Mendoza city is located in the western region of Argentina, nestled into the side of the eastern Andes and smack
bang in the centre of the Cuyo desert. It is the capital city of Mendoza province, an area that was once was known as
"Tierra de Arena" (land of sand) during the Inca Empire. Today, Mendoza's name is synonymous with wine; responsible for over
70% of Argentina's entire wine production and the 5th largest wine producing area in the world is reason enough for it's classification as one
of the Great Wine Capitals of the world by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, alongside other distinguished areas such as Bordeaux in France
and Napa Valley in California.
The wine region in Mendoza became an attractive destination for both foreigners and local as the beautiful
landscapes of the nearby Chilean border create a perfect mixture between culture, nature and wine. In spite of being situated in a desert,
the agricultural farms of Mendoza are surrounded by unique green landscapes with un-interrupted views of the Andes mountains,
which incidentally supplies much of the water through a series of irrigation channels to both Mendoza city and the Mendoza wine region,
benefiting the growth of exceptional wine grapes and olives.
Mendoza City Highlights
Mendoza city itself is also superb travel destination. With a population of approximately 110,000 Medocinos (the people of Mendoza),
it is a lively, cosmopolitan urban centre that often hosts international conventions as well as being a popular base for foreigners who want
to study Spanish abroad. It is easy to be captivated by the laid back pace of the city, to sit back and enjoy one glass of fantastic wine after
another but there are many other activities to do. You can certainly make a start by taking a Mendoza city tour that will uncover the beautiful
Mendocinean architecture and main landmarks.
The Mendoza Wine Route
The rural regions outside of Mendoza city are often referred to as the Wine Route or Caminos del Vino,
a trail that follows of the most important vineyards and wineries in the Province of Cuyo.
The prestigious production areas in the Medonza region are Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, San Rafael, San Martin and Valle de Uco, all of which have an
abundance of accommodation options for those wanting to be surrounded by peaceful vineyards during their stay.
It is also possible to rent a bicycle in order to travel to these surrounding wineries,
which are usually open daily but some of them may require a previous appointment. The Mendoza wineries cater for all budgets;
a wine tasting tour will normally include allow you to samples of 3 different types of wines, as well as a guided tour throughout the winery with
an explanation about the wine making process. From small wine boutiques to big wine producers, a visit to the wine region will delve in to the
world of Argentinean wine culture. Some of the most traditional wineries are Bodegas Lopez, Bodegas Norton, Bodegas Trapiche and the Bodega
La Rural which has an interesting Museum of Wine, or if you prefer exclusive labels you can also visit distinguished vineyards such as Vina Cobos
and Alamos Wines.
Mendoza and its natural surroundings
Nature lovers can discover plenty of other outdoor activities in Mendoza's outskirts besides the wine culture.
Mendoza's diverse landscapes are shaped by the mammoth Andes Mountain range, which are home to the Alta Montana and Aconcagua,
South Americas' highest peak and a favourite mountain tour circuit for mountain climbers the world over. Other wonderfully relaxing and historical
excursions include the spa resort Villavicencio, also located in the Andes, or the rocky ravine at Atuel Canyon and River, an area of incomparable
natural beauty with nearby Dams and Reservoirs that offer perfect opportunities for fishing, hiking, and relaxation and water sports.
If you are lucky enough to be in Mendoza from late February to early March you'll be able to join in the festivities for Mendoza's annual festival,
traditional annual festival "Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia" (The Grape Harvest Festival). Proud Mendocinos from all around the province
crowd on to Avenida San Martin in Mendoza city to watch the largest traditional festival as individual floats pass by, carrying with them performers dressed in beautiful costumes
specifically designed to celebrate the wine making tradition.
The wonderfully unique Mendoza Wine Harvest Festival, that has been known to attract 200,000 spectators
(and many of wine-lovers!), opens with the benediction (blessing) of the grapes on the last Sunday of February. Followed with the Via
Blanca de las Reinas, Carrusel Vendimial and the Central Act. Each of these particular celebrations feature fantastical shows of hundreds of
performers, folkloric singing and energetic dancing...as well as the prettiest girls (Reinas) from each of the 18 departments of Mendoza parading
through the streets in hopes of being crowned the "Reina Nacional de la Vendimia"(‘National Queen of the Harvest’).
The Mendoza Vendimia week long celebrations are completed with a fabulous firework display and with many cultural
activities such as classic music recitals, films and theatre plays suitable for children and adults alike. The merriments and liveliness of
this cultural Mendoza wine festival is simply the perfect opportunity to get to know Mendoza province, all it's people and all the wine!
Mendoza, the wine region of Argentina is waiting for you to grab a glass and say cheers (salud!) to its intoxicating beauty!
By bus: From Buenos Aires the bus will take approximately 12 hours in comfortable coaches that go from standard to sleepers.
Meals and drinks are served on board, all have toilets and films are also shown during the trip. Several bus companies cover this route daily:
Andesmar, CATA Internacional and Nueva Chevallier.
Please Note: It is recommended to buy your bus tickets out at the terminal at least a few days before you leave,
especially during the December to March high season, July mid-winter break, holidays and festivals, when bus usage is especially high.
You can visit Plataforma 10 website to check bus rates and the timetable.
By Plane: Mendoza is located 1050 km west of Buenos Aires which is approximately 1 hour of non-stop flight time.
Two airlines fly this route daily: Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN Argentina.
Mendoza can also be reached from Santiago de Chile!! It is located only 400km from the Chilean capital. This route is great for driving if you are renting a car from Mendoza to Chile or vice versa.
For a transfer service from Mendoza Gaberelli F.J International Airport (MDZ), to your hotel in Mendoza, click here.
The weather in Mendoza is very mild and dry, with more rainfall in the summer months; however the annual rainfall is minimal at only 223 mm.
Summer: November to March, during the daytime are 32°C and 18°C at night.
Winter: June to August, the average temperatures are 14.7°C during the day and 2.4°C at night.
- Mendoza has abundant accommodation categories. For March's Fiesta Vendimia, it is highly recommended to make reservations at least 1 month in advance.
- Central Mendoza is relatively compact therefore walking everywhere is not a problem, for example it is a 20-30 minute walk from Plaza Independencia to Parque San Martin. The Vineyards of Mendoza are 10km away but some of them are easily reached by public transportation, particularly if you go to the urban areas of the Maipu wine route.
- Renting a car is relatively affordable in Mendoza, even more so if you are a group of 4-5 persons. However, it is recommended to book from Buenos Aires especially of you would like to collect the car from Mendoza airport. There are an abundance of amazing scenic routes along the Caminos del Vino which you can drive and explore by yourself as well as crossing the Andean frontier to the Chilean border. By renting a car you can also enjoy a broader number of scenic lodging options in the rural areas.
- You can hire bicycles in Mendoza city and in many hotels and lodging places within the wine circuit; most hostels can put you in touch with a bicycle hire outfit. Just make sure you watch out while driving on the road if especially after enjoying a couple of glasses wine in any of the surrounding wineries.
