Lodging
When planning a trip to Mendoza, the first question that you need to answer is do you want to stay in the city or closer to the bodegas, which are located about 20 to 40 minutes drive south of the downtown area. Mendoza boasts a number of luxurious hotels, including the Park Hyatt Mendoza which is centrally located off of Plaza Independencia. The Park Hyatt is located on the site of the famous Plaza Hotel where Perón and Eva stayed soon after they first met. If wine touring is your number one reason for visiting Mendoza, then you may want to consider staying at a bodega hotel closer to the vineyards such as the Finca Adalgisa (see my previous blog entry) or the Cavas Wine Lodge which is located in the countryside near the Mendoza suburb of Luján de Cuyo. Better yet, if you can't decide between city or country, spend a few nights in each location.
The Table is Set at Ruca Malen
Dining
Like all great wine regions of the world, Mendoza is well-known for its many dining options. There are a number of good restaurants located at the bodegas and in the suburbs of Mendoza, close to the wineries. Within the city limits, there is no shortage of restaurant options, including many al fresco dining establishments along the pedestrian thoroughfare of Avenida Sarmiento.
Al Fresco Dining in Mendoza
For our day out in Mendoza, we chose to dine at La Marchigiana, which is rated as the top Italian restaurant in the city. We had some difficulty finding the restaurant since it had relocated a few years ago due to a fire in their previous location. But once we found it, we were treated to a fantastic meal. The lasagne bolognese and the gnocchi were absolutely divine! Our waiter showed us a book that was published to commemorate their 50th anniversary in business; among the many famous people who dined here included Brad Pitt, who ate here often when he was filming Seven Years in Tibet.
La Marchigiana
The Italians Eat Italian Food (Again)
Ummmm!!! Lasagne!
Shopping
Another reason to spend some time in downtown Mendoza is to take advantage of some of the great shopping the city has to offer. There are shops of all types, selling clothing, leather, shoes, perfumes, and other souvenirs.
Stained-Glass Skylight in Shopping Gallery
One area you should also visit is the Mercardo Central. Since 1883, this has been Mendoza's main market, selling meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Stained-Glass Skylight in Shopping Gallery
One area you should also visit is the Mercardo Central. Since 1883, this has been Mendoza's main market, selling meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Mercardo Central
Fresh Spices
Lunch, Anyone?
Rows and Rows of Dried Beans
That Famous Argentine Beef
Things to Do
To visit Mendoza and not take a wine tour would be a crime. While there are more than 1,000 wineries in Mendoza, the best range of fine wine establishments is found around Luján de Cuyo, some 20 minutes south of the city. The vast majority of these bodegas require pre-booking, and because road signs are virtually nonexistent, it is highly recommended that you arrange for private transport as well. There is an ever-growing list of bodegas that are geared towards wine tourism. A good resource for finding out more about which wineries to visit is to pick up a free copy of Wine Republic or to visit their website prior to your trip. If you are really short on time and can't get out to the bodegas, then you must plan to visit The Vines of Mendoza located just off of Plaza Independencia. At this well-stocked wine bar, you can taste many wines produced at different wineries. Better yet, you can buy wine here and have it shipped back home.
Grape Leaf
Another popular day trip is to take an Andes Tour. The road to Chile is absolutely stunning...stay tuned, I'll tell you more about that in my next blog entry. Mendoza is also a great destination for those who like adventure sports, whether it is mountain trekking, biking, horseback riding, paragliding or whitewater rafting. The combination of options makes Mendoza a fun and relaxing tourist destination.
Fresh Spices
Lunch, Anyone?
Rows and Rows of Dried Beans
That Famous Argentine Beef
Things to Do
To visit Mendoza and not take a wine tour would be a crime. While there are more than 1,000 wineries in Mendoza, the best range of fine wine establishments is found around Luján de Cuyo, some 20 minutes south of the city. The vast majority of these bodegas require pre-booking, and because road signs are virtually nonexistent, it is highly recommended that you arrange for private transport as well. There is an ever-growing list of bodegas that are geared towards wine tourism. A good resource for finding out more about which wineries to visit is to pick up a free copy of Wine Republic or to visit their website prior to your trip. If you are really short on time and can't get out to the bodegas, then you must plan to visit The Vines of Mendoza located just off of Plaza Independencia. At this well-stocked wine bar, you can taste many wines produced at different wineries. Better yet, you can buy wine here and have it shipped back home.
Grape Leaf
Another popular day trip is to take an Andes Tour. The road to Chile is absolutely stunning...stay tuned, I'll tell you more about that in my next blog entry. Mendoza is also a great destination for those who like adventure sports, whether it is mountain trekking, biking, horseback riding, paragliding or whitewater rafting. The combination of options makes Mendoza a fun and relaxing tourist destination.
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