Finca Los Alamos: A Step Back in Time

Finca Los Alamos, located in San Rafael, Mendoza, is more than just a restaurant; it's a journey through Argentine history and culture. Built in 1830 by the Bombal family, the estancia began as a frontier fort. Domingo Bombal, a prominent figure who served eleven terms as Governor of Mendoza Province, owned the estate until his death in 1908. The estate experienced a revival in the 1930s thanks to Argentine writer Susana Bombal. She infused the property with Buenos Aires sophistication, incorporating colonial furniture, original manuscripts, and mural paintings. Finca Los Alamos became a retreat for bohemian artists from the 1930s to 1960s, each leaving their mark and contributing to the property's unique character. Susana Bombal's close friendship with Jorge Luis Borges is a highlight, with the property featuring works of art and culture from other famous Argentine figures like Raúl Soldi, Hector Basaldua, and Manuel Mujica Láinez. Today, Finca Los Alamos operates as a restaurant, offering a culinary experience surrounded by history and art. Visitors can explore the grounds, including the famous Laberinto de Borges (Borges's Labyrinth), a maze paying tribute to the author. The labyrinth's design, shaped like an open book, spells out Borges's name as reflected in a mirror and includes the initials of his widow, Maria Kodama. The restaurant provides a menu of traditional Argentine dishes, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the region while surrounded by the estate's rich history.