• About the Mendoza area
• Lodging in Mendoza

ABOUT MENDOZA

When describing what makes Mendoza an ideal place to make wine, one must mention all factors affecting the final product. These factors can be described as the terroir. Perhaps the most unique quality of this region is the high elevation. The best grapes or fruits are grown at 3000-5000 feet and are subject to wide day and night temperature differences. During the cold nights the fruits stop growing, which allows for gradual maturation and help concentrate sugars. In fact, the average temperature decreases about 2 degrees Fahrenheit for every 330 feet increase in elevation. The wine maker will use these different altitudes and microclimates to maximize a variety's full potential or even to adjust the particular variety's style.

The second important characteristic of Mendoza are the desert alluvial soils made up of clay, sand and rock. The soils low organic content actually facilitate vine yield and add to the wines dynamics. The soil further attributes to wine quality by allowing proper drainage and permitting the roots to grow deep and constantly.

Irrigation is one of the last defining factors of the Mendoza terroir. The average rainfall is only 8 inches per year so the early wine makers had to harness the snow capped peaks run off. They and the early settlers of Mendoza did this with a complex system of irrigation canals that run though the vineyards (as well as on both sides of all roads in downtown Mendoza). The amount of water irrigating the vines is then controlled and therefore prevents the grapes from becoming watery and fragile.

It should also be mentioned that the low humidity, high elevation and low rainfall create an inhospitable environment for fungi and other agricultural pests. Therefore, most vineyards of Mendoza are free of pesticides and many are completely organic.

Nevertheless, the intense aromas and flavors cannot be produced solely from the superior terroir of Mendoza. The rest for the complex equation comprises of Russian, Spanish, Italian, English and other immigrants who implemented their own craftsmanship and viticulture concepts. Some mix tradition with technology while others remain purist. They brought varieties such as Tempranillo from Spain, Malbec from Bordeaux, France and Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Bonarda, Tocai Friulano and Barbera from Italy.

Argentina's high altitude wines are best for your heart?
Catena cabernet sauvignon wines from Mendoza are shown to be 6 times more potent than a selection of red wines from France, Spain, Italy, Chile, and Australia. Studies shown that red grapes grown at higher altitudes produce more polyphenols which scientist believe to be the key factor in the connection between drinking red wine and preventing heart disease.

MENDOZA HISTORY AND FACTS

Mendoza City is located in western Argentina, at 33 o latitude and 64 o longitude just northeast of Santiago, Chile. The province of Mendoza borders Chile and the Andes Mountains to the west, the sparsely populated desert to the north, the grasslands of the Pampas to the east and the region of Patagonia to the south. The region is home to, Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas. Mountain sports such as skiing, biking, rafting, paragliding, trekking, windsurfing, fishing and horseback riding are only a few activities enjoyed in the area.

Founded by Spanish colonist in 1561, Mendoza is one of the largest cities in Argentina holding over one million inhabitants. The most striking feature of this desert city are the streets lined with huge Eucalyptus, Poplar and other deciduous trees which create a canopy over the primary and secondary roads. Trees lining the streets of Mendoza proliferate in the dry climate because of irrigation ditches or acequias that were pioneered by the Incas. The efficiency of this system is evident by the resourceful use of shade, which is apparent in all homes and public buildings. Mendoza is known not only for it's free flowing acequias, but also for it's wide wooden streets and elegant parks. It is undoubtedly one of the cleanest and well-kept cities in Argentina if not South America. It is further recognized for Vendimia, the annual wine harvest festival. The festival starts on the first Saturday in March and continues until April. Celebrations are scattered throughout the province including folk festivals, sports events, crowing of a "wine queen", food and wine exhibits and tastings and good cheer.

