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Argentina’s eclectic cuisine is reason enough to head to the southern Americas for a dude ranch vacation. Famous for the Malbec grape and world-class beef, Argentina guarantees a full belly and satisfied taste buds for guests taking a horse riding holiday at any of Top50 Ranches’ Argentine estancias.
Argentina cuisine
Argentina might produce some of the most flavourful and succulent steaks in the world, but the country is about much more than a grilled rib-eye. Argentine cuisine takes influence from many other world cuisines, including Italy. In fact, it is estimated that up to 25 million Argentines can trace their family roots back to the European country, so it's no wonder that Argentina produces some great pizza and pasta dishes – relief for any vegetarians taking a horse riding holiday at an Argentine estancia.
Travelers venturing to an Argentine restaurant might find the term "a caballo”, or "on horseback", on the menu, however this doesn’t mean horse meat will be appearing from the kitchens any time soon. The phrase actually refers to the addition a fried egg on top of “minutas” – Argentina's version of fast food. These simple, quick dishes are popular at lunch time and ordered from a sit-down menu.
Then there's the sweet "alfajore" – a cross between a biscuit and a cake that comes in many different flavours, such as chocolate, coconut and dulche de leche, and endless combinations of these and other sweet ingredients.
Go to any Argentine city and you’ll come across street food – such as choripan (sausage sandwich), chipa (a bagel-shaped cheesy cornbread), bondiola (pork shoulder sandwich), milanesas (beef schnitzels) and empanadas (meat pastries).
For those taking a horse riding holiday at an Argentine estancia, chances are there’ll be a lot of beef consumed. Known as the steak capital of the world, Argentina produces big, flavourful, tender and juicy steaks that need only a large glass of Malbec for company. Argentine restaurants normally use cheaper cuts such as asado (ribs) or vacio (flank), but on a steak menu the cuts might seem alien to US and European travelers. The most popular cut is "bife de chorizo" (strip loin), "lomo" (tenderloin), "bife ancho" (rib eye), "bife de costilla" (T-bone) and "cuadril" (a rump roast).
Traditional Argentine barbecues, known as "asados", often see more than just the meat from the animal being put to the flame. Argentina loves its offal and, as such, as much of the animal as possible will appear on the asado.
Argentina wine
Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world and is most famous for its Malbecs – big, full-bodied reds that stand up well to a juicy steak. Although deep, inky purple in color, good Malbecs are surprisingly floral and aromatic, with sweet, well-rounded flavors on the tongue. The balance of fruit and tannin is what makes a good Malbec match so perfectly with a juicy, tender steak.
Argentina's most important wine regions can be found in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja. Provinces Salta, Catamarca, Río Negro and, more recently, Southern Buenos Aires, are also good wine producing regions. Mendoza produces more than 60% of the country's wine and an even greater percentage of Argentina's wine exports. Often termed the "Napa of the south", Mendoza cultivates vines that enjoy long hours of sunshine for ripening, and the cold night air ensures the grapes hold on to their delicate aromas. Mendoza's poor soils encourage deep roots and impart a mineral depth in the wines.
But it's not all about the Malbec - Argentina also produces Torrontes grapes that make aromatic white wines, and some excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and other international varieties are produced here.
Taste it for yourself
One of the best ways to sample Argentina's finest food and wine is to take a horse riding holiday at an Argentine estancia. Top50 Ranches showcases Argentina’s three best horse riding holiday destinations, all of which have been personally and thoroughly vetted to ensure quality.
Estancia Huechahue in Neuquen is a virtually self-sufficient ranch, and treats guests to traditional asados and picnics by the river. Guests can tuck into ham and bacon from the estancia’s own pigs, eggs from the chickens, milk and homemade yogurt from Huechahue’s dairy cows and, of course, ranch-raised beef, venison and wild boar. Large orchards provide fruit for preserves, bottled fruit and even apple juice, while Huechahue also boasts a large vegetable garden and makes freshly baked bread each day. Wines served are from the local Neuquen province, and beers and spirits are also enjoyed when it’s siesta time.
At Estancia Los Potreros in Córdoba, food is freshly cooked from home-grown and locally sourced ingredients, with beef, vegetables, eggs and fruit all produced on the estancia. Los Potreros's menu reflects local Argentine cuisine, and guests can enjoy plenty of traditional asados as well as more classic European favourites. The estancia's own-label wine is made by a local winery – the oldest in Argentina. Traditional Argentine grape varieties Malbec and Torrontes create the red and white wines, which guests can sample alongside other varieties at regular wine tastings held at the estancia.
