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The Andes mountains are about more than high passes and spectacular views, around 80% of Argentina's wine is produced in the Mendoza region lying across the Andes bone dry foothills. The sunny days, lack of rain and cold nights breed deeply coloured, intensely flavoured Malbecs, Syrahs and Cabernet Sauvignons with potent alcohol contents.

As the altitude increases the temperature lowers and here on the highest slopes beneath the rocky massifs the Chardonnay and Semillon grapes develop quite acidic flavours ideal for sparking wines.

Some of the best wines coming out of Mendoza are from Terrazas de Los Andes, Achaval-Ferrer and Catena, but with over 350,000 acres of vineyards and 800 wineries there is an excellent opportunity to try new flavours and producers. The festival of the wine harvest begins in January and parties on with plenty of drinking, grape blessing ceremonies and general merry-making until April (even though the actual event takes place on the first Saturday in March.).

The lifestyle in Mendoza City matches the hot humid weather - expect tree lined streets, plazas with pretty fountains, afternoon siestas and plenty of good locally grown food and drink. Mendoza is a high enough up in the Andes to provide a perfect setting for adventure sports, ski at Los Molles and Las Lenas, go rafting or kayaking on the Rio Mendoza, trek Cerro Aconcagua, paraglide off Carro Arco or just enjoy the spectacular scenery with a glass of local Malbec.

Written by  Kat Mackintosh.

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