Monday, May 24, 2010

Mendoza, Argentina's Wine Capital

By Peter Hagemann

When the words "Argentinean Wines "are mentioned, Mendoza comes to mind. Mendoza is the most important region in Argentina for the wine industry. As Argentina wines have made their mark on the world market so has the city of Mendoza. Not only is the city famous for its wine and vineyards, but Mendoza has become a destination for adventure seekers and the many outdoor sports and unbelievable scenery the area has to offer.

Capital of Mendoza Providence, Mendoza is the fourth largest city in Argentina. Sitting at the base of the eastern Andes Mountain range, the city is home to over 900,000 people. Mendoza has become the gateway to the high Andes and Chile. through Argentina's western region of Cuyo. Being closer to Santiago Chile than to Buenos Aires travelers will often make the 6 hour journey between Mendoza and Santiago. The Andes provide unbelievable views to drivers yet some travelers will opt for a flight between the 2 cities.

A irrigation system has been in place for centuries due to the scarceness of water in Mendoza. Once home to three Indian tribes, the Incas, Huarpes and Puelches, the city saw its first canals dug, yet it was not till 1561 that the city was founded by the Spaniards and Pedro Del Castillo and named after Don Garcia, the Governor of Chile. As the city of Mendoza increased, the irrigation system was expanded and today is still evident in road side canals through out the city.

Located at the base of South America's longest mountain range, the Andes, Mendoza has been frequent by several earthquakes. In 1861 the city was devastated by a major quake killing 5000 people. Mendoza was rebuilt with structures that were able to handle the seismic activity of the area, streets made wider and large squares incorporated into the city design. Today San Martin Street and Mendoza's largest park, Parque San Martin are an example of change due to the earthquakes.

Tourism has been a major growth area for Mendoza, being attracted mainly to its two main industries, wine and olive oil production. The road traveled between Chile and Argentina has made Mendoza a major stopping point. Climbers have come to Mendoza to climb the western hemisphere as well as South America's tallest mountain, Aconcagua. Rafting, horseback riding and hiking have also attracted adventure seekers to Mendoza. Mendoza offers easy access to Argentina's as well as South America' finest skiing. Malbec Wines, are a big draw to wine lovers that can be found in the foothills surrounding Mendoza. Many tours of winemakers and vineyards are available to travelers and tourist to the Mendoza area.

Hot, humid and wet summers and dry winters, Mendoza is considered a semi- desert region. Temperatures range in the 90's for January (Argentina's summer) during the daytime, and dropping to the low 60's during the night. Winter will bring temperatures in the high 50's during the day and the low to mid 30's in the night. Annual rainfall is less than 10 inches, thus the need for Mendoza's irrigation system. - 38505

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