Reviewed by
Christabelle Dilks
What a joy to find Club Tapiz amidst Mendoza’s bodegas: a charming Italianate 1890s house dwarfed by mighty pines and palms, surrounded by neat vineyards. Just 7 airy rooms come off the long gallery, with its original slender columns and terracotta tiles; another 4 sit in a separate villa nearby. Tall doors, wide windows and classic proportions bring 19th-century elegance, but bold design abounds: a minimalist water feature, chic decking, and vast picture windows in the relaxing lounge. There’s a glazed panel onto tasting rooms below, where specially commissioned contemporary paintings sit well on exposed brick and aubergine walls.
Open the French doors in your spacious, ochre-coloured bedroom to find grand views of vines and a lovely pool. You can borrow a bicycle to explore the bodegas of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, then relax after all that strenuous wine-tasting with a massage in the spa. Later, move on to superb picadas in the lounge, then a sophisticated dinner in the restaurant.
Open the French doors in your spacious, ochre-coloured bedroom to find grand views of vines and a lovely pool. You can borrow a bicycle to explore the bodegas of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, then relax after all that strenuous wine-tasting with a massage in the spa. Later, move on to superb picadas in the lounge, then a sophisticated dinner in the restaurant.
Highs
- A chic but relaxed mood: nothing pretentious, just chilled-out elegance
- Superb restaurant using local produce, with an excellent wine list (naturally)
- Good little spa, with a sauna, a Jacuzzi and fantastic massages. There are also a couple of outdoor pools to lounge by
- Just 15km away, the Bodega Tapiz tour (included in your tariff) is the best in the region
- A friendly atmosphere: meet other guests at the daily wine tasting and swap travel notes
Lows
- Service, although very pleasant and charming, is a little on the slow side
- Guests are generally thoughtful, but sometimes sit out late on the delightful veranda beside the bedrooms - ask for one of the quieter rooms if you'd like more privacy
- There's a slight air of faded grandeur, but that's all part of the charm
Best time to go
Mendoza is lovely all year round, since the seasons are mild and the weather is generally sunny. However, autumn and spring (March / April and October / November) are the best times to visit, as the landscape is beautiful and the light is amazing. January and February are best avoided, as this is peak holiday period for Argentines and there are a lot of people around, but book in advance at all times.
Our top tips
Don't miss the convivial wine tastings, which take place at 8pm every day. Nibbles are included and they're free for guests!