Reviewed by
Clemmy Manzo
Full of rustic charm and homely warmth, Finca Adalgisa is a microcosm of rural Argentina. Set just outside the pretty bistro- and the boutique-filled town of Chacras de Coria, 15km from Mendoza, this two-hectare vineyard has been owned by the same Italian-Argentine family for a century. Third-generation Gabriela decided to open up the family home to guests in 2001 and it's flourished ever since: the stone buildings house cosy rooms, the garden has a beautiful array of fruit trees and a sparkling pool, the asados (barbecues) cooked on-site are legendary, and the bodega produces a delicious Malbec that's only available to guests.
But the best thing about Finca Adalgisa is its ambiance: relaxing, peaceful and welcoming. You can explore Mendoza’s vineyards at a leisurely pace, and in between you'll eat and sleep well. Gabriela and her staff are a delight; you’re greeted on your first night with a cheese platter and a bottle of the bodega's own and asked to treat the place as a home. Curl up on a sofa with a book, take a stroll with the family dogs or cycle through the countryside soaking up the view of the Andes beyond. From 6pm it’s wine-tasting time, when guests gather in the salon for fruity Malbec and local tapas – a perfect end to the day.
But the best thing about Finca Adalgisa is its ambiance: relaxing, peaceful and welcoming. You can explore Mendoza’s vineyards at a leisurely pace, and in between you'll eat and sleep well. Gabriela and her staff are a delight; you’re greeted on your first night with a cheese platter and a bottle of the bodega's own and asked to treat the place as a home. Curl up on a sofa with a book, take a stroll with the family dogs or cycle through the countryside soaking up the view of the Andes beyond. From 6pm it’s wine-tasting time, when guests gather in the salon for fruity Malbec and local tapas – a perfect end to the day.
Highs
- There are lots of lovely touches: fruit and lemonade brought to you at the pool and a bottle of wine as a welcome on your first evening
- Ffriendly staff can arrange winery tours, on-site cookery lessons, hiking, biking, rafting, riding and even tango shows
- The wonderful bodega, with huge white sofas and a log fire, is open every evening
- Greenery everywhere: step outside to admire the vineyards and palms, while inside you'll find potted plants dotted around the house and old walnut trees growing through rooms
- The breakfast is excellent, the homemade tapas is divine and the asados are true meat feasts
Lows
- It's not cheap and the rooms are simple, though attractive
- There's no formal restaurant, but tapas and light meals are available and there are regular barbecues
- Local dogs bark in symphony at night; bring your earplugs
- There are no TVs or music systems – but then you've come here to enjoy the countryside
Best time to go
The Argentine spring, summer and autumn (October to May) bring lovely clear weather and are the best times to visit the region. Vendimia (the harvest festival) is one of Mendoza's highlights and normally takes place in March. Finca Adalgisa is closed during the winter months of June and July.
Our top tips
If you're booking a suite ask for the one with a private terrace. There's nothing better than lounging outside in the evening with a glass of wine while watching the sun set behind the Andes in the distance.