What to Do on a Rainy Day in Mendoza, Argentina

While there are a wealth of outdoor pursuits to engage in in Mendoza Province, if you are unlucky enough to get struck down by inclement weather, you might be at a loss as to what to do. However, there’s no need to panic. You are in one of the world’s most important wine regions, and there is a fully-fledged city on your doorstep. If you happen to find yourself in Mendoza city when the weather turns, probably the best thing to do is hit a wine bar. One of the city’s most important and popular wine bars is Azafran. Their impressive cellar holds hundreds of bottles of wine for you to choose from as you escape the rain outside. Warm yourself up with a tasty glass of Malbec and pair it with some cheeses and meats. Alternatively, do some retail therapy on Aristides Street, or head to the Palmares Open Mall, a shopping centre in the south of the city.

Many visitors to Mendoza choose to stay in Chacras de Coria, an upscale neighbourhood with lots of cute eateries, cafes and restaurants. It’s a great choice for people who want a taste of rural Mendoza without actually having to stay in the valley, and is located close to the Lujan de Cuyo wine region, so you have your pick of boutique and larger scale bodegas and wineries to keep you busy if it happens to rain. Start at the family-run Pulmary winery in Chacras de Coria and sample some of their organic wines before heading over to Nieto Senetiner for a longer lunch, followed by a glass of wine overlooking their private vineyard.

If you happen to be staying in the Uco Valley, it is likely you will be able to spend some time in your hotel or accommodation in the area, admiring the transformative beauty of the rain on the Andes. There are numerous luxurious hotels in the area, such as Entre Cielos, or the Vines Mendoza, that have spa facilities as well as wine tastings and tasting menus for lunch that you can indulge in, depending on your mood. If you are keen to get out and about regardless, ring around to some different bodegas and book yourself in for some winery tours and tastings, and hire a driver for the afternoon so you can drink without having to worry about driving back. A wine tasting in the Uco Valley is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Mendoza.