In an area where guided tours to wineries will set you back around $50 - and all to visit just two or three wineries - Bikes and Wines' biking tour in Maipú is an ingenious option. For $40 the company provides transportation to and from their office in Maipú, water, a map and a bike. From there it's up to you to head out at 10 a.m. to reach the area's five accesible wineries and a homemade licquor and chocolate establishment before returning to the office for the ride home at 6 p.m. Be warned: you will share the narrow roads with vehicles, which can be nerve racking to some. Bodegas in the area include Trapiche, Tempus Alba, Familia di Tomasso and Carinae. The entire tour is 12 kilometers. To save time, visit the bodega furthest from the office first (Carinae) 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: try out your bike first before heading out, as flat tires and loose seats are not uncommon. Also be sure to bring extra water, especially if attempting the trip during the summer.

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.

Half-day tours are available, starting at 2 p.m. instead. If you choose this option, Familia di Tomasso and Tempus Alba should be among the first to visit. The option is also available to eat lunch at Almacen del Sur for $11, and is highly recommended.

Location
Urquiza 1606
Mendoza, Argentina

Tour Operator Types:
Biking, City Tours, Cuisine/Gourmet/Cooking, Wine Tour

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

By Daniel T. Johnson

Created: 18 Jan 2008

Updated: 18 Jan 2008

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Bikes and Wines - Maipú

Great tour, lousy bikes

The first two bikes they gave me had flat tires, and the third had a loose, uncomforable seat. I stuck with #3 since it was safer than the others, but it made for a less than pleasant ride. The wine trail there is incredible, though! My recommendation - visit Bikes & Wines website for info on the area, then rent a bike from somewhere else.

Edward Lux from Ecuador on Jun 23, 2008