Ok I TRIED TO COPY MY BLOG FROM MYSPACE IT DID NOT WORK.... YOU WILL HAVE TO SEE THE PICS IN THE ARGENTINA FOLDER
Viedma/ Rio Negro
Sunrise from my hotel in Viedma Argentina.
Viedma and is the nearest CITY to the Rio Negro Wine growing region. This area is not one that was originally on my list however, when I was in Australia last year, I met a couple who had relocated here 2yrs prior, to open a winery and they had invited me to come next time I was in Argentina. This is what they picked me up in at the hotel to take me out to the vinyards.
Annette and John, moved to Rio Negro to set up a vineyard, plum orchard and walnut farm.
Every week they have 23 hours and 17 minutes to water their crops. An ingenious system of mud canals is used to water the crops. Every drop counts in this desert area where water is a valuable commodity.
This area is the southern most wine growing region in Argentina. It is on the fringes of Patagonia, They are producing some wonderful and soon to watch for wines. The area produces some incredible Pinots and Sauvignon Blanc's, as well as some sparkling wines that will be award winners .
Bear with me for photos as my camera has been "misplaced". This sunrise pic was taken with my cell phone. Which does not work because of where I am, but it does still take pictures, just getting them off the phone is trickier.
It is currently about 4:30am on Monday.
Today I will be leaving here Heading back to Buenos Aries and heading into the mountains towards tha SanJaun Region and then onto the La Rioja Region. I will post more as I have internet access.
Mendoza / San Juan/La Rioja / Catamarca
On my previous trip to this area, I was transported through the Andes Mountains from Chile, Coming in from the side I came in on this time was an eye opening trip.
One thing I was able to appreciate more on this trip was where these wineries are located elevation wise and terrior of the land. From leaving the Beaches and Lush inland valleys and rising onto the hills and Mountains of Argentina.
Most all of the Vineyards are above the 3000 ft Elevation. Compared to my home area where wines are grown and the elevations there range from 200ft to about 1500ft. There is a big difference in Growing conditions.
San Jaun, La Rioja and Catamarca, are all lesser known growing regions in the US. For years these regions have produced wines that were mostly consumed in country, very little or no export.
I found the people here to be very sincere and hard working. The wines (red ones) Were foro the most part very big full bodied and a pleasure to consume.
I do look forward to seeing more wines from these areas in stores sometime in the next year or so .
Any how here are some pics of the trip.
Anyhow that will be all from this trip.
I will be home in the morning. I will be home for a week and then I am off to the east coast DC area for a week.
The adventures are just begining for the year. There is another trip planned to South America, Central Mexico, Tennesee, and other Southern States, The Carribean, then in the latter part of summer Ireland and Scotland. I am starting the Liquor side of the kiosks so, gotta start doing booze tours. Tequila, Rum, Gin, Whiskeys and Scotches.
So Have a great day and the weekend is coming so have one of those as well.
Marty
