- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Introduction
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: American Airlines First Class from Orlando (MCO) to Miami (MIA) and American Airlines Business Class from Miami (MIA) to Buenos Aires (EZE)
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Aerolineas Argentinas from Buenos Aires (AEP) to Mendoza (MDZ)
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Park Hyatt Mendoza
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: American Airlines Cocktail Reception
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Day 2: La Alboroza, Zuccardi Winery, Trapiche Winery
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Day 3: Catena Zapata, Rutini Wines, Terrazas de los Andes
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Aerolineas Argentinas from Mendoza (MDZ) to Buenos Aires (AEP)
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Admirals Club Buenos Aires, American Airlines Business Class from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Miami (MIA) and American Airlines First Class from Miami (MIA) to Orlando (MCO)
- To Mendoza for the Masters of Food & Wine: Conclusion
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(Full disclosure: Park Hyatt and American Airlines, sponsors of the Masters of Food & Wine Event, comped my airfare, hotel, and admission to the events)
While it was probably at least somewhat irresponsible to take a trip to Argentina during my last few weeks of school, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. In the end I’m so happy I went, because I know Mendoza is a region I wouldn’t have otherwise visited. While I’ve always wanted to visit Buenos Aires (and am now itching to go even more than before), I doubt I would have ever made it out into “wine country.” While wine isn’t necessarily my thing (as often pointed out here, I’m more of a whiner than a winer), I do eventually want to return and do a lot of the same winery tours I did this time around, if for no other reason than the amazing landscape and great hospitality we experienced.
The Park Hyatt Mendoza was beautiful as well. As far as I can tell, it’s the cheapest Park Hyatt out there in terms of the rate (both in dollars and points), so I highly recommend it. The facilities are great, the restaurant is great, and the rooms are well appointed. Most importantly, it’s centrally located in Mendoza, so you can walk to just about anywhere.
My flights on American were pleasant, and even though they don’t have fully flat beds in business class, make me happy that I’m pursuing top tier status with American. While United’s seats are probably slightly more comfortable in their new business class based on the fact that they’re flat, American’s seats seem to have a bit more personal space and privacy. The entertainment and food were good too. Taking into account that American’s top tier elites get eight systemwide upgrades per year that can be used on any fare class, I’d say it’s a pretty good product.
I’m thankful Park Hyatt invited me on this trip, and it’s certainly one I’ll remember for a very long time.
Thanks for reading! Tomorrow I’ll have a review of the Andaz 5th Avenue, and then it’s off to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Melbourne, Vienna, and Los Angeles.
Awesome report, Lucky! How about a picture of all the schwag you collected from the trip?