Want to maximise your time on dating and drinking wine? Luis Enrique takes a look at speed dating possibilities in Mendoza.

Over the last few years, the compelling blend of drink tasting and suitable ice-breaking events has proven to be quite an interesting way to meet someone to hang out with and share a nice conversation, thus making available the jumpstart usually needed when trying to find a date or merely make a friend practically from scratch.

As you fall for the irresistible charms of your gaucho vested musician playing enthusiastically at the Pena, you will no doubt take notice of some of the unusual garments he will be sporting. Here’s Amanda Barnes' guide to dressing up in ultimate gaucho chic:

Bombachas: Not to be confused with ladies knickers, which are described by the same word, bombachas de gaucho are men’s trousers, gaucho style. Big and ballooned around the bottom and tight fitting on the ankle, the design gives ease when jumping on and off of your trusty steed and a nice airing to your nether regions in the summer. Modern bombachas are an increasingly popular (although not necessarily a good) trend for women.

Like playing card games? Ever tried Truco? If ever a card game could give you a mental breakdown, Truco would be it. Madeline Blasberg tries to get to the bottom of the notoriously complicated Argentine game.

Somewhere on the list of Argentine obsessions, perhaps just below malbec and the sacred siesta you will find the name of a game many love, and few master: Truco. What may look like an innocent game of cards is really a wonderfully sinister pastime that captivates natives and befuddles foreigners.
Though it now resembles a form of poker on steroids, Truco, emerged in its early and much simplified form in the Middle East as was known as Truc. It then made its way to Spain before arriving on the coast of colonial South America, all the while introducing elaborate rules and seducing innocent hearts into playing a game delightfully full of stratagems. Truco´s faithful can be found throughout South America and parts of Europe, but none embraced it quite as warmly as the gauchos of Argentina.

Everyone associates Mendoza with its wineries and great viniculture, but over the years the bodegas have moved further and further away from the local culture and community. Gwynne Hogan looks into the past, present and future relationship between the local wineries and the local people.

For over a century wineries and wine consumption have been an integral part of Mendocinian life, however, the role that this industry plays is one that has changed dramatically over time. The first European immigrants to Mendoza brought with them generations of grape growing and wine making tradition and saw the land and climate Mendoza provided perfect for viniculture.