Mendoza. You’ve arrived. Wine awaits. However, what do you do when can’t make it to any of the regions wineries? What do you do if you’re looking for that perfect glass of Malbec after sunset? You certainly don’t give into despair and settle for water, that’s for sure. What you do is go right ahead and try out the following 5 bars, all located within easy walking distance of one another - leave that water inside the tap or bottle, these bars won’t leave you wanting.

MENDOZA

**WHERE**: Western Argentina, close to the border of Chile.
**WHY**: Excellent wine, student culture, great food.
**TIME**: 3-4 nights

1) Naoki Wine Garden

Located in the heart of a wine shop in the heart of the city, Naoki is a gem just waiting to be discovered. Part wine store, tasting rooms and bar, Naoki can cater to whatever the visitor needs. Just looking to pick up a bottle? They’ve got you. Looking to sit down with a cheese board and a tasting flight of reds? They’ve got you on this account too. The owner, Gustavo is hugely knowledgeable about the local region and can pick a wine to cater to any budget or palate. The garden itself is something that has to be experienced - definitely make time to stop by here for at least a glass of the local plonk.

2) Chinitas Wine Club

Centrally located, intimate and effortlessly cool, Chinitas Wine Club is right on top of the spots I’d suggest you check out for a drop whilst in town. Functioning as both a wine store and bar, Chinitas provides extremely fair prices for wines both by the bottle or by the glass. Expect to pay about $5 US for a glass of premium local Malbec, hell, why not have two? The staff here know their staff - expect encyclopedic knowledge of the local wineries, vitners and vintages. Share a glass or two with whomever is behind the bar - don’t be afraid to ask for any local stories or gossip about feuding wine families. Eeverything about this place is welcoming, from the staff, to the decidedly relaxed decor - you might find that more than a few hours have slipped by once you think to check your watch once inside.

3) Zampa

As is Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll, Zampa is to Siete Cocinas. Owner Pablo del Rio started Zampa as an alternate to Siete Cocinas, looking to purvey a wilder, less cloistered setting within which to enjoy the glorious wines prodcued in the region. This vivid bar provides the perfect spot for a glass of malbec, a possible empanada and a laugh. Don’t expect white linen, snobbish waiters and a complicated menu here - the vibe is relaxed, the clientelle more likely to be clad in dickies and vans than in a suit.The Zampa wine list includes some absolute gifts, like Ver Sacrum range and wines by Revolver. As far as an evening starter goes, Zampa is your go-to. Be sure to stop by here when in town.

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4) La Terracita

Sure, the speakeasy trend seems to have reached full zenith. Sure, we’ve all habituated to the ‘hidden bar’ trend that seems wont on overtaking the bar scene like a plague. However, in this case, your efforts to find La Terracita are well worth any gimmick you have to pass through. Look up the rickety staircase by the doors of restaraunt El Cebo in Plaza Italia. Follow these stairs, find yourself at what appears to be a library - find the password, and you’re in. Managed by the team at the restaraunt downstairs, La Terracita is the brain child of a chef/sommelier, so expect an amazing range of wines to choose from. For those whom are less Dionysian in their nature, the beer and cocktails on offer here are also out of this world.

5) Las Terrazas de la Plaza

Sometimes the most predictable options are the best. As far as central points of Mendoza go, you’d struggle to find anything find one more intermedial than Las Terrazas De La Plaza. Functioning as the wine bar of Park Hyatt and located right on Plaza Independencia Las Terrazas provides the itinerant drinker one of the best wine cellars in the city, coupled with easily the most scenic location within which to explore it. While the Hyatt also has a more intimate wine bar indoors, my advice is to opt for the outdoor Las Terrazas option, the outdoor terrace overlooks the main street and Plaza Independencia. The hundreds of wines on offer should keep you occupied for a few hours whilst people watching.

Want more Mendoza? read my other post on the place over here.

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