Mendoza: Where to Stay and What to Do in Argentina’s Wine Country
Mendoza is a captivating city — a lush green metropolis surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the Andes. It’s most famous for wine-making and the vineyards of the region and Mendoza’s Malbecs are highly regarded the world over. We recommend taking a trip to this Argentinean city to indulge in a wonderful trifecta — steak, wine and beautiful nature vistas. We’re giving you the lowdown on where to indulge your senses.Stay: Entre Cielos
This luxury wine hotel and spa is a dream come true for wine lovers. You will wake up surrounded by vineyards yet have all of the luxury amenities of an ultra-modern hotel. In need of a little R&R? The property features a spectacular six-stage circuit hammam (the only one in South America) where you can get grapeseed exfoliation and bathe in wine. There’s also a great churrasco restaurant aptly called Beef Club. Sample fantastic cuts of steak, empanadas and sip the hotel’s own Marantal Young which is a 100 percent Malbec rosé and Gran Marantal Malbec.
Eat: Maria Antonieta
Take one brief night off from steak and head to this buzzing Mediterranean restaurant in the city center. The menu is varied and vegetable-heavy — perfect after a few days of meat consumption. Try their two great kale dishes, a delectable eggplant appetizer, pasta and delicious Patagonian lamb chops. The scene is buzzy and lots of good-looking people flock there, particularly after 10 p.m. on weekends.
Drink: Uco Valley
Make a trip two hours south of Mendoza to explore the hottest new wine region — Uco Valley. In order to make the best wine, temperatures should be hot during the day and brisk at night. Since the Uco Valley has a slightly lower latitude than Mendoza, it nails the temperature range producing some of the finest wines in Argentina right now. Head to Clos de los Siete to try exceptional high-end Malbecs, Syrahs and red wine varietals.
Another highly unique place you should visit is SuperUco, a biodynamic winery which is small production but unforgettable in quality and authenticity. Stop by Andaluna for lunch to sample an incredible tasting menu paired with incredible wines.
Do: Horseback Riding
The mountains surrounding Mendoza are practically calling your name for outdoor activities. Explore the countryside by horse and ascend the mountains with a majestic view. You’ll feel refreshed and in touch with nature, and a little exercise will of course help you drink more wine and eat more steak.
Main Image Photo Credit: © iStock/ben_blackledge
About the Author: Rana Good is a multimedia journalist with an ambitious goal of traveling to all countries in the world at some point in her lifetime. Originally hailing from Switzerland she's made NYC her home but takes every opportunity to discover new lands when she can.