SECTIONS: Program Overview • Pre-Departure Information • Program Agenda • Resources

Program Overview

Program experience in Argentina: Saturday, March 7, to Sunday, March 14, 2026

This course is offered parallel to CBE 5560: Biochemical Engineering of Wine. The course including the travel component will be CBE 4560, which will be restricted to undergraduate students only. This course surveys the biochemistry and biochemical unit operations involved in the commercial production of modern wines. Topics will include grape growing, pressing, fermentation, filtration, and packaging/aging. Emphasis will also be placed on yeast microbiology and wine biochemistry. Lectures will be supported by wine tasting sessions to highlight the important characteristics of different wine types. The travel component will feature visits to wineries in Mendoza, Argentina, to learn from the wineries about winemaking processes and techniques as well as regional responses to climate change.

Program Destination

Mendoza, Argentina

Where you’ll be staying

Huentala Hotel (Primitivo de la Reta 1007, M5500 Mendoza)

Pre-Departure Information

Money Matters

Call your bank and credit card company to notify them of your travels. Provide your dates of abroad travel, ask about international ATM and transaction fees, and ask if they have partner banks abroad. If your debit card has a PIN, make sure it is activated.
Bring a debit card, a credit card, and U.S. dollars in cash (in US$100 bills for higher exchange rates - not smaller denominations). Don’t keep them all in the same place.
There is a cash culture in Argentina. You can exchange USD cash to ARS pesos in country or withdraw pesos from ATMs.
When paying with a credit card, you will need identification (passport photocopy or driver’s license).
Restaurants may only process one bill per table rather than individual payments. A 10% tip is suggested and must be paid in cash.

packing suggestions

Passport (Copy)

Money: cards and cash (Copy)

Electronic adapter* (Copy)

Small daypack (Copy)

Walking shoes (Copy)

Prescription medication (Copy)

Toiletries (Copy)

Sunscreen (Copy)

Bug repellent (Copy)

Jacket (Copy)

*Type I Electronic adapter (with three flat pins arranged in a v-shape). Argentina operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Plus the following items for long bus journeys:

Snacks (Copy)

Water bottle (Copy)

Hand sanitizer (Copy)

Neck pillow (Copy)

Book (or Kindle) (Copy)

Powerbank (Copy)

Headphones (Copy)

Program Agenda

Download Agenda in PDF

Google Photos Album

As you make memories in Argentina, share your pictures!

Google Photos Album

Resources for Further Reading

**Argentina Context**

Get an overview of the local government, economy, geography, religion, and culture for Argentina.

**Local Spanish Guide**

Spanish Guide crafted by Puentes, which includes Spanish differences, local slang, and more.

**Destination Travel Guides**

Travel guides with recommendations from the Puentes team and from former Puentes participants.

Puentes partners with universities like the University of Pennsylvania to design, set up, and manage customized and impactful immersive trips and internship programs in Argentina and Uruguay.