Argentina - Gardens and Grapes Tour – 2013

Argentina is a fascinating land of contrasts where the exceptional is almost commonplace. It is home to an abundant wildlife, enjoys a unique culture, and delights in an astonishing variety of landscapes from tropical rain forest in the north to the remote vastness of the Antarctic in the South. Three big landscapes form the country: the Andes in the west, the northern and western flatland as well as the wide plains of Patagonia in the South. The country that is stretched in length has three climatic zones: tropic in the north, moderate in the center and polar in the extreme South. The official language is Spanish, but in bigger towns English is also quite common.

Buenos Aires is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolis in the world and the center of the political, economic and intellectual life of the country. It is the most elegant and busy city in South America. This cosmopolitan city - with great European cultural influence - displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its “boutiques” and in the elegance of its inhabitants. It has managed to preserve old traditions and charming corners. The atmosphere, the individual personality of each of its neighborhoods, the cordiality of its people and the wide selection of its cultural and commercial opportunities, fascinates. You can enjoy the plentiful nightlife visiting “tango” bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants or eternally open bars in the evening and during the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs and sporting events.

Mendoza Nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range, an incredible oasis created by man with the help of the Mendoza and Tunuyán Rivers, which have been channeled into a huge irrigation system that gives life to everything it touches. The contrast of the vineyards, mountains and sky is breathtaking. Mendoza is considered the heart of the winemaking industry in Argentina with the vast majority of large wineries located in the provincial capital of Mendoza.

We arrived a day early – did some walking and of course some eating!