Estancia Ranquilco in Neuquen takes fruit from its orchards, vegetables from its gardens, trout from the ranch's rivers, meat from the meadows and fresh milk from its cows. Guests can enjoy Patagonian dishes using traditional ingredients, alongside freshly baked home-made bread. Dishes such as milanesas, empanadas, guisos (stews), fresh salads and soups are regulars on the Ranquilco menu, served either out on our terrace with sweeping views of the Trocoman River, in the cozy kitchen, or silver-service style in the dining room. Boasting a well-rounded wine cellar filled with excellent Argentine reds for guests to enjoy, Ranquilco also enjoys bottling one or two barrels from Neuquen throughout the year.
Find out more about all of Top50's Argentina horse riding holidays at Top50Ranches.com
Canada dude ranch Siwash Lake offers bespoke, intimate western vacations for discerning travelers
Siwash Lake Ranch, Jan 30 2012
Canada dude ranch The Ranch at Siwash Lake is Top50’s latest addition to its exclusive range of quality dude ranch vacations.
The Ranch at Siwash Lake, an authentic 4th-generation luxury dude ranch, provides guests with nothing but the most personalised and luxurious dude ranch vacation. This exclusive, intimate hideaway offers action-packed adventure in the remote and rugged heartland of British Columbia – from wilderness survival and skeet shooting, to fishing for trout on sparkling waters, to mountain biking in the back country and canoeing across the shimmering Siwash Lake.
No Canada dude ranch vacation would be complete without horseback riding, and Siwash Lake offers one of Canada’s best and most unique riding programs. Catering for beginner to advanced riders, Siwash Lake provides each guest with their own personal horse for the duration of their stay. Guests can choose to take private rides with a guide for one-on-one tuition to improve their riding or learn about the ranch’s nature and history, or simply head out on their own for an unescorted horseback ride through the BC wilderness over 80,000 acres of pristine rangeland. Horseback riding at Siwash Lake is tailored to guests’ needs and is available for as little or as often as they wish – whether it’s an hour or two in the saddle, or all-day rides. Guests wishing to spend several hours in the saddle can ride down to the river for swimming, fishing and a campfire picnic; to a high mountain bluff for an exquisite view; or an epic seven-hour horseback trek through canyons to breathtaking waterfalls.
Tired muscles can be soothed with a relaxing treatment in Siwash Lake’s luxury tented spa, be it a relaxation or deep-tissue massage, manicure, facial or pedicure. When endless horseback riding, adventuring and pampering has conjured up a royal appetite, guests can sit down to exquisite meals fit for a king. Fresh, healthy food reigns at Siwash Lake, and their ranch-grown, local, organic fare rivals that of fine city dining. The Canada dude ranch serves up delicious, designer food that is simple, clean, healthy and nourishing. Appetites satiated, guests can retire to peaceful sleep amidst the softest linens in the ranch’s rustically refined honey-hued log cabins, or cozy under canvas beneath the stars in the ranch’s luxury tented accommodations.
What really sets Siwash Lake apart from the rest is its personal, intimate service. Taking a maximum of 16-24 guests, Siwash Lake’s 14 staff will ensure royal pampering and personalised hospitality for each and every guest. Families, too, are welcome, with the dude ranch offering a quality children’s program for guests wishing to pre-arrange.
For the ultimate boutique ranch vacation, it has to be The Ranch at Siwash Lake in British Columbia, Canada.
For more information and to book, view Siwash Lake’s ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is selected as one of the world’s Top50 Ranches
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Jan 30 2012
New to Top50 Ranches’ selection of luxury dude ranch vacations is Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, Canada. Clayoquot’s breathtaking coastal location on Vancouver Island, luxury tented safari camp, and diverse range of land and sea adventure activities are just some of the reasons this luxury Canada dude ranch stands out from the rest.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is Top50’s only luxury tented safari camp, where guests can enjoy the magical, unique experience of sleeping under the stars in canvassed accommodations more luxurious than your average 5-star hotel. Whether guests are looking for breathtaking horseback riding, luxury pampering, adventure or all three, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort will deliver.
Horseback riding at this luxury Canada dude ranch is suitable for all ages and abilities, and guests are given the opportunity to learn about all aspects of horse care from the experienced team of wranglers. From non-riders, to novices to advanced riders, Clayoquot’s personalized approach to their riding programs guarantees guests get the most out of their horseback riding experience. Whether it’s through the temperate rainforest, river valley or spectacular mountain trails, all rides are highly personalized and tailored to guest requests.
