When to Go

The wine harvest ends in autumn and is celebrated with festivities that culminate in the vendimia (wine festival). In Mendoza this takes place during the last days of February and first week of March. A parade circles the Plaza Independencia and ends in San Martín Park with a grand finale of music, dancing, and religious ceremonies to ensure a good harvest. People shop and graze at food stands in the parks and plazas.

Winter is time for pruning and tying vines. Ski season begins in mid-June. July, the month with the best weather, is most favored by Argentineans and Brazilians. August usually has plenty of snow, and September offers spring conditions. Weather in the Andes is unpredictable, though; pack clothes for all conditions, and get up-to-date reports from ski areas. Springtime in the Valle de Uco brings trees covered in pink and white blossoms and new life in the vineyards. The snowcapped Andes form a spectacular backdrop, so bring your wide-angle lens.