Wine Tour to Casablanca

Again we booked a great tour thru Airbnb Experiences.  This tour was a full day with just the two of us at a price that was the same as the big bus tours.

As many of you know Bernie and I love wine.  Yeah we are not wine connoisseurs but we know what we like.

We were met by Dominic in his car early in the morning and we dodged rush hour traffic to the Casablanca Region, which is about an hour away, on the way to the Pacific.

Our first winery was Atillio & Mochi and talk about special!  The owner came to the gate and opened it for us.  We were greeted by Frank their dog.  The winery is owned by a Brazilian couple who love wine and started it as a hobby winery but started to be recognized for the quality.  It is cared for by them both and one full time staff.  

We walked among the vines and tasted the variety of grapes and the difficulties they face. Water being a big one.  This area is facing a major drought (for the past 7 years).  They are praying for a wetter winter (which is during our Summer months).  

It is such a lovely area and we are blown away at how unique a tasting this is.  We get to taste the wines and talk to the owner!  We bought two wines.  We so would of loved to have bought more but so hard when we are travelling and shipping costs are crazy and then the duty you have to pay.

Our second stop was at Villard Winery where Alejandra showed us around. Again another family run winery that feels like you are sitting with friends.  

Alejandra took us down to the grapes and explained the conditions here and what makes the wine so unique.  

Then up to the processing area and the work that goes into making a wine and the little things that can change to make each batch a little special.

The tasting area is on a patio that overlooks the valley and the grapes.  Stunning!  We were able to taste all the wines and not just a small mouthful like we often get at large vineyards, here it was a few tastes.

We again bought two bottles.

Dominic asked us if we wanted to get lunch.  Now he normally takes people to another winery with a great meal but it is a rather expensive spot (although worth the price I am sure).  But after talking with us all day and getting to know us and our vibe he suggest a local place.  Nothing fancy but really authentic.  Oh we are so into that!

He takes us to a cute small town and this little family run restaurant. Picnic tables on dirt floor with dogs roaming around.  The food was outstanding!  And so authentic.  And man was it cheap. Maybe $15 for the three of us to eat and drink!

By the end of the meal we are tired and Dominic takes us right back to our apartment.  We are full from a late lunch so opt to skip dinner and just snack on cheese, bread, nuts, and fruit and of course some wine. 

We enjoy all of it on our balcony with a stunning view.  Damn life is good.