Turismo en Mendoza - Aventura - Vinos y gastronomía - Empresas - Excursiones y alojamiento

City

Foundation Area (1561)
The place where Pedro del Castillo threw the first stone for the building of Mendoza city is called Foundation Area (Área Fundacional).

Pedro del Castillo Square is surrounded by the Foundation Area Museum and by St. Francis Ruins.

The Museum used to be the old town hall (Cabildo), so some archaeological excavations and an underground chamber are still part of its exhibits, as well as the city’s first fountain, which was destroyed in 1861 by an earthquake.

St. Francis Ruins, which at present belong to St. Francis Church, are located on the northwestern corner, opposite to Pedro del Castillo Square. St. Francis Church was built in the XVII century by the Jesuits.

Attractions
Squares
Mendoza City’s main square is called Independence Square. Traditional gifts can be bought from the many handicraft shops in this lively square. The Modern Art Museum is located here. Walking diagonally just three blocks away from Independence Square, four other squares can be visited: San Martin Square, España Square, Italia Square, and Chile Square.
These open and green spaces were planned for Mendocinian’s safety when the city was designed, considering the region’s seismic conditions.

San Martin Square: A monument honoring the liberator of America General San Martín rises on the corner of Necochea street and España street. Saint Francis Church, which was built in 1880, is located here. It holds two important historical pieces: an image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Cuyo Virgin, and General San Martín’s staff of office.

España Square: A beautiful monument commemorating the bonds between Spain and Argentina can be visited here. Every Sunday, local artisans offer their work for sale.

Italia Square: Monuments raised in honor of the Italian community can be visited here. Every March, the “Festa in Piazza”, a festival celebrated in commemoration of Italian immigrants, takes place in this square.

Chile Square: Different monuments can be visited in this square.

Civic Area
The Civic Area is located on Pedro Molina Avenue and Peltier Street, and it concentrates well-known buildings such as:
Conference room Ángel Bustelo
Mendoza’s Cellar.
Customs Administration Office
Judicial Power
Presidential Palace

Museos

Museo del Pasado Cuyano
Montevideo 544, Ciudad
Te: 423-6031

Museo San Martín
San Martín 1843, Ciudad
Te: 425-7947
Lunes a Viernes  10 a 17 hs
Sábados 10 a 14 hs
Entrada: Adultos $2.- Niños $1.-

Museo de Arte Moderno
Plaza Independencia (entrada por la calle Rivadavia), Ciudad
Te: 425-7279
Martes a Sábado 9 a 20 hs.
Domingos y Feriados 16 a 20 hs
Entrada: General $2.50.-; Estudiantes $2.-

Museo Arqueológico de la Universidad de Cuyo
Peltier 611, Ciudad

Museo Enoteca del Vino
Peltier 611, Ciudad

Museo Provincial Emiliano Guiñazú- Casa de Fader
Av. San Martín 3651, Luján de Cuyo
Te: 496-0224

Biblioteca San Martín
San Martín 1843, Ciudad
Te: 425-7947
Lunes a Viernes 8 a 20 hs.

Park “General San Martín”

This park constitutes Mendoza’s main urban green area. It is known as the “Lung of the City”.
The gates to the park show a condor and the city’s coat of arms. These splendorous gates were given to Mendocinians as a present by the French government in 1909.
The park displays 34 sculptures decorating the paths and roads.  El Rosedal (a rose garden) is a pedestrian walk that was inaugurated in 1919. Also to be found within the park is a large lake called Lago del Parque, inaugurated in 1906, which includes the Regatta club.

Even though this lake dates from 1896, it was not until 1906 that it was inaugurated. This was due to the fact that Mendoza was undergoing severe sanitary problems at that time. In 1940, the lake was redesigned and enlarged by the architect Daniel Ramos Correas, and a zoo was opened. Besides, the Cerro de La Gloria monument, which offers a unique view of Mendoza City and consists of several sculptures made in honor of the Andean Army, was restored. Finally, the Frank Romero Day Amphitheatre, where the National Vintage Festival takes place every year, was also restored at this time.

This park is opened the whole year on a free access basis. Visitors can enjoy its outdoor restaurants, sightseeing and guided tours, and even watch a play in an outdoor theatre. In 1996, this park was declared as Protected Environmental Urban Area. It is located in the western part of Mendoza city.

It can be accessed into by bike, automobile, public or private transport or on foot, either from Emilio Civit Avenue or Bolougne Sur Mer Avenue.

Historia del Vino

Mendoza es tomada mundialmente como la tierra del sol y del buen vino. Esto se da a raíz de la calidad de la producción de las bodegas.
Luego de la fundación de Mendoza, la actividad vitivinícola fue ganando terreno. La teoría nace primero con Pedro de Castillo (primer fundador de Mendoza), quien habría introducido la vid desde Chile; o bien con el segundo fundador, Juan Jufré quien fue el responsable de las primeras plantaciones entre 1569 y 1575. En 1700, las tierras para la actividad vitivinícola se cotizaban por la cercanía a la plaza principal y por la cantidad de vides que contenían.

