Mendoza and Wine Country Overview

By Daniel T. Johnson

Though not the only province in Argentina to produce wine, Mendoza province is by far the largest and most popular. Set amidst a stunning backdrop of perennially snow-capped Andes mountains, the area benefits from hot summer highs and temperate winter lows common to most popular wine regions. The region is relatively new on the global wine scene, thanks in large part to improved irrigation that has allowed wine growers to develop arid desert terrain and produce what many consider the best Malbec wines in the world.

The undisputed concentration of wineries in this region can be found around the city of Mendoza itself, which lays claim to more than 1,000 wineries. Other areas, such as San Rafael, are less visited but offer a share of distinguished wineries of their own.

Wine tourism is still a new industry here, which can make cheap and expansive winery tours near impossible to find. Still, with careful planning and a bit of flexibility, it is entirely possible to visit wineries and enjoy area wines.

In addition to wine, the area also offers a range of outdoor activities, with everything from horseback riding and trekking to rafting and caving. The Portrerillos Range just outside of Mendoza city is worth a visit, as is the Canyon de Atuel outside of San Rafael.