Queen of Cups, a winery and restaurant in Patagonia, caught my attention when it opened in July 2022. Located just a short drive from my winery, Los Milics Vineyards in Elgin, Patagonia is a charming town, but not one with a wine tradition. Until now.
Occupying a space that was once a museum dedicated to horse memorabilia, Queen of Cups is run by a quartet of wine enthusiasts: Emmett Rahn-Oakes (pictured), a former East Coast resident who now mans the basket press as winemaker; Kayla Lewis, a fifth-generation Patagonian cowgirl who serves as the bar director; Lily Christopher, the skilled chef behind the comforting dishes emerging from their kitchen; and Bo Simpson, Lewis’s supportive husband who takes care of any fix-it needs.
During one of my visits, I was delighted by a tuna salad with creamy beet dressing, accompanied by potatoes and crunchy beets that provided a satisfying textural contrast. We paired our meal with the QOC Malvasia Bianca, a grape varietal that impressively balances its tropical aromatics. I also had the evanescent pleasure of trying the torta Española – delicate and airy. Rahn-Oakes’s baking skills were on full display with his flavorful, crusty peasant loaves served alongside perfectly tempered butter. To round off our dining experience, we enjoyed QOC Carménère paired with grilled Italian sausages, blistered grapes and polenta infused with Pecorino cheese.
It’s worth mentioning that the strawberries and cream served at our table disappeared in an instant. Queen of Cups immediately captivates with its charming atmosphere, alt-country soundtrack and commitment to local ingredients. I promise you will walk into a joint that instantly feels welcoming and uniquely familiar.
Queen of Cups
Instagram: @queenofcups_patagonia
