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.
Mendoza is Argentina’s fourth largest city and capital of Mendoza province. A population of almost 900,000 people the city is located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, in Argentina’s western region known as Cuyo . Mendoza has become the gateway to Chile and the high Andes. Location wise the city of Mendoza is closer to Santiago than to Buenos Aires thus travelers often will make the journey between the two cities, either by plane in one hour, or the beautiful scenic ride through the Andes at 6 hours.
Water being scarce, Mendoza has an irrigation system that has been in place for centuries. First developed by three Indian tribes, the Huarpes, Puelches and the Incas, that lived in the area prior to the Spaniards arrival. In 1561 the city of Mendoza was founded by Pedro Del Castillo who named the new city after the governor of Chile, Don Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza. As the population increased in Mendoza the Spaniards expanded on the irrigation system which is still evident today in the road side canals.
The base of South America’s Andes Mountains, the continents longest mountain range is home to Mendoza and has oftentimes been hit with earthquakes. Mendoza was destroyed in 1861 with the loss of 5000 lives during a major earthquake. Large parks, wider streets as well as new building designs were incorporated into the re building of Mendoza to withstand earthquakes. A good example is Mendoza’s largest park,Parque San Martin and San Martin Street.
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.
Dry winters, hot, humid and wet summers makes Mendoza a semi-desert region. Winters in Mendoza can see temperatures range from low 30′s at night to highs 50′s during the day. Summertime in Argentina (January) will see temperatures range from low 60′s to highs of 90 degrees. With annual rainfall of less than 10 inches, Mendoza’s irrigation system is important.
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