“Varias leyendas rodean a la aparición del vino por primera vez en el mundo, una de las leyendas griegas le atribuye a Dionisos la idea de cultivar la vid y extraer de ella el vino; otra dice que fue descubierta por el pastor Estafilo que encontró a una de sus cabras comiendo los frutos de una planta, tomó los frutos y se los llevo a su amo, Oinos, quién al colocarlos en un cuenco, extraerles el jugo y beberlo comprobó que se regocijaba cada vez que lo tomaba. También cuenta la leyenda persa que de las semillas que un ave dejó caer a los pies del rey Djemchid nacieron plantas que dieron abundantes frutos y que al beber el oscuro jugo fermentado de éstos frutos se durmió profundamente y al despertar se sintió curada y feliz. Entonces el rey nombró al vino Darou é Shah (el remedio del rey). Por otro lado, el libro del Génesis de la Biblia refiere que Noé, una vez terminado el diluvio, planta vides y bebe vino haciendo coincidir el renacimiento de la humanidad con el nacimiento del vino.
Sin embargo a la luz de conocimientos recientes, sabemos que la vid tanto silvestre como vinífera existe desde la Era Terciaria puesto que se ha encontrado hojas registradas en las piedras y semillas en asentamientos prehistóricos, en tumbas, pirámides y en pequeñas ánforas en las ruinas de ciento de ciudades.”

Durante la Edad Media se diseña el nuevo mapa vitivinícola de Europa bajo la impronta del prestigio de los vinos regionales y de las creencias religiosas, cristianas e islámicas. En el renacimiento comienza una nueva etapa en la historia del vino, porque en los siglos XV y XVI cuando se mejoran los sistemas de vinificación y los vinos de Borgoña, Champaña y Burdeos, en Francia, comienzan a adquirir la fama que los hará célebres. Sin olvidar a Don Perignon que descubre el modo de preparar el champaña espumoso.
La tradición de los vinos franceses llegó a América con los españoles, que transportaban durante la Conquista las especies vegetales más importantes para ellos: la higuera, el olivo y la vid. A la Argentina la vid llegó desde Chile junto a los primeros colonizadores que pisaron nuestro país.”

 

Routes of wine

Argentine wines are recognized for their excellent quality, prestige and good taste.
Argentina is one of the most important wine producers in the world. The growth of Argentina’s wine industry is attracting demanding consumers’ markets, as well as an increasing number of tourists who want to join leisure, rest and wine tasting in beautiful wineries.

Several Argentine provinces offer visits to vineyards, wineries and restaurants where wines are the main attraction.

The province of Mendoza, located in the western part of Argentina, provides most of the country’s wineries and is the most widely visited by both local and foreign visitors.

Located at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range, Mendoza offers a large number of wineries. Some of them are: López, Valentín Bianchi, San Telmo, Escorihuela, Cavas de Weinert, J&F Lurton, Trapiche, Flichman, La Rural, Norton, Félix Lavaque, Lagarde, Navarro Correas, Nieto Senetiner, Goyenechea and Chandon. 

Although most of the noble grape varieties adapt themselves easily in the high area of the Mendoza River, the varietal which stands out is Malbec. The north area of the province is suitable for the production of fruity white wines and young red wines.
The zone of greatest production is located towards the east of the province.
The province of Mendoza has four major wine regions:

Central Region, which extends over the departments of Godoy Cruz, Guaymallén, Maipú, and Luján de Cuyo.

Uco Valley, a valley of about 1,200 m.a.s.l, stretching over the departments of Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers away from the city of Mendoza, and the wineries located here are equipped with modern facilities for the production of premium wines.

Central Valley, located about 50 miles to the east of the city, stretches over the departments of San Martin, Santa Rosa, La Paz, and Rivadavia. The largest number of Mendoza’s vineyards is located here. At present, the production of “Premium” wines in this valley has raised, thus causing a significant growth in the inflow of visitors.

South Region, located about 250 kilometers south to the city of Mendoza, stretches over the departments of San Rafael and General Alvear, both of which have renowned wineries.

In these four regions, tourists can enjoy the typical cuisine of the area, either in restaurants, wineries, or vineyards. Accommodation is provided by urban and rural hotels and by wineries.

Basic Wine Definitions

Acidity: Describes a tart or sour taste in the mouth when total acidity of the wine is high. "Tart" and "twangy" are two descriptors for acidity.

Aftertaste: The taste or flavors that linger in the mouth after the wine is tasted, spit or swallowed. It may be "harsh", "hot", "soft", "lingering", "short", "smooth", or nonexistent. See also 'Finish.'

Aroma: Usually refers to the particular smell of the grape variety, i.e., "appley", "raisiny", "fresh" or "tired."

Body: The weight of wine in your mouth; commonly expressed as full-bodied, medium-bodied or medium-weight, or light-bodied.

Bouquet: A tasting term used to describe the smell of the wine as it matures in the bottle.

Finish: The taste that remains in the mouth after swallowing. A long finish indicates a wine of good quality.

Legs:The viscous droplets that form and ease down the sides of the glass when the wine is swirled.

Length: The amount of time the sensations of taste and aroma persist after swallowing.

