Out in the Uco Valley, right by the small town of Vista Flores, Casa Antucura is a real gem. A haven for book lovers, this boutique hotel and winery has one of the best collections of books in Mendoza as well as a tasteful art collection all around it's walls.

Started by a French expat, Anne Caroline Biancheri, she and her family bought vineyards int this prized region 20 years ago. When family friend (and wine consultant extraordinaire) Michel Rolland recommended that they make their own wine rather than just selling the grapes to other producers, the boutique winery was born. Making only red varieties, Antucura has some very good wines including a juicy Cabernet Sauvignon and handsome blends which have their fantastic Merlot as the main component.

As friends started to want to stay when visiting, Anne Caroline built a boutique hotel in a modern Spanish style villa designed by local architects Bormida and Yanzon. As well as offering a retreat in this peaceful spot, idyllic gardens with a swimming pool looking out onto the mountains, there is an intimate restaurant where you can lap up the luxury and feel like you are in your own villa, indulge in local cuisine and enjoy the delicious wines of Vista Flores.

 

Amanda Barnes is a British journalist living in Mendoza and lapping up the luxury of other people's gorgeous book shelves, wine cellars and lemon pies as often as she can.