See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor
11/22/10
La más Noble de las Bebidas. The Noblest of Beverages.
Convoca a las Masas. Summons the Masses.
Enaltece las Mesas. Enhances Tables.
Celebra las Misas. Celebrated at Mass.
Seduce a las Mozas. Seduces Women.
Inspira a las Musas. Inspires Muses.
Bicycling down Argentinean country roads speckled with vineyards and bodegas and frequently stopping for a tasting and tapas of homegrown olives and fresh cheeses is one of those experiences I would recommend to anyone.
Due to needing ample sun and heat, Mendoza, Argentina is a haven for the Malbec grape variety, which produces a dark and often full-bodied red wine. As Mendoza is also a touristy type of town, infamous for “the border run,” which those on a Chilean tourist visa must make every 90 days, wine tours of all types are offered on just about every block of the city.
For those on a budget, or definitely for those looking for something different, “bikes and wines” is a must when visiting Mendoza. A 45-cent, 20-minute bus ride takes you to Maipú where various companies offer cheap bike rentals for the day; they equip you with a map, a bottle of water, a few coupons and then set you free.
There are 10 wineries, a small olive farm that also produces artesian chocolates and liquors, some restaurants, a few museums and lastly a beer garden all within roughly 10 kilometers of one another.
Having done the tour twice, I can truly say that it would be nearly, if not impossible to visit everything in one day. Everybody’s hours differ, and you mustn’t forget, you’re on a bike. And sure, at first your bike cruises along swiftly, but after a few bodegas, let’s just say a little more concentration may be necessary. If you find yourself in a true bind however, there are a few random tourist police equipped with a bike rack, whom ask no questions and offer free rides. 
Not everything is positive however. Firstly, only a small section of the road actually has a bike lane; for the majority of your journey you must hug the edge of a not-so-high-quality road and pray passersby in auto respect the whole “share the road” theory. Secondly, and mainly due to loads of visitors, only two vineyards offer free tastings. The rest however, offer fairly good prices to sample a flight, and bottles are downright cheap—Argentina in general is quite cheap. Also, the vineyards close on the weekends—it makes no sense—therefore you must go on a weekday. Lastly, you must be wise in your bike company selection, as not all maintain their bikes that are used practically every day. Case and point: I encountered a guy on the side of the road, bike in two pieces, that told me he “nearly died.” I would personally recommend Maipú Bikes: $6.25 for the day, and upon your bike return, a giant, free glass of wine.
It really is a great experience, and something you could do dozens of times: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor–or also acceptable, but rare for me, Spit.
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