The area of Mendoza became sought after among Europeans wine makers in the early 1800's who came to Mendoza in hopes of having a vineyard. Instead of fertile land, they found desert soils and little rain. However, they discovered the terroir of Mendoza comprises several different elements each contributing to produce fruits and grapes of exceptional quality. Today, the city and province's major industries are wine and fruit production, oil refining, and metalworking. There are two major universities in Mendoza. In 1861 an earthquake nearly destroyed the entire city and since then has been rebuilt.

LODGES IN MENDOZA

		CHARCRAS LODGE The Chacras de Coria Lodge is perhaps the most modern facilities in the quiet, urban neighborhood of Chacras de Coria, 15 minutes outside Mendoza City. It appeals to the tastes and styles of the seasoned international traveler with its sheik atmosphere, exquisite dinning and ideal location. This full service, intimate lodge has everything the international wine connoisseur expects. The small chalet can hold 12 guests in 6 rooms all with private baths. An additional 4 persons may enjoy the two bedroom suite with private baths and a spacious common area. Amenities include large comfortable beds with fine linens, pool and Jacuzzi, out door dinning under the veranda and a full time manager and concierge to attend to guests needs. The meals are prepared by a professional chef and are as fine those served in the best restaurants in Mendoza. Wineries within the Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo Valleys are only a 5-15 minute car ride away while others are in walking distance of the lodge. Some favorites are Catena Zapata, La Rural, Dolium, and Familia Zuccardi.   The neighborhood of Chacras de Coria is located in the south western corner of Mendoza City and was the last portion of significant farmland to survive ever growing Mendoza City boundaries. Today the residential neighborhood still has a few small vineyards and old boutique wineries.
Courtesy of Finca Adalgisa		FINCA ADALGISA Finca Adalgisa is located just outside Mendoza in the quiet suburbs of Chacra de Corias in the Lujan de Cuyo valley. This is one of the last remaining historical vineyards in the area. Graciela Furlotti recently revitalized the retired vines and built three individual cabins over looking the small vineyard, pool and rock walls of the elaborate garden. The vineyard is an integral part of the Graciela's hosteria in that you must walk through the rows of grapevines and step over irrigation channels in order to access the main house and other buildings. Guests may also choose to stay in her historical European style home. Expansions also include two large dinning areas. Adalgisa Graciela's artistic taste, beautifully combines modern fireplaces, antique furniture, rock walls and wooden ceilings create a warm and inviting environment. Upon request, dinners are served in the cave where bottle wine is laid to rest before labeling.
		VALLE de UCO LODGE This luxury wine lodge is well hidden outside the small town of Tunuyan, in the quiet Uco Valley. No other wine lodge in the province of Mendoza is superior to the Tunuyan lodge in the Uco Valley. Completed in April of 2005, the full service lodge offers style and sophistication to luxury seekers. Nine-teen guests may sleep in 8 double rooms which are equipped with private baths, antique furnishings, large beds with fine linen and lovely views of the grounds. A century old farm house has been refurbished to house an additional 4-6 guest. This charming cottage is the perfect option for families or for guests seeking more privacy. The courtyards are filled with roses, large trees, fruit orchards and the lodge’s 7 acre vineyard of Malbec grapes. The patio also includes several verandas and a full size pool where quests can soak up the views of the Andes Mountain towering over the small vineyard. Additional amenities of Valle de Uco Lodge, include, exquisite dinning from a professional chef, a spacious kitchen for cooking classes, office with internet, library, satellite TV, wine cellar and bar and spacious living and dinning room and a concierge and manager on site 24 hours a day. The Tunuyan Valley is quickly increasing in popularity with serious and discriminating wine enthusiasts seeking sophisticated wineries and upscale accommodations. Wineries to visit in this area include, Salentein, La Celia, Clos de Siete and Monteviejo and J&F Lurton.

back to main Wine Treks page>

ARGENTINA TROUT FISHING | ARGENTINA DORADO FISHING | WINE TREKS | EDUCATIONAL | WING SHOOTING | CORPORATE
SPECIAL OFFERS | PRESS | TRAVEL SERVICES | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | HOME