Mendoza is the main wine region in Argentina, which is the fifth wine producing country in the world. Mendoza is located in the Cuyo region. It is located to the west of the country and borders Chile and the Andes mountain range. In fact, the Aconcagua –measuring 6,960 metres– is the highest peak in the continent and is located in Mendoza. What is more, most of the Mendocenean territory lays more than one thousand metres above sea level. This peculiarity has turned Mendoza into an excellent terroir for vineyards since the end of the 16th century. The most planted variety in the province is the Malbec –the star grape variety in Argentina–, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tempranillo and the Chardonnay. Local varieties Criolla grande and Cereza are still relevant today. By means of Argento’s blog, The Real Argentina, discover the secrets that Mendoza is keeping; secrets that have turned this area into one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. The province offers trekking routes, high mountain sports in the Andes –skiing in winter– and, of course, the magic of discovering the complex wine production process during guided visits in some of the popular Mendocenean wineries. Wine tradition is so important that since 1936, the province has celebrated the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival), which is considered one of the five most important festivities in the world and the second most important harvest festivity in the world by National Geographic. It is celebrated between the last Sunday in February and the first Saturday in March. The festivities include tastings, parades as the Vía Blanca or the Carrusel, the election of the Queen of the Grape Harvest and musical shows where, of course, tango is danced. The main activities take place in the capital, the city of Mendoza, a city renowned by its cleanness and its charming streets and people. The current city was rebuilt in 1863 after an earthquake had destroyed the original city two years before. Thanks to the research work of our collaborators, you can discover other local festivities in the province. You will also know which are the best places to stay in Mendoza, which wineries offer the most interesting visits, which restaurants have the most delicious menus and which bars are the most welcoming ones to enjoy a Mendocenean glass of wine. Moreover, you will see which are the most adequate places to enjoy both Mendocenean and national gastronomy, including traditional dishes, as the renowned empanadas, the Argentine roast or the patitas aliñadas (seasoned small legs).
The Uco Valley covers a vast area, and visiting the bodegas requires a little forward planning. There are basically two options: organise it yourself, or join a tour. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the options for tours, as well as some reputable tour companies.
Since the year 2000, a classical music festival has taken place on the Mendoza Wine Route during each Easter week. Ten years later, the festival has become one of the area’s most popular musical events, performed in natural settings and at churches and wineries.
Millions of years ago the Highlands of Scotland were as high as the Himalayas until steadily worn down by winter snow, ice and rain. Today they peak at a modest 4,409 feet in the shape of Ben Nevis whose summit is a relatively easy climb that does not require oxygen. Still it’s more impressive than Holland’s highest point which is apparently somewhere in the middle of a supermarket car-park. If you live in a comparatively flat country like Britain, it is hard to really imagine the effect of altitude, unless you travel. For me it hit home when back-packing through Bolivia years ago. I will never forget…
Back in the Middle-Ages, Malbec was planted all over southern France. But it wasn’t known as Malbec. It had over a thousand synonyms, and besides Medieval wine drinkers knew precious little about grape varieties. But there was no doubt Malbec was highly thought of, especially up-river of Bordeaux, where it was blended with the even darker Tannat grape to make the famous ‘Black Wine of Cahors’…
Many people talk about fly fishing and Argentina in the same breath, often conjuring up images of big sea trout fishing in Tierra del Fuego or Dorado in the North. But here in Mendoza, there is fantastic fishing right on the doorstep. When I decided to visit Argentina, I knew I wanted to fly fish, but I couldn’t quite fit Patagonia into my itinerary. I need not have worried – I had an awesome day fishing near a village called El Manzano Histórico, about 1.5 hours outside Mendoza. I am relatively new to the joys of fly fishing, and this day out has me totally hooked on the pastime!…
Mendoza is a charming city with a small-town atmosphere. The friendly locals, superb setting and gastronomic delights make it a perfect vacation spot with something for everyone. Born and bred in Mendoza, I’ve spent my life keeping track of all the developments in the Mendoza food and drink scene. Some of my favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars in town are internationally renowned for their gourmet cuisine and fine wines; others are lesser-known favorites frequented by locals who appreciate quality cooking in a welcoming atmosphere…
Mendoza is the great throbbing heart of Argentine wine. The province is home to some 1200 wineries and produces over a billion litres a year – almost two thirds of the country’s total and nine out of ten bottles exported. Almost all Argentina’s top producers are based here, even if many make wine from other regions, notably Torrontés from the northern province of Salta. The reason for Mendoza’s pre-eminence in Argentine wine is…
The first time I tasted Fernet I hated it. I was young (and for legal reasons I will not say how old, just in case the alcohol police are reading) and just starting to go out with friends to “los Boliches” (discos) and bars around Mendoza, Argentina. That black bitter drink, strong as hell and sweetened with Coca Cola, was not my ideal dancing partner. Diluted lager beer served in a simple plastic tumbler was more agreeable with my inexperienced liver and empty pockets, until…
February marks the beginning of the harvest in South America, and nowhere is this more celebrated than Mendoza, one of the world’s great wine capitals. Tucked into the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza and its people have a long history viticulture and wine making and have been producing wine since the 1550s. Vendimia — Mendoza’s wine harvest festival, takes place on the first weekend of March each year. This event has been aptly described as a ‘Eurovision Song Contest rolled up with a North American beauty pageant, served up with a South American street carnival and washed down with lots of wine.’…
Mendoza is a charming city with a small-town atmosphere. The friendly locals, superb setting and gastronomic delights make it a perfect vacation spot with something for everyone. Born and bred in Mendoza, I’ve spent my life keeping track of all the developments in the Mendoza hospitality industry. Some of my favorite hotels in town are very well known; others are secluded, secret little boutique bed and breakfasts…