Bikes and Wines - Chacras

Location
Mendoza, Argentina

Tour Operator Types:
Wine Tour

Established in:
2005

By Daniel T. Johnson

From the creator of Bikes and Wines – Maipú comes another wine-touring option: Bikes and Wines – Chacras. There is one slight difference to consider between the two – the Chacras tour (which focuses on the Lujan de Cuyo region of Mendoza) utilizes motorized transport. That’s right. Trade in the pedal bikes for your very own motor bike and hit the asphalt on your way to checking out some of Mendoza’s best Malbec-producing wineries. For $40 the company provides transportation to and from their office in Lujan de Cuyo, water, a map and a motor bike. From there it's up to you to head out at 10 a.m. to reach the area's eight accessible wineries and a homemade ice cream establishment before returning to the office for the ride home at 6 p.m. It can't be stated enough that you will be operating motorized vehicles on busy roads, and good judgment should be exercised. If you’re starting to feel the effect of wine after a few wineries, it might be best to call it a day.

Bodegas you can visit comprise Rosell Boher, Altavista, Luigi Bosca, Lagarde, Carmelo Patti, Cavas de Weinhart, Cavas de Besares and Nieto Senetiner, reaching all of which will take 6-8 hours. Like the Maipú tour, it is recommended that you visit the bodega furthest from the office first (either Bodega Luigi Bosca or Nieto Senetiner, depending on your desired experience) and work your way back, as this will put you closer to the Bikes and Wines office at the end of the day. Another word to the wise: ride around on your bike near the office first before heading out, as this would be a better place to have technical or safety issues occur.

Tours and tastings are not included at some wineries, and cost around $3. The fee can be applied to the price of a wine, though you will need to bring a backpack if you wish to bring bottles home. Reservations are highly recommended, as the number of motor bikes are limited.

Contact Information:
Phone: 54-261-410-6686
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.bikesandwines.com
URL: www.bikesandwines.com

Traveler Reviews of Bikes and Wines - Chacras

Great fun

Rating: 75%

This Bikes and Wines tour is a newer than their other one, so they need to figure out a few kinks, but the overall experience is great. Be sure to book ahead, though, as the number of bikes available are limited.

By V!VA User from U.S.A., May 05, 2008