Mouth feel: How a wine feels in the mouth and against the tongue.

Nose: See 'Aroma. '

Palate: The feel and taste of wine in the mouth.

Quaffer: A wine to drink (not sip).

Wine Characteristics

Acrid: Describes a wine with overly pronounced acidity. This is often apparent in cheap red wines.

Assertive: Upfront, forward.

Attractive: A lighter style, fresh, easy to drink wine.

Balanced: Indicates that the fruit, acid, wood flavors are in the right proportion. A wine is well balanced when none of those characteristics dominates. Wine not in balance may be "acidic", "cloying", "flat", or "harsh".

Big: A wine that is full-bodied, rich and slightly alcoholic tasting.

Character: A wine with top-notch distinguishing qualities.

Crisp: Denotes a fresh, young wine with good acidity.

Cutting Edge: Stylistic, hip.

Closed: Describes wines that are concentrated and have character, but are shy in aroma or flavor.

Complete: A full-bodied wine rich in extracts with a pronounced finish.

Complex: Describes a wine that combines all flavor and taste components in almost miraculous harmony.

Delicate: Used to describe light- to medium-weight wines with good flavors.

Dense: Describes a wine that has concentrated aromas on the nose and palate, desirable in young wines.

Depth: Describes the complexity and concentration of flavors in a wine. Generally refers to a quality wine with subtle layers of flavor that go "deep". Opposite of  'Shallow'.

Developed: Refers to the maturity of a wine.

Elegant: Describes a wine of grace, balance and beauty.

Empty: Flavorless and uninteresting.

Fading: Describes a wine that is losing color, fruit or flavor, usually as a result of age.

Flabby: Lacking acidity on the palate.

Flat: Having low acidity; the next stage after flabby; or refers to a sparkling wine that has lost its bubbles.

Full-Bodied: Fills the mouth. Opposite of 'Thin-bodied.'

Graceful: Describes a wine that is subtly harmonious and pleasing.

Neutral: Describes a wine without outstanding characteristics, good or bad.

Pedestrian: Plain.

Potent: Describes a strong, intense, powerful wine.

Robust: Describes a full-bodied, intense and vigorous wine; possibly inflated.

Round: Describes a well-balanced wine in fruit, tannins and body.

Seductive: A wine that is appealing.

Short: Describes a wine that does not remain on the palate after swallowing.

Simple: Describes a wine with few characteristics that follow the initial impression. Not necessarily unfavorable; often describes an inexpensive, young wine.

Soft: Describes a wine with low acid/ tannin, or alcohol content with little impact on the palate.

Supple: Describes a wine with well-balanced tannins and fruit characteristics.

Thin: Lacking body and depth.

Taste Wine Definitions

Barnyardy: Smell of farm animals. Negative.

Bite: A marked degree of acidity or tannin. An acid grip in the finish should be more like a zestful tang and is tolerable only in a rich, full-bodied wine.

Bitter: One of the four basic tastes. Considered a fault if the bitterness dominates the flavor or aftertaste. A trace in sweet wines may complement the flavors. In young red wines it can be a warning signal, as bitterness doesn't always dissipate with age. A fine, mature wine should not be bitter on the palate.

Buttery: It refers to both flavor and texture or mouth feel.

Chewy: Describes rich, heavy, tannic wines that are full-bodied.

Corked: The wine tastes of cork, it is unpleasant to smell and taste, slightly musty.

Dirty: Covers any and all foul, rank, off-putting smells that can occur in a wine, including those caused by bad barrels or corks. A sign of poor winemaking.

Earthy: Describes a wine that tastes of soil, most common in red wines. Can be used both positively (pleasant, clean quality adding complexity to aroma and flavor) and negatively (barnyardy character bordering on dirtiness).

Flinty: Describe the aroma or taste of some white wines; like the odor of flint striking steel.

Fruity: Describes any quality referring to the body and richness of a wine, i.e., "appley", "berrylike", or "herbaceous." Usually implies a little extra sweetness.

Grapey: Describes simple flavors and aromas associated with fresh table grapes.

Green: Tasting of unripe fruit. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially in a Riesling.

Heady: Used to describe the smell of a wine high in alcohol.

Herbaceous: The taste and smell of herbs.

Murky: Lacking brightness, turbid or swampy.

Musty: Having a moldy smell.

Oaky: Describes the aroma and taste of oak.

Oxidized: Describes stale or "off" wines.

Peppery: Describes the taste of pepper in a wine; sharper than 'Spicy.'

Perfumed: Refers to a delicate bouquet.

Smoky: Describes a subtle wood-smoke aroma.

Spicy: Describes the presence of spice flavors such as anise, cinnamon, cloves, mint and pepper, often present in complex wines.

Sweet: One of the four basic tastes. Describes the presence of residual sugar and/or glycerin.

Tannin: Describes a dry sensation, with flavors of leather and tea.

Tart: Sharp-tasting because of acidity. See also 'Acidic.'

Toasty: Describe a hint of the wooden barrel. Usually associated with dry white wines.

Velvety: Having rich flavor and a silky texture.

Zesty: An invigorating wine