Argentina Travel Planet

San Rafael, wild pleasure

San Rafael, With Pleasure

It’s like a second Mendoza, producing more of the high quality wines and olive oils that Argentina has come to be known for. San Rafael, however, has a flavor of its own, figuratively speaking.

The city sits in a rural setting, with wide, tree-lined avenues that meander around as if they have nowhere to go. The main avenues are Hipólito Yrigoyen and San Martín, but even these don’t exactly show you the way to the city center. In fact, the unique urban layout lacks a proper city center; even the impeccable main square fails to reach the typical civic center that can be found in nearly every other city in the country. But amidst all this serenity, there are surprises to be found, like the open air Wi-Fi, and a public internet space under a gazebo.

The town is full of businesses of all types, from hotels to restaurants to the boutique shops and well-known brands’ stores that are centered in what’s known as Kilómetro Cero. Without a doubt, this city is one of the most visited within the wine circuit. It is one with endless discoveries to be made. Some of Argentina’s most famous and important wineries are here, such as Lávaque, Goyenechea, Roca and Bianchi, all of which receive visitors.

The oldest bodega is probably La Abeja, which will most likely be the beginning of any wine tour headed through this area. It, like San Rafael itself, was founded by Frenchman Rodolfo Iselin in 1883. It remains a symbol of its time, with its architecture and intricacies, as well as its overall character.

New establishments are also very common, and do not leave much to be desired. Boutiques are especially popular, offering special, limited edition wines that simply must be tasted; Intimayu, in Las Paredes, is one of the best known — it’s an original from the ’30s, and was recently acquired by the Slovenian Radijoy family, who have grown the vineyards and bodega to win several important international awards.

The pleasure doesn’t just stop at wine. Places such as Algodón Wine Estates & Champion Club offer an incredible day of wine tourism combined with exquisite cuisine, as well as an 18-hole golf course, snaking its way through vineyards and small lakes. You can also stay on this property in the lodge. Nearby are the champagne vineyards and bodegas, such as La Champañera, for those who like theirs bubbly.

Olives are another staple product of the area, and can be sampled at locations such as Cuesta de los Terneros. Don’t miss out on the olive oil, either; it’s equally delightful.

Beyond the olives and wine, there’s plenty other to revel in. Smoked goods, for example, can be tasted at Secretos del Monte, where you can taste some of the best smoked meat around, as well as some finely smoked cheeses. In an area with such tasty treats, it’s no surprise that the food found in town is generally quite spectacular. Most places have a to-die-for atmosphere, as well as delicious dishes paired with the region’s finest wines. While you’re visiting this province of Mendoza you can also check for La Payunia in this Argentina travel guide.

The city is on many different travel circuits, so it sees quite a variety of visitors. Most, however, make a point to stop here for the incredible wine, gourmet food, olives, and the many other fruits produced in the area.  Continuing on from the city, you can easily arrive at a multitude of natural beauties, including gorgeous lakes and rocky landscapes. There is also a bit of adventure to be had; in nearby Valle Grande you can go trekking, rappel, canyoning and paragliding, to name a few. Rafting is even available on the rapids of the Atuel.

The region has a little something for everyone, and no matter what you come for, you’re sure to find even more to love.