For true adventure, Clayoquot’s wildlife safaris offer the opportunity to spot the likes of black bear, whales, sea lions, harbour seals and sea otters, adding to the wilderness experience. With adventure activities including deep-sea fishing, whale watching, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, climbing and archery, Clayoquot has something for everyone.
For those looking for a more relaxing dude ranch vacation, secluded beaches and a luxury tented spa await. Guests can indulge in yoga, a soak in the hot tub or hot springs, massages, facials and many more spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation experience.
The luxury doesn’t stop there – dining at Clayoquot is a gourmet experience, with Executive Chef Ryan Orr’s ‘modern natural’ cuisine receiving critical acclaim. Fresh and whole-food oriented, exquisite meals are created using ingredients sourced from local suppliers, with options to suit every requirement – from vegan and fruitarian, to low-carb and high-protein diets. Foodies can enjoy Chef Ryan’s foraging excursions and cookery classes, which can be arranged on guest request.
With such attention to detail and bespoke, personalized service in all it does, it’s no wonder Clayoquot Wilderness Resort makes it into Top50’s discerning collection of luxury ranch vacations – this ranch vacation really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For more information and to book, visit Clayoquot Wilderness Resort’s ranch profile at Top50Ranches.com.
Badger Creek Ranch offers authentic working ranch vacations for keen horseback riders
Badger Creek Ranch, Jan 30 2012
High in the spectacular Colorado Rocky Mountains sits working cattle operation Badger Creek Ranch, providing authentic western ranch vacations perfectly suited to keen riders.
Guests stepping through the gates of Badger Creek Ranch are promised the western vacation adventure of a lifetime by owners Susan and Eric Hotaling, who welcome wannabe cowboys and cowgirls to join their crew of wranglers. As a working ranch, Badger Creek offers guests the chance to ride fences, round up, doctor and sort their cattle. Ranch life at this Colorado guest ranch is traditional and authentic, and with a guest capacity of just six, Badger Creek creates a small, homely atmosphere.where first-rate hospitality and service come first.
Guest can immerse themselves in western ranch life, saddling up one of the ranch’s sturdy cow horses to cover mile upon mile of mesas and ride the open range. After a long day in the saddle, hearty home-cooked meals await, served family style in the dining room. After an evening spent under the starry Colorado sky recounting the day’s adventures and planning the next one, guests can retire to Badger Creek’s traditional and comfortable accommodations in the ranch bunkhouse, ready for another day of western adventure.
With no set schedule, each day at Badger Creek runs to guests’ requests – be it improving horsemanship skills in the arena under the quiet, calm tutelage of Eric; taking relaxing horseback rides through beautiful open country vistas or to ancient ruins on the ranch; or tackling everyday ranch work with Badger Creek’s cowboy crew.
This adult-oriented guest ranch, although ideal for keen and competent riders, also welcomes guests without any prior horseback riding experience. Beginners are coached on the basics in the arena until confident and able to head out on the open range, and Eric is always on hand to impart his extensive horsemanship knowledge and ensure the comfort of every rider. Those feeling a little saddle sore can take advantage of Badger Creek’s many off-ranch activities, which include rafting, fishing, trips to ghost towns and festivals, and much more.
For an authentic taste of western ranch and rural life in a peaceful, tranquil setting, a guest ranch vacation at Badger Creek ticks all the boxes.
For more information and to book, visit Badger Creek Ranch's profile at Top50Ranches.com.
The Resort at Paws Up puts a new twist on ‘Glamping’
The Resort at Paws Up, Jan 16 2012
For first-class service, luxury ‘glamping’ and tailor-made horse riding programs, head to The Resort at Paws Up – Top50’s newest luxury dude ranch in Montana, USA.
Getting away to the wilds of a Montana ranch is no longer about roughing it. On paper, The Resort at Paws Up could easily seem like an ordinary western ranch – that is, until you step inside. Here, everyone goes first class. Luxury tented accommodations bring a new meaning to the term ‘glamping’, with canvas lodgings boasting luxury amenities such as flat-screen TVs, wireless internet, heated bathroom floors, organic spa products and hot tubs. Even the gym facilities offer mountain views through canvas doors. Personalized, anticipatory service from attentive staff complements the ranch’s luxurious accommodations, alongside gourmet cuisine, decadent spa treatments and, of course, first-rate western horseback riding.
Owned and run by the Lipson family, who have bred, raised and maintained Black Angus cattle on the 37,000-acre ranch for over 13 years, The Resort at Paws Up is no stranger to accolades. The exclusive ranch resort was included in the Top 20 People’s Choice list for US Hideaways by Andrew Harper, and named as one of the ‘Most wine-friendly restaurants’ by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Unlike many other resort-style vacations, Paws Up offers the ultimate in privacy. Guests can feel like they’re the only people on the ranch while on vacation at Paws Up, with their own personal home or luxury tent, personal butler and chef, and even private picnic rides.
