Climbing the Andes in Wine Country
A haven for wine vineyards, olive oil production, and remarkable terrain unlike any other; Mendoza resides in the north-central province of Argentina, among the high and low plains distinguished by the eastern front of the Andes Mountains.
According to The Great Wine Capitals, the region surrounding Greater Mendoza houses the largest wine-producing area in Latin America. As a result, it is undeniable Mendoza makes an obvious choice to go vineyard hopping, mountain climbing due to the Andes, and a sightseer destination for all types of travelers.
+FACTS: The city of Mendoza is a beautiful quaint town that still follows the old traditions of siesta's; what a life. According to Experience Mendoza, a siesta (nap time) is every day from 1:30 p.m to 5 p.m., where downtown stores and most restaurants close during this time then reopen after it's over. However, some wineries and restaurants stay open through siesta. So, be prepared during your stay to time out when you want to wander the streets.
+LODGING: When visiting Mendoza, you'll want to stay in the city, mainly because that's the only place to stay. However, there are a lot of options for hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels for every type of traveler there is.
+TRANSPORTATION: If you're in the city, walking will be your go-to since the town isn't too large. When going to the vineyards, you'll have to purchase a bus pass from the convenience stores located throughout the city. The passes are inexpensive, and the ride isn't too long, but make sure you get on an early bus to get to the vineyards at a reasonable time. Once you're at the vineyards, rent a bike! And lastly, if you're trying to go outside the city to climb the Andes, make sure to rent a car, which is also inexpensive and fun to do.
+BODEGA DOMICIANO: A family-owned winery tied to the traditions of Mendoza winemaking since its foundation in 1919. The family vineyards are located in Barrancas, south of the Mendoza river, and carry a beneficial contrast of night and day temperatures, which allows the Domiciano grapes a slow ripening on the vine, increasing the depth and complexity of the resulting wines, as stated on the Tricana website. When visiting, you get a full tour of their inside production and get to sample the wines outsides on the grass during the nicer months.
(Maipú, Mendoza Province, Argentina).
+MEVI SA: The view here is incredible--like many places in Maipú, you overlook the Andes Mountains. This vineyard mainly produces four strains: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Syrah-- the wines use the grapes from the farms harvested by hand at their optimal ripening point, and from vineyards selected by their winemaker, says Mevi SA website.
(Moreno 1751, M5513 Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina).
+LAUR OLIVÍCOLA: A place to experience some of the freshest olive oil there is. Laur was founded in 1906 as a pioneer of the implantation and production of olive groves, which results in its 2019 EVOO World ranking of the fourth most important olive tree in the world, and the number one in Argentina, according to the Olvlaur website. Other than its history, the vineyard is a spectacle and captivating in every which way you turn your head, making it a must-see!
+The Andes Mountains: To get to the trails, you must rent a car or find a day excursion program that takes you to this part of the region. When going to the Andes, the drive is astonishing with the white-capped mountains, absolute clarity of the peaks, and the surrounding terrain. A few things to note: at the base of the mountains there is a small town where you can purchase a few items, like food and water, plus there is also a restroom, which costs money to use; as for attire make sure you wear proper mountain climbing shoes and dress warm because it does get cold; and lastly would be an inhaler since the air is thin and a camera.