GAIA Restaurant. Route 89, KM 7, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza. Reservations: (261) 532 0896. Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. @domainebousquetarg. 3-course menu price (with wines): $66,200 / $86,100. 5-course menu price (with wines): $96,600 / $120,000. Chef experience (for 8 people): $139,000.
Authentic local cuisine. The world of wine is full of fun and interesting stories, some almost heroic. One of them is the family Bouquetnative of Carcassonne in France, which in 1997 acquired 240 hectares of vineyards in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, today considered one of the best terroirs in Mendoza. At that time it was a remote area, at the foot of the Cordón del Plata, but guided by the knowledge of four generations of winemaking tradition, they planted their grapes, practicing organic, biodynamic and regenerative agriculture. In 2002 they had their first harvest. Today Domaine Bousquet is the largest exporter of certified organic wines in Argentina.
The winery helped boost the economic and social growth of Tupungato, the area where the chef is from. Adrian Baggiotoday in charge of Gaia, the restaurant. The connection with their land was echoed in an abundant organic garden located meters from the kitchen and a large part of the vegetables used in their dishes come from there. Their preparations are simple and tasty, with layers of flavor, different textures and accurate cooking points. The portions are abundant, reminiscent of home cooking but without losing sight of subtlety and attention to detail.
What the garden does not produce is obtained from local producers. Spring brings with it asparagus and peas, which Baggio serves cooked just right with eggs from his own chicken coop. Following the Mendoza tradition, the harvests are made the most of through the production of sweets and preserves, which are also served in the restaurant. Thus, you can try, for example, a memorable chimichurri; or a delicious version of the Peruvian causa with local organic potatoes and oysters. Not everything is vegetables. In Gaia there are also meats from local producers, including goat, the most emblematic protein of Mendoza cuisine.
Gaia is also a lodge with seven rooms, warm service and an unbeatable view of the Cordillera. There are horseback rides, cooking classes and wine tastings to suit all tastes.
Image gallery
