Wine and Native Potato Tasting

Exploring the rich culinary heritage of Peru’s Andes, the Wine and Native Potato Tasting adventure in the Sacred Valley offers an unparalleled sensory experience. Guided by an agricultural expert, participants explore a world of over 370 varieties of native potatoes, each with its own distinct flavor and story. As they savor innovative Andean tuber wines crafted from unique ingredients like ocas and mashuas, guests uncover the depth and diversity of Peru’s agro-gastronomy. The journey culminates in a taste of the traditional uchucuta sauce, showcasing the region’s vibrant flavors. With this immersive exploration, one can’t help but wonder what other culinary treasures await discovery in this captivating corner of the Andes.

Key Points

• The experience features a tasting of innovative Andean tuber wines crafted from unique native tubers like ocas and mashwas.
• Guests will have the opportunity to sample distillates made from native potato varieties, offering a distinct and complex flavor experience.
• The activity includes a guided exploration of over 370 varieties of native potatoes and tubers from the Andean region.
• Participants will learn about the nutritional and cultural significance of Andean agro-biodiversity from an expert agricultural engineer.
• The tasting includes a traditional uchucuta sauce, a condiment made from locally-sourced native potatoes and chili peppers.

Activity Overview

Embarking on a 5-hour gastronomic adventure, the Wine and Native Potato Tasting activity offers a captivating exploration of Peruvian agro-diversity.

Priced from £210.55 per person, this experience boasts free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible planning.

Participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment, making it an accessible and convenient option.

The activity’s highlight is the interaction with agricultural engineer Manuel Choqque, recognized as Producer of the Year 2018 by the Summum guide, who’ll share insights into the over 370 varieties of native potatoes and tubers.

Location and Transportation

The meeting point for this activity is in Cusco, from where you will be transported to the Sacred Valley region, specifically the town of Chinchero.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from the hotels in Cusco, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.

Situated in the heart of the Andes, the Sacred Valley offers a picturesque backdrop for this gastronomic adventure.

Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich agricultural heritage and explore the diverse varieties of native potatoes and tubers that thrive in this unique environment.

Experience Highlights

At the heart of this exceptional experience lies a gastronomic exploration of Peruvian agro-diversity. Participants will have the privilege of interacting with Manuel Choqque, a renowned agricultural engineer recognized as the Producer of the Year 2018 by the Summum guide. Through his engaging presentation, guests will explore the fascinating world of over 370 varieties of native potatoes and tubers. Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to taste the traditional uchucuta sauce, savoring the unique flavors of these Andean delicacies.

Highlights
Interaction with Manuel Choqque	Exploration of 370+ native potatoes	Tasting of traditional uchucuta sauce

The experience also features innovative Andean tuber wines and distillates of native potatoes, allowing participants to indulge in these unique drinks.

Unique Offerings

Complementing the gastronomic exploration, the experience showcases innovative Andean tuber wines and distillates of native potatoes.

Participants can delight in:

1. Flavourful wines crafted from unique Andean tubers like ocas or mashwas, offering a distinct taste profile.
2. Distillates made from the region’s prized native potato varieties, providing a singular sipping experience.
3. The opportunity to sample these one-of-a-kind Andean drinks as an integral part of the tasting journey.

These unique offerings elevate the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich diversity of Peruvian agro-gastronomy.

Language and Guide

Live tour guides are available to lead the experience in both Spanish and English, ensuring seamless communication for all participants.

Manuel Choqque, the recognized Producer of the Year 2018 by the Summum guide, delivers an engaging presentation about the vast array of potato varieties and their nutritional benefits.

His expertise and passion for Andean agro-diversity shine through, captivating guests and providing valuable insights into this unique gastronomic experience.

The bilingual guidance allows attendees to fully enjoy the exploration of the region’s rich culinary heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of Peruvian potatoes and the innovative wines crafted from Andean tubers.

Potato Varieties and Tubers

The experience showcases over 370 varieties of native potatoes and tubers from the Andean region.

Guests will explore the diversity of these staple crops, which include:

1. Brightly-colored native potatoes in shades of purple, red, yellow, and blue.
2. Unique tubers like oca, mashua, and olluco, each with their own distinct textures and flavors.
3. Artisanal production methods that highlight the nutritional and cultural significance of these ancient ingredients.

Guided by the award-winning agricultural engineer Manuel Choqque, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the agro-biodiversity of the Andes and the ways it has shaped Peruvian cuisine and identity.

Traditional Uchucuta Sauce

As guests explore the vibrant diversity of native potatoes and tubers, they are also introduced to the traditional uchucuta sauce. This savory condiment is a staple in Peruvian cuisine, made from a unique blend of locally-sourced ingredients. The sauce showcases the depth of Andean flavors, combining the earthy notes of native potatoes with the sharp tang of locally-grown chili peppers. Guests have the opportunity to taste this culinary delight firsthand, experiencing the perfect harmony of flavors that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Native Potatoes	Varies	Provides base flavor and texture
Aji Amarillo Peppers	2-3	Adds heat and complexity
Garlic	2-3 cloves	Enhances overall flavor profile
Cilantro	Handful	Provides freshness and aroma

Andean Tuber Wines

Alongside the vibrant array of native potatoes, guests at the Wine and Native Potato Tasting experience are treated to a unique opportunity to sample innovative Andean tuber wines.

These distinctive beverages are crafted from a variety of tubers, including ocas and mashwas, that are native to the Andes region. The wines offer a captivating fusion of traditional flavors and modern winemaking techniques, showcasing the rich agricultural diversity of Peru.

Guests can expect to encounter:

1. Oca wine, with its delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness.
2. Mashua wine, boasting a robust and earthy character.
3. Distillates made from native potatoes, presenting a surprising and complex flavor profile.

This immersive gastronomic adventure celebrates the ingenuity of Peruvian producers in crafting unique and distinctive Andean tuber wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Experience?

The experience doesn’t specify a minimum group size. Customers can book individually or in groups, as the activity is available for solo travelers or larger parties. The price is quoted per person, so there’s no minimum requirement.

Can Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

Yes, the experience can accommodate vegetarian or other dietary restrictions. Guests can notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking, and the guide will ensure they’re provided with suitable food options during the tasting.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Suitability for Children?

The activity doesn’t have any age restrictions and is suitable for children. Families are welcome to participate in the tour, which includes an engaging presentation and tasting of unique Andean tuber wines and potatoes.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reschedule their booking without any upfront payment by reserving their spot now and paying later.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Price?

The price quoted includes all costs for the activity. There are no additional fees or charges not covered by the listed price per person. Customers can expect a comprehensive experience within the stated cost.

Recap

The Wine and Native Potato Tasting adventure in Peru’s Sacred Valley offers a unique fusion of Andean flavors. Guests can explore over 370 varieties of native potatoes, sample innovative tuber wines, and savor the rich culinary heritage showcased in the traditional uchucuta sauce. Guided by an agricultural expert, this immersive journey allows participants to deeply appreciate the depth and diversity of Peruvian agro-gastronomy.