A friendship between two neighboring Elgin business owners is leading to a unique travel opportunity that promises an inside look at Argentina’s famed Mendoza wine region.
Molly Alexander, co-owner of The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods Store, and Jennifer Reynolds, owner of ETX Travel, are organizing a small group excursion designed to give travelers an up-close taste of Argentine wine and culture, complete with private vineyard tours, exclusive tastings and luxury accommodations.
Alexander said the idea grew from The Owl’s virtual “Tour the World with a Glass of Wine” events, launched a few years prior. For nearly a year and a half, participants picked up a selection of featured wines and joined bi-weekly online tastings with winemakers from around the globe.
“Mendoza was one of our favorite virtual wine tastings and the perfect spot to kick off our world tour with a glass of wine,” Alexander added. “Together, Jennifer and I have curated an experience that is truly unparalleled.”
Reynolds, who built ETX Travel around personalized, family-oriented adventures, said she hopes to offer far more than just an average wine tour.
“I’ve always been captivated by Mendoza’s rich history and stunning beauty,” she said. “This journey goes beyond a typical wine trip—it immerses travelers in the local culture, fosters connections with the people and explores the passion behind the wine.”
Both women emphasized that travelers do not have to be connoisseurs to enjoy the journey, and that the itinerary will suit anyone looking to learn.
“Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or brand new to it, we want you to have an unforgettable experience,” Alexander said.
Beyond pouring wine, Alexander’s shop offers an array of home goods, gifts and furniture. The business has garnered recognition from Texas Downtown, which named it Best Business in Texas in 2014, as well as the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, which honored it as Business of the Year in 2016.
Meanwhile, Reynolds is a wife, mother and grandmother who believes in the power of meaningful moments—both in her personal life and for her clients, she said.
Visit etx-travel.com or stop by The Owl at 106 N. Main St. for trip details and more information.