In Search of the Grape

By Mary & Larry Ivins, Winemakers, Wine Enthusiasts, and Vine Society Legends

Huentala Winery, Mendoza, Argentina

Most people who know us are aware that we love all things wine. Learning about wine, visiting wineries, meeting winemakers, tasting different wines, collecting wine, making our own wine. It is a hobby, it is a quest, it is a passion. So, when the opportunity arose for a specialized wine trip to Argentina, we jumped on it.

After some very active time in Brazil and Antarctica, we made our way to Buenos Aires to meet up with 11 members of Vine Society, our North Carolina wine group.  We had been to Tuscany with this group in 2024, with fantastic results.  We were ready to relax and enjoy some Argentine wines with good friends.  Little did we know that this would not be a typical, least of all relaxing, wine tour.   

Vine Society dubbed our excursion as a “Wine Safari”.  The term “safari” is defined as an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa.  We were certain there were no lions, elephants or rhinos roaming free in Argentina, but we weren’t there for “The Big Five”, we were in search of the grape. 

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