Mendoza

Mendoza is a modern Argentine city with a colonial charm, most of which is laid out around a set of five plazas, each with its own personality. The quiet daytime streets of Mendoza belie the certainty that you’ll eat dinner past your normal bedtime, but not to worry, a few hours in the afternoon are reserved for a long lunch or snack. Sandwiched between the Andes (including mighty Mount Aconcagua, the tallest mountain on the continent at 6962 meters), and the wide open pampa, Mendoza is also an access point to two main wine valleys, Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo. Some of the nation’s best restaurants are close by as well, so you’ll be eating some of the world’s finest steak paired with just the right Malbec in no time.

EXPLORE THE STUNNING VISTAS OF MENDOZA

Mendoza’s on central and four smaller plazas give locals and visitors plenty of places to sit in the shade and drink yerba mate, if you’re so inclined. The vast Parque General San Martín is great for a bike ride, a long walk or a picnic. It’s also the site of much of the city’s vendimia (wine harvest) celebrations, if you’re here in February or March. And won’t forgive yourself if you don’t try some of the local gelato-style ice cream, which Argentines eat in any weather.

GASTRONOMY

Luckily for visitors, the climate and terroir conditions close to Mendoza make it fabulous for not only grapes, but also olives. These are two elements integral to nearly every meal, with antipasti-style appetizers, and olive oil gracing many menus. One of the most notable restaurants near Mendoza is 1884, where Argentine chef Francis Mallman (of Chef’s Table fame) cooks his rustic Argentine food with a nod to both gaucho (Argentine cowboy) and European influences that have made it what it is today.

DRINK IN THE VINEYARDS IN MENDOZA

Mendoza attracts visitors from all over the world for this “Argentine Napa” (or is Napa the Californian Mendoza?). Two wine valleys close by are the Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo, with some 400,000 acres of vineyards making some of the world’s best wine. The standout has traditionally been wine from Argentina’s signature grape, Malbec, but you’ll have to choose your favorite (maybe relative newcomer Bonarda?). Argentine wine tourism spans from garage-style to world famous labels you’ll know from home.