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Summit Golf Brands: Named the official apparel supplier for Team USA's men at the 13th World University Golf Championship, June 7-11 in Malaga, Spain.

Fila Golf Line Now Available

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By Janice Ferguson
GPA Writer

A two-hour westbound flight from Buenos Aires transports travelers to a very special part of Argentina - Mendoza. Known as the premier wine-making region in the country, and boasting more than 1,000 wineries of all shapes, sizes and varieties, Mendoza is rapidly becoming a premier tourist destination for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Agriculture, including grape growing, is second to oil drilling as Mendoza's main industry. Although European settlers established the craft of winemaking in the 19th century, the fairly recent popularity of world-class Argentine wines has the region bustling with new hotels, vineyards, restaurants and abundance of outdoor activities, like golf.

The rich vastness of this desert oasis, with the majestic snow-capped Andes mountain range as a back drop, makes for breathtaking, million dollar views from all vantage points on the valley floor. There is an excitement and great sense of Mendozan pride waiting to be shared in this land of sun and wine.

When to go: Seasons in South America are opposite of the United States, but the climate in Mendoza is mild and natives enjoy nearly 300 days of sun per year - so there is no bad time to visit. Due to its proximity to the Andes, winter nights can be chilly and summer rainfall can be scarce. And since the mountain range blocks ocean humidity, the heat tends to be the type of dry that a person would come to expect in a desert environment.

Getting there: There are several daily flights to Mendoza from Buenos Aires and Santiago, Chile. LAN Airlines has a reputation for being the most reliable, but make reservations early as flights often fill up quickly. (www.lan.com)

Getting around: Private car and driver services are convenient, and the rates are very reasonable. Book a city tour of Mendoza to learn about the culture's rich history, the intricate water canal and purification system, the General San Martin Park and the thousands of planted trees. (peterquiroga@gmail.com)

While walking the city of Mendoza, keep in mind the local saying - in the U.S., pedestrians have the right of way; in Mendoza, pedestrians have the right to get out of the way.

Views from Cavas Wine Lodge

Where to stay: There are a variety of exceptional accommodations in and around Mendoza. Cavas Wine Lodge will exceed expectations from an experience standpoint. This gem of a destination is situated on 35 acres in a vineyard at the foothills of the Andes, and has been featured in the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveller, Food & Wine, and Travel + Leisure for good reason.

The 14 rooms or casitas all have views of the Andes that sit beyond the acres of vineyards. The spacious rooms' roof top terraces with adobe fireplaces are an extra bonus for relaxing and taking in the views. Indulge at the spa with the Express Wine Therapy, which includes a malbec scrub, bonarda red wine bath, and a 45-minute massage. Or take a sunset bike ride through the vineyards.

As for future plans at Cavas? Director Martin Rigal says that in its first four years, the lodge is already experiencing repeat guests who want to bring friends, so a two-room suite villa joined by a living area and kitchenette will be added to the property. It will also have a larger pool and more privacy.

(www.cavaswinelodge.com)

LaVacherie Country Golf

Where to golf: Golf during any season on one of five Mendoza-area golf facilities. Club de Campo is an 18-hole, walking only, partially private country club that public guests can access through hotel concierge or a golf reservation service.

The course opened in 1974, and has hosted events that have attracted tour pros Eduardo Romero and Angel Cabrera. The course is measured in yards so no worries about metric conversions to gauge your shot distance.

Expect wide, flat, tree-lined fairways with challenging greens and not too many holes where water comes in to play. Green fees are $100 and cash only. Guests are required to have a caddie, and if you need to rent clubs, both are additional fees. Long-time PGA member Carlos Pueblo is a wonderful host and ambassador of the club.

The nine-hole courses include Vinas del Golf, La Vacherie Country Golf, El Nevado Golf Club and Golf Club Andino. Brace yourself for those familiar sweeping views of the Andes from a number of theses courses. (www.mendozagolf.com)

Cavas Wine Lodge casitas

Where to wine taste: Make winery reservations in advance and allow time for a tour and tasting at each facility. Mendoza wine makers are very proud of their accomplishments and like to share their history, process and passion. Some wineries charge a fee at the end of tasting and most will apply the fee to wine purchases.

One suggested route? Tour and tasting at Mendel, a small, boutique winery with fabulous malbec blends. Have lunch at Marias restaurant atop the roof deck of Septima winery. Choose from three menu offerings, and split one if not too hungry. Don't be shy when the server pours endless tastes to accompany the meal.

The visit and tasting to well-known Achaval Ferrer winery is a treat and very quaint whether it's around the table inside or sitting on patio benches outdoors. Finish the day at Domino del Plata, home to winemaker Susana Balbo, known to many as the Evita of Wine. The winery produces 13 blends and counting - many are available in the U.S. under the Crios label.

There is a tasting room in downtown called Vines of Mendoza. Check its Web site for the vast Argentine Wine Shop section and the Mendoza Travel section that has sample bodega tour itineraries. www.vinesofmendoza.com.

Where to eat: 1884 Restaurant, owned by famous Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, is set in a spectacular old winery just on the outskirts of Mendoza proper. Clay ovens and huge grills are located outside in the courtyard. This is a memorable dining experience with five-star food, ambiance and service. Purchase Mallmann's autographed "Seven Fires" recipe/coffee table book for a souvenir.

Reserve a tasting with the sommelier at Cavas Wine Lodge and private dinner for small groups in the cellar room surrounded by 250 local wines. The menu changes every three months and organically grown and harvested ingredients are used wherever possible.

Treat your taste buds to lunch at La Bourgogne Vistalba located in Carlos Pulenta's new winery, and try a bottle of his 2006 Gran Reserve that is a stunning blend of malbec, cabernet, merlot and petite verdot.

Horseback riding in the Andes

What else to do: Experience white water rafting on the Mendoza River, September through May. Snow skiing is a few hours away and is open June through October. Horseback ride, hike, bike, zip line and enjoy nature year round. Visit Jerome beer brewery and take in the arts at local museums.

Remember to share the customary Argentine drink Mante with new friends, greet with one kiss on the right cheek, and honor the Italian influence in Mendoza by saying "Ciao," like the locals do.