Vineyards for Restless Travellers —Seven Experiences among Vines beyond Tasting

The seventh biggest province in Argentina produces the country’s 78% of wine and has an irresistible offer, placing it undoubtedly among the ten great wine capitals according to GWC. Visiting Mendoza means drinking good wine, enjoying the scenery, pleasing your taste buds with top-notch gastronomy, and above all relaxing —a plan which is always carried out. Stepping on the wine land means starting a sensory trip, in which the two Argentinian symbols compete for the limelight: Andes mountain range and Malbec. The vine emblem of the End of the World country finds its best version among mountains and soil with ideal weather conditions for grape harvesting. The ample thermal range is the perfect production ally, and Mendoza knows about it better than any other province. The visitor can immerse in intense flavours while walking around wineries and learning about elaboration processes, cares, and vintages. 

All these ingredients place Argentina as the purple elixir producer country with some of the world’s leading wineries. As a matter of fact, Zuccardi Valle de Uco was considered the best in the world three years in a row (2019, 2020, and 2021) according to The World’s Best Vineyards. The list goes on. Catena Zapata is in the 11th position, and Bodegas Salentein, the 23rd.

Skirting the mountain range decorated with snow peaks, lagoons, and greens, vineyards settle in and become the most coveted plan for national and international tourists. The reasons are pretty clear: unbeatable gastronomic offers, breathtaking landscapes, and an endless variety of experiences to discover wine-making treasures.

1. Bike in the Vineyards

Apart from walking around the huge hectares of grape cultivation, the option for the fearless includes two wheels, a helmet, and a bit of adrenaline. Covering the fields by bike is the ideal activity for travellers who dare live the alternative side of itineraries. Fresh wind caressing your face, green environment crowned with mountains, and hearts throbbing, confirming the experience is worth it. What is the reward for pedalling for hours? A good glass of wine, of course. 

There are several companies that organise journeys including vineyards with fascinating Andean panoramic views in their circuits. You just have to enjoy the atmosphere created and let yourself wend your way through the trails designed in the country’s best wine land.

2. Harvest your Own Malbec 

You can become a top-quality wine expert and taster in Mendoza. Apart from the 1,200 wineries’ tastes, the key lies in the art of producing wine. Your dream of creating your own blend can become true on Argentinian soil. 

Taking part first hand in the elaboration process is one of the experiences in high demand in the area. What is it about? It’s basically developing your ideal wine step by step. The experience varies based on the programme you choose. In general, it includes manual grape harvesting and experts’ advice during the process so that you can taste your blend with your personal hallmark.

There are a lot of wineries and companies that include this creative initiative. Some offer a three-day experience incorporating the tasting; others offer a small day sample. Regardless of where you do it, wine tourism secrets are uncovered in exclusive journeys to be part of Mendoza as never before. 

3. Practice Yoga in the Vineyards  

There’s nothing better than taking a break from routine and connecting to the present moment. Nowadays, it’s precisely the urgent need for living the moment and breathing in pure air that determines the decision of the final destination. And Malbec’s province is a safe alternative regarding relaxation and unwinding. If we include the possibility of combining its main touristic activity with the wellness trends, we’ll come up with a unique result. 

Meditation and yoga classes in the vineyards are some activities the wineries offer to those following the introspection path, looking for being in contact with nature, or for an internal peace break in the getaway. The environment’s silence and tranquillity together with the Andes background are the ideal elements to enjoy the practice. Besides, after each class, people can make a toast paired with food to top off the journey.

4. Take Cooking Classes

Good food and good wine pair very well. Argentina does not lack top-notch gastronomy and wine variety offers at all. Each regional dish prepared by expert chefs pairs with a grapevine, producing an explosion of flavours in your mouth. Yet, to double down and make everyone part of the behind-the-scenes, cuisine lovers can also become the creators of local delicacies. How? Learning how to cook with the experts.

Let’s sharpen the knives and put on the aprons: cooks and students embark on an adventure that combines the best of two worlds, wine-making and culinary art. Guided by your palate, play with spices and textures to create incredible plates with local products. The apprentice may fully understand how to mix meat and vegetables, spices and dressings to pair them with Argentinian vines. The most interesting part is that you can taste everything you cooked in a lunch, where dreamy panoramic views blend the most authentic flavours. 

5. Sleep at the Foot of the Andes Mountain Range in the Vineyards

The need to combine pleasure with the feeling of freedom at the foot of natural giants has become an indispensable condition when choosing accommodation. That condition is satisfied in the national wine capital, since waking up surrounded by infinite green and sleeping under starry skies is part of the daily routine.

Glampings (a growing trend showing the glamorous aspect of campsites), lodges, cabins, and hotels are strategically located so as to offer guests the best views of Mendoza. A comfortable experience is guaranteed, and the backyards become a work of art of grapes, nature, and mountains. What’s more, nothing can turn out wrong if you include swimming pools and Jacuzzis in the programme. Luxury, open-air, and vineyards leaning out the window is everything you need to crown your trip.

6. Watch a Film with a Natural Landscape as Background

This is real, and it’s called “Cinema is here.” In the summer of 2020, the ninth edition of this touring cinema took place. This design is carried out throughout the wine route, where different wineries set up a giant screen in the vineyards. The film list is known beforehand, and the entrance ticket includes tasting a glass of wine to warm up. There are also gastronomy options to enjoy this seventh art in an unforgettable evening. As an interesting aside: the money collected is donated to several foundations each year. 

7. Enjoy the Orange Sky during the Sunset with a Glass of Wine

The icing on the cake is enjoyed with music, orange-dyed skies, and a little bit more wine —just in case it hasn’t been enough yet. Deep green vineyards, mountains with warmer hues, and a dream-like sunset. You only need to sharpen your senses to admire the perfect portrait painted in front of the lucky one gazing at the spectacle.