Wake, Wine, Wander: My Week of Winemaking in Mendoza
Penn Global Seminar: The Biochemical Engineering of Wine
Anthony, one of the Spring 2026 Penn Global Seminar Correspondents, shares his experience abroad during the Spring Break. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.
As part of the Penn Global Seminar “The Biochemical Engineering of Wine”, I had the opportunity to travel to the region responsible for more than 75% of the world’s Malbec production. There, in Mendoza, Argentina, I got to bring the ideas from my lectures to life as I began to see how cultural traditions intersect with the chemistry of winemaking. With the region’s rich history, diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and some unforgettable food and wines, the trip quickly became one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my time at Penn.
Malbec first arrived in Mendoza in 1853, and the region’s dry climate, intense sunlight, and high-altitude vineyards proved ideal for producing high-quality grapes. Today, wine exports make up a major portion of the local economy, making Mendoza one of the best places in the world to understand both the science and the cultural importance of winemaking.
After traveling from Philadelphia through JFK, Lima, and Santiago, we arrived in Mendoza both exhausted and excited. Our first day in the city was spent exploring its plazas, parks, and monuments on a guided tour that introduced us to the region’s history and urban design. A surprise stop at a local chocolate factory revived our energy before we headed to a tango class. Slowly but surely, we found our rhythm and gained a new appreciation for this iconic Argentinian dance.
During most of the week, we visited two wineries each day for a total of eight. Each morning we left the city behind and watched the skyline give way to vineyards framed by the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains.
Every winery approached winemaking differently, which made each visit feel unique. Some embraced experimental fermentation methods and used alien-looking egg-shaped concrete tanks designed to enhance minerality. Others focused on sustainability, growing their own vegetables and herbs or practicing fully organic cultivation. We also learned about traditional practices, such as planting roses near grapevines as an early warning system for disease. Seeing these techniques firsthand transformed the biochemical processes we had studied in class into something tangible and even more fascinating.
Midway through our series of winery visits, we took a much-needed day off to hike through Potrerillos in Luján de Cuyo. The hike through the Andean foothills was challenging; cacti-lined trails and loose gravel kept us on our toes, but the sweeping views made it all worthwhile. Standing at the top, looking out over the valleys and reservoirs below, I understood just how closely the region’s natural geography is tied to its success as a wine-producing region. Seeing the snowmelt draining into the reservoir that provides irrigation to the many wineries of the region was truly spectacular.
Beyond the wineries, Mendoza introduced us to Argentina’s rich culinary culture. Within walking distance of our hotel, we experienced everything from Michelin-recommended restaurants to small, family-run spots. I quickly fell in love with Andean trout, empanadas, and sharing cups of yerba mate, all while pairing meals with locally produced wines. These shared dinners became some of the most memorable parts of the trip, offering time to reflect on what we had learned and explore the culture outside of our academic winery visits.
For most students, studying abroad can feel intimidating, especially when applications, finances, and logistics seem overwhelming. As a FGLI student, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to travel internationally as part of my coursework. However, with the support of Penn Abroad and Penn Financial Services this experience was made possible.
For anyone considering a Penn Global Seminar, my advice is simple: apply. The process may seem daunting, but the rewards far outweigh the effort. Programs like this don’t just broaden academic understanding, they expand your sense of what is possible, both in your education and in your future.