Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! One super word to aptly describe my super amazing experience in Mendoza, Argentina.

My journey as a wine enthusiast to a wine connoisseur is in its early stages but already along a firm path towards guaranteed success. Fresh from a visit to Napa Valley, it is clear that practical exposure, field study and experiential activities are the best learning tools. This view was solidified during my visit to three premium and leading vineyards/wineries in Mendoza. The opportunity to visit San Julia, Zuccardi and Trevento were cumulatively the ideal mechanism for knowledge acquisition, exploration and immersion packaged into an enjoyable learning experience.

A journey which emerged eight years ago from a dire need for weight management and my then goal to transition from a preferred choice of Baileys and whites to a less sugary selection, I began to opt more for Champagne. However, having met the ‘Wine & Spirits Guru of Gurus Dr Debbian Spence-Minott a couple years ago during a social encounter, she gave me a quick lesson about Champagne. Champagne is actually a sparkling white or rosé wine that is produced exclusively in Champagne, a north-eastern region in France. Fancy that! Champagne is really just a ‘boasy’ wine. Some are sweet and some not so sweet…very important as I am watching my sugar intake.

Fast-forward to Mendoza where, again, the learning continued. The group was somewhat amazed at my preference for bubbly wine, specifically rosé which I had to explain. About 13 years ago I became intrigued about Champagne when, while planning a work event I learned that the preferred choice of my boss at the time was Dom Perignon. In my mind, I thought this must taste like salvation, ‘cause what could be the reason for the cost. However, admittedly now, that was a position that emerged from ignorance as this trip dispelled all the misconceptions and stereotypical views about what many may consider to be overpriced wine.

People… truly, the wine nuh dear enough!

Mendoza is chiefly a wine-producing region in South America and is largely a desert. The quality of its wine is significantly influenced by several geographical factors, including the Andes Mountains, soil variations, the terrain and water sources, the latter of which are few. This was best explained during an immersive visit, sharply focused and detailed tour of the Zuccardi Estate. There we were able to view the proximity to the Andes Mountains and rivers. We also toured the vineyards and saw the distinctions in the variations of soil type, approximately two feet apart, when you consider the size of the vineyards are hundreds of acres. This is noteworthy because just a mere two feet difference in one vineyard will require different agronomic techniques by which to cultivate and harvest grapes that are grown just two feet apart.

Therefore, to harvest the perfect grape for the perfect Malbec requires a careful, well-timed and meticulous process which Fichi Rodriquez, an agronomic engineer at Zuccardi, explained is quite extensive and multi-faceted. Experiencing the intricate process from vineyard to glass and all that occurs in between, inspired a greater appreciation for the product development process and by extension the product itself. As with most high-quality commodities, the best ingredients are usually pricey, employ talented workers with specialised expertise and are a result of systems and technologies that are resource intensive.

Each vineyard had its own unique advantage although I had a favourite. It was quite enlightening to learn that the architectural design of the Zuccardi Estate paid homage to the geography of the region, as the designers ensured that the skyline was not interrupted by the development and the view of the Andes Mountains was maintained from any perspective.

The opportunity also afforded us the chance to be immersed in the production process for Zuelo Olive Oil that is also produced by the Zuccardi family, and which I must add is also top-notch in quality.

I enjoy adventures that are a mix of experiential activities, learning, knowledge exchange and cultural enlightenment. Having engaged and interacted with many who are well-lettered and certified, I have realised that true education really is best achieved by those who have a great regard for people and different perspectives. The ability to respect and learn from another who may achieve the same success as you even by using another methodology or approach is a distinct mark of a truly educated person. Assimilating information from various sources, juxtaposing them against your own knowledge and experience, and appreciating and leveraging differences from a real life experience are proven ways to become qualified and, notably, this offers a competitive advantage that an educational institution or a degree is not able to provide.

I am truly grateful to Spence-Minott and the Harbour Wines & Spirits team for conceptualising this promotion and also allowing me to tag along. I learned so much. My mom is a geography specialist and I am a lifelong student of the subject, and I can’t state how much this experience taught me and how appreciative my mom is that I was afforded the opportunity. Special thanks, as well, to our Argentine host Agustin, who we lovingly scared many times when we tried new food choices that truly tested our palates:)!!!

Major big ups to the Zuccardi family who ensured we enjoyed a true red carpet experience and took the time to engage with us personally. The Lord already told me I am royalty and after this experience I am even more certain it is my lot in life! A week has passed and I am still on a high! Ready for the next, please!

A glass of red on #Day3 at Bodega Trivento .

Kimberley Stiff outside Olivar Zuelo de Familia Zuccardi, the olive oil bottling company she toured during her visit to Bodega Santa Julia.

Wine enthusiast Kimberley Stiff (right) and Harbour Wines & Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott at Zuccardi Valle de Uco (Photo: Alayne Richards)

Because what’s a better backdrop than the breathtaking landscape of the Andes Mountains. Wine enthusiast Kimberley Stiff secured hers during her visit to Zuccardi Valle de Uco. 

Harbour Wines & Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott (left) and wine enthusiast Kim Stiff raised a Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés 2025 toast to an enriching afternoon at Bodega Zuccardi Valle De Uco. (Photo: Alayne Richards)