argentina
ESSENTIALS
------------
When to go : Spring ( September to November ) is a great time to see vines wake up from the cold winter and start to flower . Late summer and autumn ( late February to April ) is when bodegas bring in grapes from all over the province to begin the fermentation process ; the annual Fiesta de la Vendimia ( National Grape Harvest Festival ) takes place in March . Expect snowfall in winter ( late June to late August ). Currency : Argentine pesos Language : Spanish Getting around : Rent a car or book a guided tour to visit a selection of Mendoza ’ s 200 bodegas .
BOOK IT NOW
------------
Immerse yourself in Argentine culture with a 14-night Patagonia & Argentina sailing with Celebrity Cruises . Select a Retreat suite for exclusive access to Luminae restaurant and its adventurous tasting menu crafted by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud . Book with our agency and get a $ 50 shipboard credit per stateroom . Departs Buenos Aires , Argentina , on December 6 , 2025 .
Chef at Espacio Trapiche restaurant preparing a meal
CALL US
------------
Contact our travel agency to book your trip .
THE TIME FOR FINE WINE
The growth that ’ s culminated in the recognition from Michelin would never have been possible if Mendoza produced mediocre wine . Catena Zapata ’ s enology director Alejandro Vigil — known as the Lionel Messi of Malbec for racking up various 100-point wines — attributes today ’ s high quality to several factors that have gradually come together over the past 30 years .
“ Entrepreneurs started investing in quality , flying oenologists in from all over the world to get to know Argentina and bring their techniques to the table ,” he says . “ Then there was brand development , with companies competing on a global scale .
“ New vineyards started being planted in elevated areas such as the Uco Valley as winemakers searched for cooler climates . These are some of the things that have led to a paradigm shift in the search for quality .”
Zuccardi , Catena Zapata , Per Se and Aleanna are some of Argentina ’ s bodegas to have been awarded wine ’ s highest possible accolade : those elusive 100 points . Now , Mendoza will continue to remain one of the world ’ s most exciting wine regions — for its world-class vintages , endearing hospitality and stunning Andean panoramas . images : Fernando Forni . Illustration : lis watkins
56 • pos t c a rds