San Rafael Overview

By Amanda Massello

San Rafael is to Mendoza as Sonoma is to Napa, California—smaller, quieter and less well-known but with wines that rival in excellence. Sanrafaelinos are more relaxed than most city-dwelling Argentineans: they bike everywhere. The network of irrigation channels that line the sidewalks, flanked by numerous café’s, gives sleepy San Rafael a European feel. Vineyards are easily navigated from here. The city also serves as a jumping off point for a broad range of adventure sports: rafting and kayaking excursions on the Rivers Atuel and Diamante as well as spelunking in La Caverna de las Brujas.