Jussi Westergren’s Aconcagua Expedition Dispatch
February 10, 2011 – Visit to Familia Zuccardi Vineyards
On Tuesday we introduced Jussi, who has visited many of the finest vineyards around the world, to a Berg Adventures tradition: a post expedition barbecue and wine sampling afternoon at one of our favorite spots around Mendoza, the family vineyard, Familia Zuccardi. Osvaldo, Simon and Sergio will start tomorrow for the long drive back to Bolivia. They will be on the road for 2 1/2 days, driving through high mountain passes, cities, deserts and along the sea coast of Chile before they arrive home to La Paz, Bolivia. They left Bolivia more than one month ago for this Berg Adventures season on Aconcagua. We have had great times and much success this season. The long, relaxing afternoons at Familia Zuccardi have become a reliable memory maker for us and we wanted to share this with Jussi.
Admittedly, we do not often have someone along with us who has the sophistication or enthusiasm for wine that Jussi has. We know that before he leaves Argentina, Jussi will visit several very exclusive vineyards as an honored guest. Mariela is taking care of those arrangements. But Berg Adventures has our traditions and we knew where we wanted to start. Jussi was not disappointed and we hope that the wonderful folks at Zuccardi will remember us fondly, as we will remember them.
We started the afternoon simply enough with cold refreshing “agua con gas” or sparkling water.
Soon, our table was filling with glasses as Jussi selected several of the oldest and most special wines that Zuccardi has produced.
Familia Zuccardi glasses at Osvi’s place setting
Osvaldo, Sergio and Simon
The servers were great all afternoon. Our driver was patiently waiting outside.
Jussi sampling sparkling wine
Our sommelier was informative and attentive.
He made himself personally aware of the characteristics and quality of each bottle he opened for us.
After it became clear who was in the house, Sebastian Zuccardi, the son of the vineyard’s founder, arrived. With Osvaldo, he discussed at length his own visit to Bolivia last year and how much he enjoyed it.
Jussi with Julia Zuccardi—Julia is always at the vineyard and we remember her graciousness and friendly manner from one year to the next.
End of another great Aconcagua season: Osvaldo, Wally and Simon at Zuccardi Vineyard