Wine Country

Mendoza is a fairly large region located on the Western border of Argentina. Its less than two hours from the Chilean border. Its attraction to many is its production of almost 80% of Argentina´s wine. The area produces wines from Chardonnay to Merlot. Its specialty is Malbec...so much so that it is nicknamed Malbeclandia! It was my favorite as well.

Naturally, we embarked on a wine tasting tour within hours of arrival. We went to one really small family vineyard (Cavas de Don Jaun) that produces only 1.5 million liters per year...in comparison to huge producers that whip up a whopping 10 to 15 million liters of wine per year! We also went to one that was medium sized called Baudron, 4 million liters per year. Olive oil is also a staple product of the area. I would say my favorite part of the tour was Historias y Sabores. It was at this quaint little family run factory that we tasted multiple flavors of chocolate liquor. MMMmmmm....

The backdrop of the city is lush vineyards with the snow tipped peaks of the Andes Mountains standing proudly.

Besides wine, there are many adventure opportunities in Mendoza. River rafting, trekking, climbing, and paragliding. We were meant to go paragliding...I was soooooo happy to have talked Rach into it. But at the last minute we decided to save it for another city with a better view. Not that Mendoza isn´t beautiful. The backdrop of the city is lush vineyards with the snow tipped peaks of the Andes Mountains standing proudly. Its a vision!

Unfortunately I do not have any photos for you because I left my camera on a bus today. I am currently in the recovery process, but should my luck fall short we will be forced to turn to disposable cameras. Rach´s camera you say? No can do. She was a victim of a theft scam in Buenos Aires....minutes within boarding our Cama Suite! Alas she was relieved of her ipod, camera, cell phone, journal, and plane ticket home. :( Poor thing is still grieving for her ipod. But the free wine in the Cama Suite bus ride sure did help! No worries, her ticket home is being reissued. Never leave a woman behind! Hope my words make up for the pictures for the time being.