Bodega Trivento Argentina

Day three of the Harbour Wines & Spirits Sip to Win a Trip to Mendoza competition, April 30, 2026, unfolded at a gentler pace, with a midday pick-up from our hotel Royal Princess Gold Mendoza. Having been thoroughly spoiled by the Zuccardi team — with guided tours, curated tastings, leisurely lunches at Santa Julia and Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco, and unforgettable fine-dining experiences each evening — we were more than ready to journey towards the breathtaking high altitudes of the Andes foothills for our next stop: Bodega Trivento.

Our party of seven — Harbour Wines and Spirits Commercial Manager and sommelier Dr Debbian Spence-Minott; Sip to Win a Trip to Mendoza competition winners Shaun Akinsola and Dwight Norman; Grace Foods Regional Sales Manager Matthew Allen; Trio Wine Bar co-principal Carlos Max Brown; wine enthusiast Kimberley Stiff; and yours truly, Jamaica Observer Senior Lifestyle Reporter Alayne Richards — arrived eager to indulge in yet another immersive wine experience.

The red-carpet treatment, however, unfolded with understated elegance rather than immediate extravagance. We were welcomed by sommelier Gimena Coronel, who set the tone beautifully with a crisp glass of Trivento Golden Reserve Chardonnay 2024. With palates awakened and anticipation building, she invited us to step beyond the tasting room and explore the sprawling vineyards nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes foothills.

The vineyard tour proved brief and, admittedly, somewhat underwhelming, and before long we found ourselves back indoors for a guided wine tasting led by Coronel.

The flight began with the highly rated Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2022 — a full-bodied Argentine red aged for 12 months in French oak. Sommelier Dr Debbian Spence-Minott shared that the wine had earned impressive acclaim, scoring 95–96 points in several 2024 competitions for its balance and rich dark-fruit profile. Expectations were understandably high.

Yet the first sip failed to impress, prompting suspicion that the bottle may have been flawed. Following proper tasting etiquette, we quietly raised the concern with the sommelier. While a fresh bottle was opened and Spence-Minott’s glass replaced, the remaining six guests were left with pours from the original bottle, creating an awkward shift in the atmosphere.

From there, the tasting experience gradually lost its sparkle, and by the time it concluded, we found ourselves looking ahead to lunch in the garden — hopeful that the relaxed outdoor setting might restore the warmth and indulgence that had defined the trip thus far.

Kudos to Senior Brand Manager Juan Jose Gil for refusing to let one disappointing bottle overshadow an otherwise memorable experience. Stepping in with effortless hospitality, he elevated our lunch menu and ensured the afternoon regained its sense of occasion and indulgence.

Set against the serene backdrop of the gardens, lunch became the true highlight of our visit. This time, we were able to fully appreciate the depth and character of the Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2022, alongside the highly rated and innovative Trivento Reserve White Malbec 2022 — an intriguing Argentine blanc de noirs crafted from red grapes that delivered both freshness and complexity in every sip — and the premium Trivento Eolo Single Vineyard Malbec.

Adding even more prestige to the experience was the presence of Bodega Trivento CEO Marcos Augusto Jofré and Global Marketing Director Silvina Barros, whose warm engagement and passion for the brand proved to be the perfect finishing touch to the afternoon.

#Jamaicans@Trivento From left: Carlos Max Brown, Debbian Spence-Minott, Dwight Norman, Shaun Akinsola, Matthew Allen, and Kimberley StiffAlayne Richards

#Jamaicans@Trivento From left: Carlos Max Brown, Debbian Spence-Minott, Dwight Norman, Shaun Akinsola, Matthew Allen, and Kimberley Stiff (Photo: Alayne Richards)

Harbour Wines & Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott immortalised the Trivento experience with Sip To Win A Trip to Mendoza Argentina competition winners Shaun Akinsola (left) and Dwight Norman. (Photo: Alayne Richards)

Freshly poured Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec-Cabernet FrancAlayne Richards

Freshly poured Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec-Cabernet Franc(Photo: Alayne Richards)

Jamaica Observer Senior Lifestyle Reporter Alayne Richards (left) and wine enthusiast Kimberley Stiff raised a Trivento Golden Reserve Chardonnay 2024 toast to a fab afternoon in Maipú, Mendoza..