On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and book, but we never allow this to affect our coverage. This small city bustles with activity except during lunchtimes, when it winds down for a siesta. As for a first foray into malbec on home turf, book a tasting at Mendoza Wine Room. Guided winery tours and tastings across all price points are well organised, and most require reservations; roll up unannounced and you might not make it past security at the front gate.
Able to keep your balance while sampling vino tinto? There are also equestrian activities such as dawn horseback rides or, for the more advanced, Andean crossings. It also houses an award-winning hammam and excellent restaurant, and hosts weekly barbecues; guests receive a complimentary bottle of malbec. Friendly staff are very helpful in helping guests plan their next moves around Mendoza.
The wine list is one of the best in the city. Work up an appetite visiting the centenary winery before diving into six courses such as organic tomato textures or flame-grilled steak. Pull up a plastic chair or take away. In Mendoza capital, head to Aristedes for dozens of craft beer pubs and kiosks selling litre bottles.
Also on Aristedes, check out Gingger. Down in Paraje Altamira in Uco Valley, stop by Cundo , an adorable tasting room that leads flights starring vintages produced in the area. The Mercado Central Las Heras is an authentic food market where Mendocinos do their daily shopping and you can pick up souvenirs or gourmet gifts. Note that wineries usually sell their own vintages cheaper on site. Mendoza is home to an array of architecturally dazzling wineries, such as O Fournier in La Consulta easily confused with a nuclear bunker and Catena Zapata reminiscent of a Mayan pyramid in Agrelo.
Mendoza city centre is small enough to explore by foot. You need a Red Bus magnetic card to pay. When you arrive at the airport, take a remis taxicab outside the baggage hall. On your way out, you can carry up to six bottles of wine as hand luggage.
