Things to Do in and Around Mendoza:

• Explore the city of Mendoza: The city of Mendoza, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, is a vibrant hub with a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to Argentina’s wine industry
• Wine Tasting: Sample world-class wines, especially Malbec, from renowned vineyards in the region.
• Winery Tours: Explore the wine production process, from grape cultivation to bottling, at local bodegas.
• Olive Oil Tasting: Taste exquisite local olive oils, made from the region's premium olives.
• Olive Oil Factory Tours: Learn about the production of olive oil at local factories, from harvesting to processing.
• Cooking Classes: Take a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Argentine dishes using local ingredients.
• Visit Maipu - Maipú, A Wine Lover's Paradise. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Mendoza's rich winemaking heritage while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Andes mountains.
• Horse Trekking: Explore Mendoza’s stunning countryside and vineyards on horseback, guided by local experts.
• Cycling: Ride through Mendoza’s scenic vineyards and countryside, with tours available for all levels.
• Trekking: Hike through the beautiful Andes foothills or venture into higher altitudes for stunning views.
• White Water Rafting: Experience thrilling rapids on the Mendoza and Tunuyán rivers, ranging from class 3 to 5.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy the breath-taking landscapes of Mendoza with picturesque routes, especially along the wine route and mountain roads.
• Cable Car Rides: Take a cable car ride in the Andes, offering panoramic views of Mendoza and the surrounding mountains.
• Golf: Play at one of Mendoza’s renowned golf courses, set in scenic vineyard landscapes.
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the region’s rivers and lakes, with opportunities to catch local species.
• Skiing at Los Potrerillos (Winter): Ski or snowboard at the Los Potrerillos ski centre, located in the Andes.
• Hiking Aconcagua (for experienced climbers): Challenge yourself with a trek to the base camp or summit of Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.
• Visit Aconcagua National Park: Explore this protected area, home to diverse wildlife and stunning views of Aconcagua and the surrounding Andes.
• Visit Potrerillos: Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing by the stunning Potrerillos Lake, or simply take in the beautiful mountain scenery.

Mendoza’s rise as a global wine-growing destination has deep historical roots. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, the region was inhabited by the Huarpe indigenous people in the Valle de Uco and northern Mendoza. Known for their agricultural expertise and ingenious irrigation systems in the Huentota Valley, the Huarpe cultivated crops such as corn and potatoes in an area that would later become the city of Mendoza. These irrigation methods were further developed by the Spanish, who introduced new crops, including grapevines, laying the foundation for the region's wine industry.

In 1811, Don Antonio Solanilla, a Spanish settler, brought with him a statue of the Virgin Mary, holding a bunch of grapes in one hand and baby Jesus in the other. The statue, which had been revered in Spain, quickly gained popularity in Mendoza. According to legend, during a devastating hailstorm, vineyard owners carried the statue to their fields, and the storm immediately ceased. The Virgin soon became the patron saint of the vine.

In 1884, Mendoza took significant steps to expand its wine industry by sending representatives to Europe to recruit skilled workers from Italy, France, and Spain. This led to an influx of wine-growing families and entrepreneurs, many of whom introduced prized grapevines to the region. Among these, the Malbec grape—originally from France and of little distinction—thrived in Mendoza’s unique climate. By the early 1980s, the rise of single-varietal wines sparked a revival of Malbec, alongside other popular varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Over the past few decades, Mendoza's wine scene has continued to grow, with new-world varietals like Syrah, Bonarda, Tempranillo, Viognier, and the local white Torrontés gaining recognition. Mendoza’s wines have earned prestigious international awards and glowing recommendations from top wine critics worldwide.

One of the highlights of Mendoza’s cultural calendar is the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Harvest Festival), held every March. This week-long celebration features local folk songs, dance performances, processions, and the crowning of the National Queen of the Wine Harvest. Today, Mendoza is home to over 550 wineries, ranging from boutique producers to large-scale exporters. Many of these wineries are part of the Rutas del Vino (Wine Routes), offering guided tours and tastings led by expert winemakers, allowing visitors to experience the region’s rich winemaking history first hand.