Mendoza spreads vineyards across the Andean piedmont with Malbec dominating the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, while Aconcagua (6,961m, the Americas' highest peak) rises an hour west toward the Chilean border.
Vendimia harvest festival peaks the first weekend of March with the National Grape Harvest Festival in Mendoza, and Uco Valley vineyards turning gold.
Spring blooms across vineyards, Aconcagua climbing season opens November, and Mendoza city pleasant for asado terraces along Avenida Aristides Villanueva.
Hot dry summer with vineyards at full leaf, Malbec Day April 17 aside, and Aconcagua climbing window at peak with summit attempts December-February.
Cool dry winter with snowy Andean views from vineyard restaurants, Las Leñas ski runs three hours south, and the wine cellars at peak indoor activity.