Mendoza
The Napa Valley of Argentina
By: Editor Harvey Wood

Mendoza is the capital city of Mendoza Province which is located in a serene region of foothills and high plains on the eastern side of the Andes in the northern-central part of the province. The 2001 census listed the population at 110,993 but now there are more than likely 150,000 as the city is becoming very popular with tourists, expats and wine production. The metropolitan population was 848,660 making Mendoza Province the fourth largest in the country. Ruta Nacional 7, the major highway running between Buenos Aires and Santiago in Chile runs through Mendoza and has a frequent stopover of climbers on their way to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. In winter, skiers and other sports buffs come to the city for easy access to the Andes.

Known by the local residents as “la terra del sol y buen vino” (the land of sun and good wine) It is set against a stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains and is a definite destination for anybody visiting Argentina. Mendoza is the capital city of the province and is a garden city of beautiful tree-lined streets and magnificent parks. Everywhere you look, there are leafy vineyards and farms producing everything from olives, grapes, to peaches. There are more than 1,500 wineries in Mendoza and more than 40% are open for tourism. Many smaller vineyards accept visitors for tours which include a sumptuous lunch under old shade trees next to the vines and serve their wines to compliment the meal. Mendoza is world famous for its fiery red Malbec so make certain to include this in your tasting.

Mendoza is a beautiful capital city and the center of population in Cuyo province which is also home to the famous Mt. Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The Andes mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop for the city and is the magnificent base to enjoy out-door sports. As a base for your adventures are many extraordinary hotels such as the Sheraton Mendoza Hotel; Villaggio Hotel; Executive Hotel; Park Hyatt Mendoza, to name a few. Restaurants abound in the city and in the nice weather the outdoor ones are preferred my many. My personal favorite for elegant dining at a reasonable cost is at Don Mario and can be viewed at www.donmario.com.ar. Others are Francesco Ristorante; Cavas Wine Lodge and Restaurant Trevi Sh. While you are enjoying your meals in Mendoza, please pour yourself a generous glass of Argentine wine and savour the cosmopolitan flair of living. Breath in deeply and experience the Latin passion of its people and enjoy their flair for fashion and five-star velvet comforts.