At the same time, Paws Up also welcomes children and families, offering a fully supervised children’s program for ages four and upwards with age-appropriate activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, scavenger hunts, badminton, pool table, and animal and horse care. The Paws Up “Kids Corps of Discovery” offers and full- and half-day programs for children aged five to 12, with activities like trips to ghost towns, and authentic ranch experiences. Families wishing to go horseback riding together can enjoy tailored trail rides or arena lessons at the equestrian center.
Horseback riding activities at Paws Up cater for all levels of rider, from the nervous first-timer to the experienced horseman or woman. Head wrangler Max heads the extensive Paws Up horseback riding program and, with more than 40 years of experience, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with every guest. Whether it’s a relaxing trail ride, one-to-one horsemanship lessons in the arena, cattle sorting, reining, natural horsemanship, roping or barrel racing, Max will go the extra mile to make sure every guest’s Paws Up horseback riding experience exceeds expectations.
A host of non-riding activities such as wilderness adventures, back-country camping, fly-fishing on the legendary Blackfoot River, zorbing, hot-air ballooning, white-water rafting and ATV riding will keep non-riders – and the saddle-sore – adequately entertained. Or why not relax in the Paws Up luxury spa with a deep tissue massage, rock treatment, manicure, facial or pedicure?
After a day spent outside on the ranch, nothing beats a good meal – and Paws Up believes in great meals. Using sophisticated culinary techniques and the freshest ingredients available, the ranch’s team of chefs create rustic ranch cuisine you’ll want to get out of the saddle (or hot tub) for. Lavish breakfasts include huckleberries picked from the surrounding mountains with French toast. Dinners can be taken in one of the ranch’s two on-site restaurants, with menus featuring the likes of fresh Rocky Mountain trout, leg of lamb and savory chicken breast. Or dine in the great outdoors with a lavish barbeque complete with vintage Pinot Noirs.
For a unique luxury western ranch vacation, it has to be The Resort at Paws Up.
Elk Mountain is Top50’s newest family dude ranch
Elk Mountain Ranch, Jan 16 2012
Elk Mountain Ranch in Colorado, USA, is the latest family dude ranch to be named of the Top50 Ranches in the world, offering superb dude ranch vacations for adults and children alike.
High in San Isabel National Forest in Colorado, USA, lies Elk Mountain Ranch – the Murphy family's home and passion since 1985. Warm and friendly hospitality combined with an off-the-beaten path charm, this remote Colorado dude ranch boasts spectacular scenery, quality horses, endless activities and superb cuisine – the ultimate retreat for families looking to reconnect.
Elk Mountain is family-oriented ranch and, as such, offers a comprehensive and fun-filled children’s program for three to seven year-olds – although children aged eight and upwards are more than welcome to join in. The well-supervised program includes riding in the arena, themed days – eg, “Cowboy Day”, where kids can get stuck into roping, panning for gold and making sheriff badges – and off-ranch trips to Mount Princeton hot springs. Guests looking for a quieter dude ranch vacation can take advantage of Elk Mountain’s adult-only weeks, which run every September.
Surely the only way to relax and take in the beauty of Colorado is to go horseback riding through unspoilt wilderness on one of Elk Mountain’s 50 horses. Rides are kept small and led by one the ranch’s experienced and competent wranglers, allowing guests to get the most out of their western horseback riding experience.
Elk Mountain Ranch also offers a whole host of non-riding activities, including golf, archery, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and much more. Coined the "white water capital of Colorado", the town of Buena Vista lies just minutes from Elk Mountain and here, guests in search of adventure can enjoy thrilling white-water rafting along the Arkansas River. Evening activities include leisurely hayrides, square-dancing and musical entertainment, or guests can simply soothe tired muscles with a massage or a dip in the hot tub.
After an action-packed day, superb home-cooked meals await guests at the ranch dining table at the Main Lodge. The varied menu offers something for every appetite, however hearty or discerning. The options are endless – from hors d’oeuvres, steak fry and fabulous desserts, to Champagne brunches, trail-ride cookouts and, the highlight at week's end, a country candlelit dinner.
Appetites satiated, guests can retire to comfortable and spacious accommodations – which range from rooms and suites in the Main Lodge, to private log cabins ideally suited to families. Tastefully and traditionally decorated, the comfortable accommodations offer a true feel of the ‘Old West’.
If you’re looking for the perfect family dude ranch vacation in Colorado, Elk Mountain will provide.