Patios de Cafayate

Elegance and tradition meet at Patios de Cafayate, a place that, through its vineyards, made history in the world of wine. A strictly pure colonial style: the vast courtyards and gardens, with their large iron gates, anticipate a relaxed stay in an ambience of yesteryear. Wide spaces, decorated with antique furniture, tapestries, awayus, silverware, floors of ceramic tiles and majolica remind the Spanish heritage.

It is worthwhile to dwell on the decoration details and stroll in the courtyards, including the small oratory with the image of Our Lady of the Rose and other images coming from Cuzco. Outside, the shades of green offer a sharp contrast to the colorful desert of reddish mountains; further, the lawn melts away into the vineyards. A peaceful sunset by the pool; in the meantime, the landscape changes gradually its shades and becomes a pitch-black night under a starry sky.

Traditional, colorful and tasty food is served. A blend of regional ingredients and typical local recipes passed down from generation to generation complements the experience and offers the opportunity to taste high-protein quinoa, llama meat and colorful vegetables so distinctive of northwestern Argentina. Pastry and bakery are homemade produced. The cellar keeps wines from the own Bodega El Esteco, as well as a wide variety of other labels.

The accommodation in Patios de Cafayate allows a diversity of experiences to enjoy and awaken the senses: a cultural tour from pre-Columbian villages to the new trends in wine and art, framed by nature, vast deserts and contrasts.

David Michel and his wife Gabriela Torino introduced the viticulture tradition in this area in 1870. Settled in the estate “El Puerto”, they raised their five children, whose family name was Michel Torino. A family with livestock farming tradition that ventured to start viticulture activities and was acknowledged as pioneer in this field. After her husband passed away, Gabriela went ahead with energy and conviction. Then, the domain grew with the farm estate “El Recreo”; in 1925 their son David Michel Torino incorporated the estate “La Rosa”. In 1998, “La Rosa” country house opened up to tourism with 5 rooms; afterwards, it was enlarged with the creativity of Mariano Sepúlveda, renowned architect of the province of Jujuy. Under the management of other families, savvy about good living and good wine, a renovation and expansion stage started in 2004, which resulted in the current 32-room infrastructure, capturing the essence and style of the original country house neighboring the current Bodega El Esteco.

A destination for more than one night

Experiences

The mild weather and the diversity, both in terms of culture and landscape, of the Calchaqui Valleys around Cafayate turn this destination into a place worth enjoying, that travelers in a hurry just staying overnight would miss.

At the hotel:

The tour of the diverse courtyards and living-rooms is the outset of a pleasant stay. Guests may enjoy the game room and diverse living-rooms to relax, read and appreciate the calm. Other options include the gardens and pool, as well as places to relax and enjoy the dry air of these latitudes. Bicycles are also available for touring the vineyards and village. Upon request, tastings and cooking classes can be organized.

Visits to the Bodega El Esteco: located within the same estate, it certainly is an attractive experience. Guests can also taste its wines during the meals at the hotel’s restaurant. The cellar encloses a long history and has already reached relevant markets worldwide.

In Cafayate and its surroundings:

With no need to pack the suitcases and pursue the journey, once settled in Patios de Cafayate, guests feel at ease soon. A schedule of visits can be arranged to complement the time worthwhile reserved to enjoying the hotel’s amenities.

Pre-Columbian ruins, horse riding, vineyards and museums are some of the attractions that turn Cafayate into a worthy destination for staying several nights.