Day 3: Dolium Bodega Subterranea – A Family Winery
My boyfriend and I were so lucky staying with Sol, our couchsurfing host. Not only was she a fabulous host, her family owns a winery, Dolium, south of Mendoza. To start, we were extremely pleased with our experience at Dolium. Ricardo Giadorou, Sol’s father, was so knowledgeable and passionate about wine. We learned about the history of the winery, the current mission and philosophy, and the new approach to wine making.
How we got there (because I want you to go):We walked to the Terminal de Omnibus to the Cata station near platform 54-57 and purchased bus tickets for 21 Argentina Pesos (a little over $1 each). My boyfriend slept the majority of the bus 45 minute bus ride because the chairs were so comfy.We hopped off the bus right after the Chandon Bodega. The scenery was quite beautiful with the Andes in the background.
We walked up to the winery, which looks like a cube since the majority of the winery is underground. Dolium is one of the only sustainable certified wineries in South America. We stayed all afternoon at Dolium learning from Ricardo. He taught us a new way to taste wine. Instead of being told exactly what you are drinking and what you should be tasting, we tried the wines for ourselves then debriefed after. He also shared how to properly taste wine.
His tips: take big sips as to not be diluted by your saliva, swish in your mouth for 15-25 seconds, and spit. Well, we like to swallow so we only followed the first couple tips.
The hardest part of our day was tasting of 4 Malbecs in a row. Two of these included his Eco-lines, which is the new approach he has been taking where the wine is not put in oak barrels.
Sol invited her father and us over for dinner that night. We had a glass of our favorite wine and waited for Ricardo to finish up his work. We enjoyed a lovely meal with Sol, Ricardo, the other couch surfing guest, and our new friend Gabriel Vivanco. Gabriel’s winery, Blumbey, will be our final stop in Mendoza on Day 4.
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