One of the staple cultural events in Mendoza, 'Tango por los Caminos de Vino' starts next week with tango shows in wineries and event spaces around Mendoza region and runs through the end of the month. One of the most picturesque festivals in Mendoza, many of the tango shows take place in outdoor areas so you can appreciate the Spring buds as well as Argentina's famous music and dance.

Highlights include: 

Wednesday, September 17th, Bodega Casarena:

This medium sized winery in Lujan will be host to a duo of tango performers: Diaz and Ferri. Starting at 7pm.

Friday, September 19th, Nieto Senitener:

A historic winery in Vistalba, Nieto has a 11:30am performance from a quartet of performers. The tango is usually accompanied by a glass of their sparkling wine.

Friday, September 19th, Trivento:

In the middle of this Maipu winery's art gallery, a trio of performers and dancers will take to the floor in the round to bring the audience tango followed by a wine reception. Starting at 7pm.

Saturday, September 20th, Clos de los Siete:

In a duo of events, the first tango session kicks off in Michel Rolland's winery with an instrumental fusion group at 11:00am. Then at 12.30 p.m. in neighboring Diamandes winery, the second tango show this time from Dos Golpes Bajos will enchant the crowd in their stunning cellar room.

Saturday 20th, Salentein:

One of the most picturesque settings in the festival is Salentein's concert which is held in what is known as the 'wine cathedral'. Dancers and musicians will take to the unique cellar room at 4:00 pm.

Sunday 21st, Monteviejo:

Another performance in Clos de los Siete in Vista Flores takes place on Sunday, this time in the first winery of 'the Clos' - Monteviejo. At midday there will not only be tango music, but you can also try your own luck at the dance with free classes!

Saturday 27th, O Fournier:

O Fournier's setting is dramatic enough, but when you add tango dancers this Uco Valley winery really becomes a world unto its own. The avantgarde bodega in San Carlos has a duo of performers at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets are free in exchange for a box of powdered milk, in a food drive to help collect important resources for the local food bank. For ticket information and full listings visit http://cultura.mendoza.gov.ar

Amanda Barnes is a British wine writer in Mendoza who loves a bit of tango and Malbec. www.amandabarnes.co.uk