Mendoza: Napa Valley of the South

Last weekend's New York Times featured a small blurb on Mendoza, the burgeoning wine region in Argentina, suggesting that Mendoza has become an alternative destination to the Napa Valley with its exotic (and inexpensive!) wines and gaucho culture.  I have to admit, on my last visit to Mendoza this was the first thought that entered my mind.

The first time I visited Mendoza, wine tours were hard to come by and generally disorganized. There were few wine-tasting rooms and even fewer vineyards set up to receive visitors.

Today is a different story. Nicolas Catena pioneered the growth in Mendoza after visiting the Napa wineries and studying the efforts of Robert Mondavi. In 2001 Catena Zapata opened its doors to visitors and Nicolas' neighboring wineries soon followed suit. A 'wine route' has been established with numerous bodegas, lodgings and restaurants, and visitors to the area have plenty to keep them busy.

This transformation has not been without growing pains. In fact the last time I visited, I rented a car and found myself driving in circles in an effort to locate these hidden gems. It seems that the locals had taken to stealing the bodegas' billboards / road signs as prized possessions. Try as they did, the wineries could not keep their markings on the side of the highway and helpless tourists were left disoriented in an attempt to get their hands on these world-renowned Malbecs.

I highly recommend a trip to this blossoming region nestled under the Andes. There is plenty to do and see for everyone from the wine aficionado to the Epicurean to the outdoor enthusiast. The NYT article lists a few of the higher-end options. For OTR travelers, check out our recommended hotels and restaurants in the area as well as our guide to visiting Mendoza's vineyards.

Comments

[FABRICIO FERRARO]

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