Travel to Mendoza

the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains

Set on the eastern side of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, Mendoza is a significant city and the main centre for wine production in Argentina.

Although there’s an enormous mountain range in the way, Mendoza is only 200 km (124 miles) northeast of Santiago in Chile, compared with over 1000 km (620 miles) from Buenos Aires.
The city was founded in 1561 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Castillo.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the modern city is that virtually every street is lined by shady trees and wide channels, which is actually a hangover from the system of irrigation used by the native Huarpes people who inhabited the area before the Spanish.

Mendoza is the centre of the most important wine-producing area in Argentina, responsible for over 70% of the country’s production.

Over the years French, Spanish and German immigrants have introduced a huge variety of grapes to the area, including Bonarda, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Torrontes and Malbec. The micro-climates of the various valleys provide conditions for everything from fruity whites to full-bodied reds.

The area contains some magnificent and historic wine estates, set against the scenic backdrop of the snow-covered Andes Mountains. Many of these are open to the public for visits, tastings and fine dining, whilst a few contain some really interesting and upmarket lodges.

As well as wine, the area offers some interesting outdoor activities, including white-water rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. There is a ski resort Las Leñas and there are even options to trek the mighty Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America (although that takes around 20 days).

The best time to visit Mendoza is generally considered to be during the Oct-Apr warm dry summer season. However the climate is so mild and relentlessly sunny that there’s not really a bad time of year.
Mendoza has an arid climate, with two clearly defined seasons …

During the Oct-Apr summer the conditions are usually warm and dry, with lots of sunshine. Average daytime temperatures usually reach around 29C/84F, with nighttime lows holding up around 17C/63F. Rainfall is down around 25mm (1”) per month. Sunshine is up around 9-10 hours per day (around 75% of daylight hours).

During the May-Sep winter the weather is usually cool and dry, but still with plenty of sunshine. Average daytime temperatures usually only manage to reach around 17C/63F, with nighttime lows dropping to around 7C/45F. Rainfall is down around 12mm (0.5”) per month. Sunshine holds up around around 5-6 hours per day (around 60% of daylight hours).
The grape harvest is usually centred on early March, when there are various carnivals and other celebrations.

Getting there

The Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) in Mendoza can be reached by regular daily connections from the capital Buenos Aires, as well as from Santiago in Chile.

There are also occasional flight connections with Cordoba and Bariloche, but to reach more far-flung locations (Iguazú Sur, Salta, Ushuaia, Península Valdés etc.) it may be necessary to connect via Buenos Aires.
The road connection between Mendoza and Santiago is a relatively easy and spectacular route through the Andes Mountains, passing within 20km of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America.

Where to stay

If you are planning to visit the city of Mendoza, then the Park Hyatt Mendoza is the best of the more central accommodation options.

If you are planning to visit the winelands, then virtually all of the lodges lie to the south of the city and fall into three categories …

The vineyards that lie within 20 km (12 miles) of the city are increasingly becoming overrun by the expanding suburbs. In all honesty, some of the so-called winery lodges are little more than suburban guest-houses. The only really authentic property in this zone is the intimate and historic Club Tapiz.

The next 20 km southwards is the heart of the famous Uco Valley and is home to dozens of really high quality wineries. This area also contains the stand-out accommodation option in Mendoza, the upmarket Cavas Wine Lodge.

Around 80 km south of Mendoza lie the winelands that surround the rural town of Tunuyán. Although there are some scenic and historic wineries close to the town itself, the three leading lodges all lie in the pioneering wine areas further west, which do feel a little but removed from the main event.

mainly visited by very wine-focused people