Population:     1.800.000 inhab.

Area:               150.839 km2/sq.km

Literacy:          95,1 %

 The permanent presence of the sun, its dry  and mild weather con, the numerous trees along its streets (one per person), the constant murmur of the water running through its 500 km of ditch, its spotless cleanliness, and its friendly people make  Mendoza a privileged city for the joy and rest of the tourist. With more than 800.000 people, Great Mendoza is the most important urban area in Cuyo (comprising half of the population of the province and a quarter of Argentina). This area is made of the districts of Las Heras, Capital, Godoy Cruz and Guaymallén. The districts of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, are still regarded as belonging to the outer area of the Great City, but they are rapidly blending into the urban conglomerate. The Eastern districts are an example of the tenacity and hard work of men. Thus, the largest grapevine growing area of the country came into being. This area comprises the districts of Santa Rosa, La Paz, San Martín, Junín, Rivadavia, Maipú and Luján de Cuyo.

 Our Province provides different choices for the tourists, and also the opportunity of taking part of activities in which they can interact with the environment, such as ‘adventure tourism’. Such sports are always carried out showing deep respect for the rich nature of the oasis areas of Potrerillos and Uspallata. Among these, the most popular ones are winter activities of all kinds.

Mendoza has three large top level ski resorts internationally distinguished; among them, we can mention Las Leñas Valley. Mendoza also has nice lakes and lagoons, which are perfectly fit for sailing, fishing as well as for other water sports.

The Argentine Republic, country with a long tradition of producing and consuming wine  in the southern hemisphere, has 210.639 cultivated hectares of vineyard (year 1996), and represents the 2.70% of the world vineyards. As far as wine production is concerned, our country is ranked fourth in the world production, after France Spain, and Italy. 

Argentina reinforces its position as a great world producer of available quantities; thus, holding a long term and lasting competitively advantageous position in the wine world market.

 The glaciers at the top of the mountains supply the necessary water to water the fruit-trees plantations and vineyards, from which the famous Argentine wines are produced. Tourism in Mendoza covers a wide range as far as offers are concerned. Wine and its production are the grounds for a traditional festivity   in the Province and the whole country: the National Vintage Festivity. It consists of excellent shows and a great number of other traditional activities of exceptional quality.

Mendoza, the land of Sun and good wine, as it is usually called, is the most important viticulture region of the country. Besides, viticulture represents one of the most significant economic activities of the province. During the last decades, this sector has reached a high degree of development, which evidences in the improvement of vines and technology.

Mendoza, the land of Sun and good wine, as it is usually called, is the most important viticulture region of the country. Besides, viticulture represents one of the most significant economic activities of the province. During the last decades, this sector has reached a high degree of development, which evidences in the improvement of vines and technology.

 Mendoza is the main wine producing province, with 143.764 hectares. It produces between the 70% and the 75% of the wine national production, followed by San Juan, producing between the 17% and the 21% in 48.869 hectares.

 Since 1992 up to the present, there has been a little recovery. Implementing varieties of high enologic level in ecologic areas highly qualified for wine production, such as Tupungato Valley, in Mendoza. There is also a widespread tendency to restore already existing vineyard, with widely recognized varieties due to their excellent enologic properties.

 Among the varieties recognized as being of high enologic quality for the market, we should mention Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Bonarda, Merlot, Black Pinot Noir, Sirah, for red wines,  and Chardonnay, Chenin, Riesling, Sauvignon, Tecol, Semillón and Ugní Blanc for white wines. It should be clear that this level of quality is manifested in a price difference, purchase preference from the wine producing industries, and a higher demand from the general public.

The opening of the markets in other countries represents a new challenge for producing industries, since they will have to adapt their products to the requirements of these expanding markets. The wineries  presenting their wines  to be judged by foreign public is increasing. These wines are highly valued and have obtained  prestigious, international and recognized prizes.

 Wine derived products exports  show an increasing tendency, especially concerning FOB values which they represent.

Argentina is the fourth wine producer, representing the 69% of South-American wines, followed by Chile (14%), Brazil (13%) and Uruguay (3%). It ranks eighth as world fruit producer, being the province of Mendoza one of its main orchards. As regards the destiny of the exports, the quite demanding markets of the US, the UK, Japan and Germany presently comprise the two thirds of Argentine fine wine exports.