Mendoza

Located in the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is Argentina's premier wine-producing area.

Located in the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is Argentina's premier wine-producing area. In summer the climate is hot and humid, but the shady, tree-lined streets and gurgling fountains of its plazas help to keep the temperature down, as does adopting the 'Mendocino' way of life by taking a siesta during the hottest part of the day.

Two of the main industries of Mendoza area are olive oil production and, of course, wine making. The surrounding region is the largest wine producing area in Latin America. As such, Mendoza is one of nine cities worldwide in the network of Great Capitals of Wine, and is an emerging wine tourism destination and base for exploring the hundreds of wineries in the region. Mendoza has several museums, including The National Wine Museum, focusing on the history of wine-making in the area, 17 km southeast of Mendoza in Maipú.  The The National Grape Harvest Festival occurs in early March each year.

The city is a frequent stopover for climbers on their way to Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere) and for adventure travellers interested in mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and other sports. In the winter, skiers come to the city for its easy access to the Andes.