Mendoza is in northwestern Argentina and is the gateway to the high Andes and the Chilean border. Argentina’s wines have come to the world stage only recently, but are quickly growing in popularity, and most of the vineyards and the wine industry is located in the Mendoza province. Mendoza is also a major destination for sports enthusiast where many outdoor sports can be enjoyed in beautiful surroundings.

The constant sunshine in Mendoza invites tourists from all over the world and Argentina into wine country. Originally not a tourist a site, wine became the draw for many. The view of the Andes, along with the small chance for rainfall, makes this region an ideal spot for vacation as well as tasting the essence of Argentina.

As Mendoza has awakened as a wine destination, over 1,200 vineyards, dozens of boutique and world class hotels and country inns as well as numerous restaurants featuring the fine food and wine of the region. Mendoza is well-known for their abundance of agricultural products in addition to wine and beef. Many wineries along the Mendoza Wine Trail offer wine tastings, often for free. Some of the wineries or bodegas as they are frequently referred to in Argentina, reflect the traditional architectural styles of the 1920’s, while others are more modern in design. Whichever way you chose to go, you are likely to have a wonderful experience you will not soon forget.

Mendoza’s climate is appropriate year round for tourism with an average of over 300 sunny days each year. Even in the winter, the temperatures are moderate with plenty of sun to keep you warm whether you are riding horses through the vineyards or hiking up one of the mountain trails.

For wine aficionados, March is the best time to visit Mendoza as it the harvest period with frequent village festivals celebrating the season’s bounty. The most famous of the festivals is “The Vendimia Festival”, which celebrates the grape harvest over a week-long period in which music, food and of course, fine wine are plentiful.

For those wishing to combine their passion for wine with adventure and history, there are plenty of other tourist options available in the region. The Andes Mountains lay within sight of almost all of Mendoza affording hiking, horse-back riding and other outdoor related activities. There are many wine tourism operators as well companies who will be glad to provide you with horse, car, bike and limousine rentals.