accompanying red wine. An excellent choice!

For the postres (dessert) we tried profiterols with chocolate ice cream and vanilla custard. The rosé extra brut with Cruzat Larrain it was served with added the perfect touch. Yummy!

Many thanks to our charming hosts; the  hotel managers Cecilia Díaz Chuit and Martín Rigal for their generous hospitality!

And our eternal gratitude to Núria Galia from Relais & Châteaux and Sabine Biedermann from Primus Communications for putting us in contact with Cavas Wine Lodge.

Check the hotel’s latest prices and availability here.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Cavas Wine Lodge is to rent a car at Mendoza’s airport.

The traffic in the area is reasonably calm by South American standards; i.e. there are usually three cars on two lanes but they drive comparably slow.

Upon departure, take care to give yourself enough time to find your way back to the airport, as, again, there are not many indicating signs available, not even for the airport.

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As an added bonus, a rental car will give you the freedom to explore some of the nearby wineries or take a detour to the Tupungato Winelands golf course and polo grounds.

Here are some more of our impressions of this luxurious hideaway:

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