“When I was invited to visit Mendoza, wine, dine and the Andes came to mind.”
Mendoza is a city in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, famed for Malbec and other fabulous red wines, as well as for its many bodegas (wineries) that offer tastings and tours. The reliably clear blue skies of Mendoza and the Andes as the back drop to the vineyards create a stunning setting. What’s best, it’s much more affordable to explore wine country here as the exchange rate is very favorable. Aside from the wine options, Mendoza has a lot to offer, ranging from leisure activities to extreme.
Winery Hopping
As one of the top wine capitals of the world with more than 1,200 bodegas (wine cellars) in the area, you’ll have your pick of vineyards and wineries to visit. To fully explore the area’s wineries, you’ll have to travel to the wine-producing regions of the Uco Valley and Maipu. There are a slew of family-owned wineries and you can even tour on bike.
Bodega Tapis/ Bodega Zolo vineyards at Lujan de Cuyo has a great wine-tasting tour. This special geographical location makes it a unique and different place to the rest of the wine world. These vineyards are located at different altitudes ranging from 920 to 1,400 meters above sea level. They use sustainable methods to produce wine and also produce great olive oil. I actually had the opportunity to create my own wine label at the Bodega
The Andes
This was on the top of my sightseeing list. Mendoza is home to the highest mountain outside of Asia, with Aconcagua at 6,960.8 meters or 22,837 feet. Breathtaking views to be had even if you’re not into hiking/skiing.
Horseback lovers can take a casual ride through the vineyards or you can explore the base of the Andes and even farther. Tours range from half a day to full 10-day crossings of the Andes by horseback. If you’re in good shape, you can hike part of Aconcagua.
Las Leñas
There is no doubt that skiing in Las Leñas is a great spot in Mendoza, with unbeatable quality of snow. It offers trails for all levels and for cross-country skiing. Keep in mind their winter is our summer.
Valle de Uco
Located 75 miles south of Mendoza city and nestled in between the Tunuyán River and the Andes Mountains is the picturesque Uco Valley, the pictures speak for themselves!
Adventure Seekers
For those extreme sports aficionadoswhite, water rafting trips are a must and there are pros that will help you navigate these rapids with top equipment. Another popular sport in the Andes, if you want a little adrenaline rush is paragliding just outside of Mendoza.
The City:
Mercado Central
The bustling Mercado Central is not to be missed. Vendors peddling everything from meats and spices, to dry goods, wine, olive oils, and produce.
Plaza Independencia
This is the biggest plaza and has water shows, concerts, fairs, and street performances. Artisans expose their art. It’s a nice centrally located landmark attraction. Next to it you’ll find the lively pedestrian street, Sarmiento. It’s filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants – many of them with outdoor seating.
Seasonal Annual Grape Harvest Festival
You can experience the region’s most famous festival in late February or early March. La Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia or The Grape Harvest National Festival brings together thousands of tourists and winemakers together to celebrate the harvest season. It’s one of the world’s top ten harvest festivals and includes performances, fireworks, and a beautiful parade.
The Gastronomy
Food, of course, is a key staple for every outstanding vacation. Meat-lovers will love Mendoza from their traditional Milanesa to every cut of beef you can image, great restaurants abound. And the pasta and pizza are outstanding!
Must Try:
Bodega Los Toneles
A world-class restaurant, very modern looking with rustic touches. They specialize in aged meats and their wines are superb.
The Club Tapiz Restaurant
Part of a small hotel, has an elegant dining room that offers a Farm-totable experience. It’s located in a historic estancia where you can stay and lounge by the pool with a bottle of wine and see the snow-capped mountains. I had a wonderful lunch with typical food featuring my favorite “Milanesa”, later, there was a tango class and the typical caffeinecharged Argentine tea called Mate.
Nightlife
Mendoza’s liveliest shopping and nightlife is located in a four-block stretch called Arístides Villanueva with bars, nightclubs, and shows. The street fills up around 10:00 p.m. with music, multicolored lights, locals, and tourists.
JUST BREATHE AND RELAX
Termas Cachueta
Termas Cacheuta, Thermal Water Park, is located only 39 km from Mendoza City. Surrounded by the Andes, by the Andes and the Mendoza River, the Thermal Water Park includes several pools filled with thermal water at different temperatures. There is also a thermal spa.
Accommodation
INTERCONTINENTAL MENDOZA
The hotel is located next to Mendoza Plaza Shopping, the city’s largest shopping mall. Unique features include a casino, the largest meeting space in west Argentina, an indoor pool and a luxury spa and some even have views of the Andes Mountains.
Contact Us