Wine capital of Argentina (Mendoza)

Member Name: llamass

Product:	Mendoza
Date:	25/05/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great wines and wineries

Disadvantages: the city itself has little to offer

Mendoza is a city in central Argentina and popular destination for tourists doing wine tours. The city was recreated after an earthquake in 1861 and is a spacious town of wide streets and open plazas. As a result it is pleasant to wander around but sometimes lacks character and can be a little over-kept and Stepford-wife perfect in appearance.

Although a nice enough city the main two reasons people come here is either on a stop over going south or over to Santiago in Chile or to go on wine tours. The city itself has parks and churches but nothing particularly spectacular to recommend it-wine is the reason to stay for longer.

There are numerous wineries in the surrounding area that offer tasting opportunities depending on personal preference. Most charge 10 pesos per person for a tasting session and provide a lot of information on their vineyards and the wines. It is also possible to buy wine of all qualities whilst there. Many people tour the wineries for a day by renting bicycles in mendoza (around 25-30 pesos) and cycling from vineyard to wineyard which is hugely enjoyable on a nice day in pretty countryside in the sunshine (although don't drink too much!). It is also possible to take a bus out from the town.

The surrounding area also has some trekking that can be arranged from the tour agencies in town. In particular it is possible to arrange a summit attempt at Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside the Himalays at 6960 metres. This typically takes around 13 days and if it seems a little too strenuous then it is also possible to do more relaxed climbs on lower slopes.

Summary: Great for wine enthusiasts-experts or amateurs