Mendoza: wine, wine, lots of wine

Mendoza is the Argentine version of the French "savoir vivre": good wine, good food, picture-postcard countryside and the tendency to take it easy... No wonder the Frenchy chose it as our first big destination in Argentina. All thanks to - obviously - Mrs President who named Carneval a national holiday. Not only one day but two. Argentina is a country where public holidays fall from the sky. Tomorrow might be decided that in a week's time we all have a day off. If the Argentine went to the same referendum as the Swiss, the decision would be unanimous.

Anyway, Mendoza is a good choice. A city where a Sloveno-French mix has all the chances to feel at home. High mountains, vineyards and a lot of cows. Voila some highlights:

Day 1: first introduction to Mendoza wines in Lujan... makes your head spin.

Day 2: an expedition to the Andes (Vallecitas, 3300m) but even the dogs are not sure if it's a good idea.

 Stubburness pays off: 30 minutes of well-deserved sun ...

 ... and views that make you regret not having taken your tent along.

Famous Argentine cows (100 kg / person end up on the plate annualy)

Day 3: Cero Arenales, 3500m, lovely views all around :)

Day 4: Valle de Uco, a must-go, must-see, must-taste. Bodega Salentine as an architectural masterpiece. The shadow side: big, crowded, overpriced.

grape tasting

wine tasting (with the most desired Mendoza sommelier Mr Mila)

Cathedral or wine cellar?

Lunch in bodega Azul. Is this not romantic?

 Need a ride to the next bodega?

Tips for the tourists:

1. Rent a car and go straight to Valle de Uco. Biking in Lujan is not as romantic as it sounds. Lots of traffic, few views.

2. Avoid tourist agencies. Or take a lot of distance to the program they propose. If they promise A, you'll most probably see B.

3. Book bodega visits in advance unless you have advanced Balkan negotiation skills. And if they still refuse you at the door, voila the magic phrase: "i want to buy". Having lunch in one of bodegas is highly recommended.

4. Azafran for lunch, Winery for wine-tasting, Casa Lila for sleeping.

5. Don't go there in the mood to save money. Impossible.