Finca Decero
Bajo las Cumbres 9003, Agrelo, Mendoza, M5509
A relatively new kid in the wine game, Finca Decero (“from scratch”) sold their first wines in 2004. Sustainability is at the heart of the operation, and location is everything—the water is fed by glacial melts, and the high altitude means the grapes preserve their natural acidity and absorb more UV light. Almost as delicious as the wines is the view, a panoramic vista over the surrounding Andes mountains. Operating with a strong respect for nature, the biodiversity of the vineyards has been preserved, and local birdlife flourishes here.
The basics
For a crash course in everything that makes Finca Decero shine, book the 1-hour “Wine Lovers’ Tour,” which includes a guided tour of the winery and a tasting of three selected wines. You can also book a private, bespoke tour for a more intimate experience—just be sure to reach out to the property well in advance. But the best experience here is Finca Decero’s renowned multi-course, hours-long lunches, which are available every day (you must book in advance) and feature local ingredients and expert wine pairings.
Beyond food and drink, the estate is an excellent place for birdwatching, and it invites visitors to gather in the morning to watch falcons search for worms and observe dozens of other species flying overhead. Finca Decero is also often included in wider Mendoza wine tours, which allow you to visit multiple vineyards and not fight over who’s going to be the designated driver.
Things to know before you go
- Lunch reservations are available between 12:30pm and 3pm.
- A regular tasting lasts one hour, but customizable tours are available.
- Visits can be in English or Spanish.
- Wines are suitable for vegans.
How to get there
Just 30 minutes south of central Mendoza, the town of Agrelo is mere minutes from the National Highway 40. Buses take you as close as Luján de Cuyo, but since it’s still a 15-minute taxi ride from here, it’s much easier to book onto a tour. Most tours include multiple wineries so that you can maximize your day.
When to get there
To get the best weather in Mendoza Province, visit between October and April. The highest temperatures are from December to February, so to avoid feeling dehydrated while quaffing all that wine, visit either in late spring or early autumn instead. These two seasons are also when the vines are at their most colorful: bright green in spring and flame-colored in autumn.
Birdwatching on a vineyard
Over 40 species of birds flourish at Finca Decero, but none are as fascinating as the lechuza owls (barn owls). In Latin American mythology, old women shapeshift into these birds and take revenge on the people who wronged them in life. Here, the owls seem more content chasing the dust whirls that the Andean breeze lifts from the vineyard paths. Other species you might see include Chimango falcons, black ibis, and lapwings.
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