While the focus of my site may be on luxury travel, every now and then I’m willing to expand my coverage to include places I feel deserve to be mentioned. Casa Glebinias is one of those places – a little gem, nestled among the tranquil countryside of Chacras de Coria, in the heart of Mendoza wine country.
Breaking our week in Buenos Aires with a side trip to experience the best of what Mendoza wineries had to offer, we skipped the much recommended Park Hyatt in the town centre for something a little more gaucho-style. Casa Glebinias is family run and consists of a small number of cottages that have been sympathetically constructed to offer guests an authentic countryside experience.
Chacras de Coria is an approximate 15-minute drive away from the centre of Mendoza and is a handy gateway to all the major (and boutique) wineries the region has to offer. The hosts and owners of Casa Glebinias Alberto and Maria Gracia are charming, discreet and have created the perfect getaway to base yourself for the delights that await. The landscaped gardens are extensive, dotted with jacaranda, juniper and fruit trees where you’ll find rustic country ‘casitas’ hidden behind the foliage. They’re pretty much perfect, providing everything you need for short to mid-length stays. There’s a lovely pool to take a dip during the hot afternoons and as the owners are also onsite, they’re a great source of information on what to do. We had come completely unprepared, but within half an hour of speaking with them had a private guide, car, lunch and a number of wineries built into a custom-made itinerary.
The Verdict
There’s a wonderful, slow pace of life you get to experience in Chacras after all the wine tasting and running around is completed, set to the glorious backdrop of the Andes mountains. We walked into the small town centre one evening and took a chance on one of the local restaurants (Las Negras), which worked a treat. So if you’re in the mood to have a break from the masses, this one’s highly recommended.
Hotel – 8/10
Experience – 9/10
