Fall in love with Mendoza, land of Sun and Wine!

More than 320 sunny days, blue skies, the highest mountain in the American continent, nature all around, worldwide recognized vineyards, wineries, restaurants and hotels are waiting for you to discover the pleasure of being yourself while being pampered! Or why not engaging yourself in adventure sports as rafting, balloon flights or horse back riding? Be as active o relaxed as you want to be: discover the #MendozaMode.

At the heart of the Andes Mountain range, Mendoza is located in the western central part of Argentina, in the Cuyo region. It is strategically located at the crossing of the main national routes (NR 40 and NR7) and in the middle of the “bioceanic corridor” that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Founded in 1561 by the Spanish Captain Pedro del Castillo, the province was rebuilt in 1861 after an earthquake. Around the 1890s, Mendoza attracted European migrants that developed the wine industry and the region began to grow quickly. Wine became part of Mendoza’s DNA.

It has an area of 148,827 km2 (57,462 sq mi) and almost 2 million inhabitants. Its steady growth during recent years and the diversification of its productive activities has made Mendoza one of the most developed provinces in the country and the main industrial hub of western Argentina.

Mendoza stands out for its human capital, infrastructure, natural resources and its commitment to sustainable economic development. It is known for its agricultural production and industrialization of raw materials as grapes, fruits and vegetables. Other sectors are metal-mechanics, engineering, construction, trade, services, education and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). Mendoza has become a top travel destination given its magnificent natural beauty, great services and infrastructure. Oil, gas, sustainable mining and renewable energy are also key sectors for the local economy.

Mendoza is the main wine producer and exporter in Argentina. With more than 150.000 hectares of vineyards, it provides 70% of the country wine production. Its 800 wineries is the largest number in Argentina. Mendoza’s wine industry generates 50% of the province total exports representing more than 80% of Argentina’s wine exports. Argentina is the largest must exporter in the world and Mendoza contributes with half of it.

Mendoza is a desert with just 200 mm rainfall and more than 320 sunny days a year. Because of that, an elaborate canal system, which dates back to the Pre-Columbian times, distributes the water coming from the melting snow to the vineyards below. Mild climate and ideal soil allow growing high-quality grapevine varieties and healthy vines offering great conditions for organic and biodynamic production. Thermal amplitude due to high altitude provides low humidity and increases sun exposure, ideal conditions for grape production.

Malbec is the star of Mendoza Wines as this variety develops its best traits in this area of the world. Despite being of French origin, the oldest plants and the largest cultivated area of Malbec are in Mendoza.

Besides the famous Malbec, Mendoza also produces many other great wines!

Red varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot

White varieties: Torrontés (Flagship white variety of Argentina) , Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pedro Ximenez, Semillón, Pinot Gris

There are only 2 Denominations of Controlled Origin in Argentina and they are both in Mendoza: Luján de Cuyo DOC (1991) and San Rafael DOC (2003).

Tourism

Mendoza represents excellence in wine and tourism, what makes it one of the Great Wine Capitals. It has been awarded with the Safe Travel Stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). 150 wineries open their doors to tourism, offering tastings, restaurants, art, culture, horse and bike rides, stays at inns or in thematic accommodations.

Nothing can compare to visiting Mendoza, standing at the vineyards against the majestic backdrop of the Andes mountains on a bright sunny day, savoring the taste of an asado (barbecue) or other delicacies. If your are more adventurous, Balloon flights can also take you high up to overview the vineyards!.

Source: https://www.greatwinecapitals.com/capitals/mendoza-argentina/