The frenzied revelry that accompanies grape harvests has traditionally attracted travelers during the August to September months, when Europe and California are at their peak. With the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere, however, Southern climes offer new opportunities for festivities.
From January through March, the province of Mendoza in Argentina celebrates its grape harvest – more than 17 towns hold local events with the most important dates taking place over the first weekend of March, as the season culminates with street revelery, beauty pageants, folk dancers, fireworks, and more. Inspira Travel presents packages for aficionados to explore the newest world capital of wine at a time when its cultural heritage and pride literally take to the streets.
On Friday, March 6th the Via Blanca de las Reinas parade kicks off the weekend as 17 candidates for Vendimia Queen (one from each of the province’s towns) ride their festooned floats through the city center. Participants distribute wine samples in baskets, reaching crowds with long poles in competition with their rival pueblos. The following evening, the grand closing spectacle – and the only event that requires entrance tickets - crowns the Queen in an amphitheater, complemented by a fantastic light show, music and dancing. On preceding nights, the city’s plazas are bordered by numerous booths featuring handicrafts, wine tastings, local gastronomy, and live music.
Inspira Travel’s 7-night packages for the 2009 Vendimia allow travelers to see top attractions of the area while leaving time for independent exploration of the famous festivals.
The Inspira Vendimia package combines two nights in Buenos Aires with five in Mendoza and includes: seven-night accommodations at top hotels, city tour and tango show in Buenos Aires, city visit of Mendoza, wine tasting tour to leading vineyards, half-day visit to the Andean foothills and the mineral water springs of Villavicencio, entrance to the closing acts of the Vendimia festival, and airport transfers. Rates start from US $1,839 per person depending on hotel selection, and are per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included. Package is available March 1-8, 2009 based on Vendimia festival dates, but other travel dates may also be arranged.
For more information on this or other packages, contact info@inspiratravel.com
