12 Must-Do Experiences in Mendoza

Las Leñas
Las Heras
"A Winemaker's Favorite Ski Spot in Mendoza Winemaker Santiago Achával of Achával-Ferrer winery has helped Argentine malbecs earn international recognition. He loves skiing at Valle de Las Leñas resort because of the pure air and views of Mendoza from the top of the slopes. "There’s nothing like a good run to take my mind off the grapes,” he says. This appeared in the May 2013 issue."
Hotel & Spa Termas Cacheuta
Hotel · Luján de Cuyo
"Melt in Mendoza's Thermal Baths If you’re looking for a day of grape-free respite in Mendoza, head off-the-grid to the hot springs of Cacheuta. The Terma Spa welcomes guests with an assemblage of thermal baths overlooking the scenic Mendoza River flowing downstream from the Andes. The indoor/outdoor thermal spa circuit winds through waters ranging in temperature from 73 to 105 degrees. Bubble beds, a water volcano and foot baths are strategically placed throughout the circuit to knead tense muscles. The Natural Solarium has a basin of therapeutic mud for slathering all over your body and baking on the pool deck. Scrub yourself clean in the bithermal hydrojet shower and kick back on the flowering Andaluz patio. Next, head underground to the vaporarium and detoxify in its natural steam. Relax in the verdant garden until you’re ready for an afternoon spa treatment or another convalescing soak in Cacheuta’s healing mineral waters."
The Vines Resort & Spa
Resort hotel · Tunuyán
"American entrepreneur Michael Evans and Argentine winemaker Pablo Gimenez Riili joined forces to create an unparalleled viticultural paradise for wine lovers from around the world. Set on 1,500 pristine acres in the heart of the Uco Valley, the Vines Resort & Spa is a haven of laid-back luxury with a robust offering of culinary and wellness activities, winemaking endeavors, and outdoor adventures. Every aspect of the hotel is designed to share Mendoza ’s natural beauty, superior wines, and Argentina’s warm culture through a tailored guest experience provided by the resort’s “Gauchos”—personal concierges and tour guides who curate one-of-a-kind itineraries for visitors. The resort’s 22 spacious villas have ample indoor/outdoor living space, with wood-burning fireplaces, open-air fire pits, plunge pools, hot tubs, and private rooftop terraces with 360-degree views. Siete Fuegos, the resort’s signature restaurant, showcases open-flame grilling techniques mastered by Argentina’s acclaimed chef Francis Mallmann. The fitness center and yoga studio look out to the Andes, while three miles of running trails weave through the property’s vineyards. There’s never a dull moment at the Vines, with horseback riding, hiking, biking, cooking lessons, and winetasting at your fingertips—unless lounging is your preferred activity, in which case a cabana next to the 1,000-square-foot infinity pool will be calling your name."

Potrerillos
Luján de Cuyo
"Moonlight Rafting From December through March, tour company Rios Andinos hosts guided Moonlight Rafting tours. They leave at 7:00 PM with all equipment included. It's a 30 minute run down 5km of Class III rapids. Potrerillos; +54 261 588-5516"
Agrelo
Luján de Cuyo
"Wine Tours on Horseback Finca de Las Lechuzas specializes in horseback winery tours through the scenic vineyards of Agrelo in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza . You can choose a morning, afternoon, or evening ride with a gaucho guide. The tours take you through the stunning countryside visiting 2-3 wineries with tours and tastings in each. There is also an option of lingering for an afternoon winery lunch. Some of the wineries you can visit include Viña Cobos, Decero, Belasco de Baquedano, Septima, Ruca Malen, Melipal, Cruzat (sparkling wine), Norton, and Terraza de los Andes. You can also nibble on homemade goat cheese with a visit to the goat farm Casa Cortegoso. Ruta 7 and Costaflores, Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza; +54 261 562-8223"