We will leave Buenos Aires province and head all the way to the west of Argentina. We will visit Mendoza province which is located next to the majestic Andes and is the heart of wine country as it boasts several valleys with vineyards and wineries.

Mendoza, Mendoza Province

Applied Economics and Statistics

APEC 490 — International Agribusiness Study Tour of Argentina

Fist we will visit Catena Zapata winery. Catena Zapata is one of the most awarded wineries from the New World by respected magazines such as Wine Spectator.

 

Catena Zapata is family owned and has a very singular business model as they make wines from one variety but from different valleys within Mendoza, thus giving a special flavor to the wine.

Catena Zapata vineyards are not protected against hail storm despite the fact this region is prone to this kind of storms in the months of February and March, just before grape harvesting. This was a big problem for them in 2008 as almost 60 percent of their grape production was lost due to a severe hail storm just before harvesting.

Catena Zapata’s winery has also won architectural awards for its innovative design based on Mayan designs.

After visiting Catena Zapata, we will visit Norton Vineyards and Wineries in Mendoza. Norton is a privately owned company but has been producing quality grapes and fine wines since 1895.

Since the quality  of the grape is the source of Norton’s quality in the wine, we will start by walking the vineyard and understanding the different grape producing techniques.

 

We will discuss management practices to achieve grape quality efficiently and minimizing environmental impacts.

We will also have time to tour Mendoza’s natural attractions and spend a whole day doing rafting and canopy.

 

Given that Mendoza is a very arid place, it relies on spring water from the melting glaciers of the Andes mountains.

 

On the right we can see the Silver Mountains on the Andes which are year-round covered with snow.

The spring water from the Andes mountains makes a small but powerful river called the Mendoza river. The water from the Mendoza river is collected in a dam and provides water for the city, irrigation and recreation.

We will enjoy a 5 hour rafting trip in the Mendoza river which includes lunch and lots of adrenaline!

 

Below, the Mendoza river and the Andes mountains. Right, having fun on the water.

We will also have the chance to do canopying over the mountains and over the Mendoza river and dam.

 

Canopying was a blast and we have a great time in March 2009 doing this.

After understanding the grape producing process, we will discuss the wine producing process for different markets.

 

Norton makes four different types of fine wines according to the market exigencies of consumers worldwide. Each type of wine requires a different fermentation process and a different marketing channel.

We will take one day to do a 10 mile hike in the Andes mountains.

 

We will have lunch and enjoy a great view of the pre-Andes, the central Andes, the Mendoza River and Dam, as well as the beautiful flora and fauna of the region. If lucky, we will be able to see condors, guanacos and llamas.