Mendoza is the gateway to Argentina’s wine region and it is a popular stopover between Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires. It is a green city bursting with flavors and is sometimes called the ‘Eden of the Andes”. Mendoza is the land of good wine and sun. This city represents what Argentineans like to do best: enjoying the good life. The glass is always full here, and this optimism is even more palpable when you explore the Andean city.

Mendoza sprouted from a network of irrigation channels dug by the locals to water their crops. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they adopted this method to establish the first vineyards in Argentina. In this process, they planted the seed of this city’s future as one of the Great Capitals of Wine in the world. This region’s wine industry thrives just like a vine that is well cultivated. Because of the near perfect conditions in this region’s mountains, the vineyards in Mendoza produce up to three-quarters of Argentina’s wine.

Bodega Lagarde is a historic homestead in this region. To enjoy a mouthwatering feast, follow your nose to the smoking parilla on the patio. For an unexpected burst of flavor, pair each meal with a different drop.

The vineyards in Mendoza are not the only reason this fertile valley is nicknamed the Eden of Andes. The city’s abundance of shady parks and sunny climate round out its flavors. Parquet General San Martin is the most generous park of them all. It is at the city’s center and it is big enough to drive and row through. The park’s hill is the Army of the Andes national monument. There are many scenes depicting how General Martin and his troops liberated Argentina in the early 19th century before crossing the mountains to also liberate Peru and Chile.

The Teatro Independencia is at the heart of the city and it also serves a memorial to the country’s war. Don’t forget to see the sculpture under the dome of the Espacio Contemporaneo de Arte. This art space stands in contrast to the modern art museum which features acclaimed European and South American artists.

Just like fine wine, the city of Mendoza has aged beautifully since it first sprouted from the Andes foothills and has slowly matured into a matured blend. Come and have a taste of this city’s zest for life which combines to make it what it is today.