Reality Tour, South America: The Joys of Cooking (when paired with wine)
Debbie and I along with Kevin, Pat and Bob, Maggie, and Carolyn and Elizabeth from Texas –those from our group who opted for the Wine Pairing Cooking demonstration– just wrapped up a delightful evening at Bodega Cecchin, a family owned and operated organic vineyard, a short distance outside of Mendoza. Described as a delicious adventure in Argentine gastronomy and enology, I am a little afraid to lay bare my sub-par cooking skills in front of the other passengers (Debbie has already heard about some of the food fiascos my family has had to endure).
Bodega Cecchin, a family owned and operated organic vineyard.
But first a tour and tasting—this is after all Wines and Wonders of South America!—before heading to the edge of the vineyard where a large outdoor brick oven with flaming red coals is being tended to by a young man in a white chef’s jacket. The chef in charge is Ayalen . She has a warm smile and easy going manner that dispels my anxieties – this is going to be fun!
Let the wine tasting begin!
We all roll up our sleeves and don our souvenir aprons emblazoned with the logos of Collette and Bodega Cecchin. Under the watchful eye of our chef who demonstrates technique, we each take turns to scoop a variety of fillings (like ground meat and mushrooms), plop it onto the dough she has rolled out, and shape into a pretty empanada ready for the oven. Later we enjoy them warm and paired with wine—delicious!
Cooking EMPANADAS...wish this blog had scratch and sniff. The aroma is FANTASTIC!
On the left Collette passenger Pat and on the right her husband Bob having fun cooking.
Kevin, Debbie & I wearing the aprons we received before cooking....GREAT souvenir!!!
We move inside to a rustic barn-like setting for dinner (beef of course) followed by an entertaining performance of traditional dances by two young couples. The owner of Bodega Cecchin is there to make sure we are enjoying our evening. We meet his wife and their two adorable young children (toddlers), both wearing the sleepy countenance of having just woken from a nap (?) to join us. The time: 10:30pm!
One, big, happy group...NOW LET'S EAT!!!!!
Off to bed! Another great day behind me.
-Melissa
Click here to read about Collette’s Wines & Wonders of South America tour!
posted by Melissa McKee
Collette Vacations
Tags: Arts and Culture, Chile, Escorted Tours, Food, Reality Tour
One Comment to “Reality Tour, South America: The Joys of Cooking (when paired with wine)”
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Your blog has brought back such nice memories of Mendoza. I stayed at the Sheraton next door to your hotel. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job on your blogs. Another day or two and you will be so used to the late nights especially if you don’t have to get up early the next mornings.