July has officially arrived and while for most of you this means sunshine and sunny weekends at the beach, here in Mendoza we are bundled up in our sweaters! Luckily, it is never a bad time of year for a wine tasting! With over 1,000 wineries in the Mendoza province alone, the options for wine tourism here are endless. Wine tourism in Mendoza has exploded in the last few years; and with more and more Argentine Wines distributed into the international markets, people are eager to explore the place their wines are coming from. So, how do you know where to start? First thing is first: the wine regions. Mendoza has three main wine regions: Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and Uco Valley. As the “first region” in Argentine winemaking, Maipú is rich in history and family tradition. Here, you find wineries such as Familia Zuccardi, where family winemaking secrets have been passed down through generations. Next, we have Luján de Cuyo, or better known as, “the Land of Malbec.” Luján de Cuyo is located in the foothills of the Andes mountains, and within this region the best Malbec in the world is produced. Countless international awards have earned Luján de Cuyo quite a name for itself as home to wineries such as Norton, Catena Zapata, Achaval-Ferrer and Casarena, to name a few. Lastly, Uco Valley possesses the highest concentration of high altitude vineyards in the world. Located between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level, not only does this region produce incredible wines, but it is home to some of the most beautiful views in Mendoza.
Each region has its own unique characteristics. My suggestion: Explore them all! Luckily, Wine Tourism is thriving in all three locations so you can experience and compare the distinct qualities of their wines. For a more unique and intimate tour, I suggest a tour in private where you can personally choose the wineries and receive more one-on-one attention with the tour guides. However, Wine Tourism in a group is a great option to explore different wineries with people from all over the world, with one very enchanting common interest: wine! In the end, here in Mendoza, you can´t go wrong. Whether you are a wine lover, a history buff, or a mountain man, Wine Tourism in Mendoza has something to offer everyone!
For more information on wine tourism options, click here: http://www.kahuak.com.ar/english/gastronomy_wines/index.htm