By John Stimpfig for FT.comSelf-drive tourists beware. Unless you have a fully functioning sat nav, getting to the O Fournier bodega and restaurant at the southernmost tip of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina’s largest wine region, requires considerable map-reading skill.
The nearest outpost is La Consulta, which is little more than a one-horse town in the middle of nowhere. From there, the road to the winery barely constitutes a bumpy dirt track and signs are in short supply. No wonder our driver is lost and quietly cursing in Spanish.
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Eventually, he regains his bearings and within seconds we are approaching one of the most stunningly futuristic wineries in Mendoza, if not the world. Perched in the foothills of the Andes, with soaring snow-capped peaks beyond, the O Fournier bodega resembles a spaceship that has just landed on planet Earth.
The subsequent tour and tasting are no less impressive. Ditto the lunch at its award-winning Urban restaurant, expertly presided over by chef Nadia Ortega. A blend of Argentine, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, the food is every bit as sophisticated and cutting-edge as its remarkable architecture.
In many ways, O Fournier’s brilliantly ambitious statement winery perfectly reflects the modern dynamic approach to wine and tourism in Mendoza. Here, almost everything is new, bold, bright, epic – and well worth the trip.
In addition, the region has plenty of natural attributes to recommend itself to travellers. Its spectacular Andean backdrop never disappoints; nor does the weather. With more than 300 days of sky-blue sunshine, it is ideal terroir for vines and visitors. Last year alone, 1.5m people made the trip and more will undoubtedly follow as word gets out.
Currently, Mendoza is a work in progress. But for the adventurous wine tourist looking for the world’s most exciting, largely undiscovered wine region, that is all part of the appeal. Many describe its wild, unspoilt bucolic charm as reminiscent of the Napa Valley 40 or 50 years ago. Some believe the wines are potentially much better than those of its North American counterpart.
Consequently, O Fournier is not the only new kid on the block looking to lure in tourist dollars with its wow-factor winery and restaurant. Closer to the city of Mendoza is the appellation...Read full article
