Museo del Vino San Felipe and Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia (Casa Giol )

Museums

By Laura Granfortuna

Argentina is known for producing some of the best wine in the world, and if you’re interested in the history of this industry (or art, if you prefer) and how it developed, check out the Museo del Vino San Felipe in Maipú, near Mendoza.

The museum, which contains an extensive collection of antique wine-making equipment (about 4,500 objects), is located on the premises of La Rural winery, providing you with the opportunity to satisfy more than just your thirst for knowledge.

Location: La Rural, Montecaseros 2625, Coquimbito, Maipú, Mendoza

Open: Monday - Friday 9a.m.-5p.m., Sundays and holidays 10a.m.-2p.m.

Free Admission

The Museo Nacional del Vino was the home of a Suisse landowner who made his fortune leasing lands explicitly for vineyards, later founding his own winery. The castle-like Casa Giol is a lovely architectural mutt, combining Egyptian, Greek, and Arabic elements, although the dominant style is French Art Nouveau. The fixtures and furniture inside are comparably eclectic and highly detailed, almost as interesting as the large collection of wine-making equipment. The Giol winery also regulates all the viniculture of the Mendoza province.

Location: Ozamis 914

Tel: (0261) 497-5255

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9a.m.-7p.m., Sunday 10a.m. - 2p.m.

Enrance fee: $1