Mate at Brunch

This morning brunch immerses you in the culture of yerba mate, Argentina’s beloved herbal drink. Jointly hosted by Aby, a Buenos Aires chef, and Bertie, a sommelier, you will learn about mate’s history and how the drink has become ritualistic in contemporary culture. Taking place in a private tasting room in the heart of Palermo, you will prepare mate step by step and come to understand the differences between regional herbs. Mate, pronounced “MAH-tay,” is accompanied by a selection of sweet and savoury foods prepared by Aby to bring out the nuances of the herbs. Not only is Aby a professional chef, she is also a passionate storyteller who thrives on sharing Argentine culture through food. This experience is brought to life through her narration, drawing on her experiences growing up in an Argentine household and anecdotes from life in Buenos Aires. We recommend eating only a light breakfast at your hotel on the morning of this experience.

During your stay in Buenos Aires, you’ll rarely spot a local without their trusty satchel of mate apparatus: a gourd, bombilla, and thermos of hot water. However, as this beloved herbal infusion is absent from cafés and restaurants, Aby and Bertie’s experience is a rare opportunity to sample this unique — and somewhat surprising — beverage in the company of local porteños. Furthermore, it is unusual to find a brunch option in Buenos Aires, with many locals saving their appetite for lunch. Aby’s homemade pastries are curated to soften and highlight the flavours of the mate. Items vary but typically include chipá (cheesy yuca bread), pepas (cookies), medialunas de jamón y queso (grilled croissant with ham and cheese), queso y dulce (cheese and quince jelly), and seasonal fruit. Although mate is usually shared between friends, you will have your own mate gourd and bombilla to drink from. The brunch concludes with a mimosa or sparkling wine using Argentine ingredients.

Bertie, an English Sommelier, and Aby, an Argentine chef, are a Buenos Aires-based couple dedicated to sharing food, wine, and excellent company. Aby has been cooking traditional Argentine food since she was a child — helping at family gatherings — and Bertie has worked as a professional sommelier since 2008. The couple met by chance in Rio de Janeiro in 2014. What began as conversations about flavors and cultures soon grew into a partnership rooted in curiosity and hospitality. Since 2016, they’ve been running wine discovery and cooking classes together, creating meaningful experiences that celebrate regional traditions, local producers, and the joy of exploring Argentina one glass at a time. The couple have established an intimate tasting room in Palermo Hollywood, and offer their wine flights and meals shared around a big table - the Argentine way!

We recommend a very light breakfast or skipping it entirely. Vegetarians are asked to inform Bertie in advance via Fernwayer Chat. Vegan and gluten-free diners cannot be accommodated in this experience.