Nestled at the base of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza isn’t just famous for its world-renowned wines. This region is also a hidden gem for artisanal honey. With the diverse flora of the Andes acting as the bees’ playground, the honey here is something special, bringing distinct floral notes and a taste of the mountains in every spoonful. If you're traveling through Mendoza and looking to take a bit of local flavor home with you, honey is an absolute must.

Join me as we dive into Mendoza’s honey scene, covering where to find the best honey, what makes it unique, and why it's not just any ordinary sweetener but a true flavor journey.

A Sweet Taste of the Andes

The secret to Mendoza honey lies in its geographical diversity. The region boasts a rich variety of wildflowers, herbs, and shrubs that thrive in the foothills of the Andes. The bees here enjoy feeding on lavender, acacia, and jarilla—an endemic bush known for its medicinal properties. The result? Honey that captures the essence of Mendoza’s terroir, with herbal, floral, and slightly citrusy notes.

Each jar of honey tells the story of the mountains, where the bees work their magic amongst the native plants. It’s not just honey; it’s a local souvenir of Mendoza’s natural beauty.

Where to Find Mendoza’s Best Honey

To truly experience the essence of Mendoza’s honey, you’ll want to visit some of the region’s artisanal producers and shops. Here are my top picks:

Honey Varieties to Try

Now that you know where to go, let’s talk about the different types of honey you can find in Mendoza. The honey here varies in taste and texture, depending on the season and the flora that’s blooming. Here are some varieties you might come across:

• Multiflora Honey: This is a blend of nectar from different flowers, giving the honey a balanced and complex flavor. Think light floral notes with a hint of citrus—a perfect all-purpose honey for drizzling on your morning toast or sweetening a cup of tea.

• Jarilla Honey: One of the most unique types you’ll find in Mendoza, jarilla honey comes from a native bush that grows in the Andean foothills. It has a slightly medicinal taste, with earthy, herbal notes that make it a great addition to savory dishes or cheese boards.

• Lavender Honey: For something a bit sweeter, lavender honey brings delicate floral notes with a touch of fruitiness. This one is ideal for desserts, yogurt bowls, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful (no judgment here).

• Acacia Honey: Acacia honey is lighter in color and has a delicate, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla. It’s a fantastic complement to Mendoza’s rich blue cheeses or even a good glass of Malbec.

How to Enjoy Mendoza Honey

Sure, you can slather honey on toast or stir it into tea, but why stop there? Mendoza’s honey deserves a little more creativity. Here are a few ways locals and savvy foodies are incorporating this “liquid gold” into their diets:

1. Drizzle over grilled meats: Yes, honey and meat. Especially when paired with Mendoza’s famed beef or lamb, a touch of honey adds a sweet contrast to the savory flavors. Try it over grilled pork with some herbs, and thank me later.

2. Mix with local cheeses: A cheese board featuring Mendoza’s rich, creamy cheeses is elevated with a side of honey for dipping. The floral sweetness pairs beautifully with soft and aged cheeses alike.

3. Cocktails: Infuse honey into your cocktails! Honey syrup (made by mixing honey with water) works wonders in drinks like whiskey sours or even a honey margarita.

4. Honey & Wine Pairing: When in Mendoza, wine is king. For a unique pairing experience, try matching a spoonful of honey with different wines, particularly aromatic whites or dessert wines.

Visiting Honey Producers

Many of the honey producers in Mendoza welcome visitors for tours and tastings. You can learn about the process of beekeeping, taste different varieties of honey, and even pick up some exclusive products that you won’t find in stores.

One of the best parts of these visits is getting up close with the beekeeping process—without actually getting close to the bees, of course. You’ll see how the bees are kept, how the honey is harvested, and understand more about the role of bees in Mendoza’s unique ecosystem.

Must-Visit Honey Experience:

Final Thoughts

Mendoza may be known for its wines, but its honey is the region’s sweet, hidden treasure. Whether you’re slathering it on toast, pairing it with cheese, or drizzling it over grilled meats, Mendoza honey captures the wild flavors of the Andean mountains and their flora. It’s a taste experience that will make your trip to Mendoza all the sweeter.

So the next time someone asks you what to eat in Mendoza, skip the usual recommendations and tell them to grab a jar of honey. It’s the mountain’s liquid gold, and it’s worth every drop.