The Best Information About Mendoza

Mendoza is the most famous of Argentina’s wine-producing regions and has become renown around the world in recent years for its excellent malbecs, among other red varietals. Tourists flock to the area to spend a few days visiting its wineries for tours, tastings and pairing meals.

The lovely city of Mendoza, the capital of the province nestled near the foothills of the Andes in western Argentina, is a two-hour flight or 12-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires and is the starting point for any visit. To visit the wineries, you must book in advance as nearly all require reservations, and many of the popular ones fill up fast (plus they’re not exactly located next door to each other). The region is vast, and drive times venues can take up to an hour in some cases.

If you haven’t planned ahead, visit Vines of Mendoza located just off Plaza Independencia (the city’s main square), where they’ll be able to make reservations for you, as well as offer tastings of many of the region’s top producers if you are unable to secure a personal appointment.

If staying in town, the upscale Park Hyatt Mendoza has one of the best spas in the city; check out the new, stylish Argentino, which provides great value; or opt for a charming B&B. For a real treat, however, splurge on a stay at one of the bodegas or estancias (ranches) in the region, where all meals and activities, such as guided horseback riding and fishing are included in the price.

Its location means Mendoza also draws visitors seeking outdoor adventures, including treks (on foot and horseback), whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, kayaking and hang gliding.