Mendoza, fine wine and much more
The transition from summer, with its long, cosy evenings, to the bleak, rainy days of autumn always takes a bit of getting used to for me. Fortunately, there’s one upside: it’s red wine season again. Snuggled up on the sofa with a nice glass of Argentinian Malbec, a cheese platter not to be sniffed at, and *Narcos: Mexico*. When you look at it that way, the cold autumn and winter months aren’t so bad after all.
Argentina’s most important wine region
When it comes to red wine, you’ll do me a great favour by serving the famous Argentinian Malbec from the Mendoza wine region. I first tasted this wine in Mendoza, so I must admit that sentiment probably plays a big part in my preference. Nevertheless, I’m not the only one who’s a fan of this wine. Malbec is Argentina’s number one grape variety, and Mendoza is the country’s most important wine region. No less than 70 per cent of Argentina’s total wine production comes from this region.
What makes this wine region special is its location. The grapes grow here at an altitude of around 800–1,200 metres above sea level. This ensures higher levels of sunlight during the day, allowing the tannins in the grapes to ripen properly. In the evening and at night, the region cools down considerably, which slows the ripening process slightly and means the grapes lose their acidity less quickly. This results in the unique combination of a smooth and rounded wine that still tastes deliciously fresh. Pair it with a good Argentine steak and my evening couldn’t be better.
There’s plenty more to do in Mendoza
So, the wine from Mendoza is of good quality, but there are plenty more reasons to visit this region. For a start, the views here are breathtaking; Mendoza and its surroundings offer a wide range of unique accommodation options; and there’s plenty to do to keep you entertained for a few days. Visit various wineries, go for walks at the foot of the Andes, ride a horse through the vineyards or learn all about the entire winemaking process.
Rally de las Bodegas during the grape harvest
One of the most special times to visit Mendoza is during the grape harvest season. In early March, the grape harvest and a whole year’s hard work are celebrated in style with the Vendimia festival. As well as an abundance of Malbec, there is a wide variety of traditional dishes to choose from, folk singing and dancing, and a range of activities taking place. These include the crowning of the ‘Queen of Vendimia’ and the Rally de las Bodegas – a car rally that combines a passion for classic cars with a love of wine. Over two days, participants drive more than 700 kilometres through the wine region; along the way, there are plenty of stops to enjoy gourmet cuisine, polo exhibitions and visits to wineries, all against the backdrop of the Andes. I would love to experience Mendoza again during this time of year.
Visit Mendoza in Argentina
Are you interested in the wine region in and around Mendoza, would you like to find out more about a trip of Argentina, and are you curious about the options available? Then do take a look at our page on Argentina. Here you’ll also find trip itineraries that we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question or would you like to receive a bespoke travel proposal? Please feel free to get in touch. We’d be happy to put together a suitable travel proposal for you. Call us on +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl.