Two months after my 15th birthday, my mom shared a secret: The man I called Dad wasn’t my biological father. And just like that, I was half Costa Rican.

The seasons are reversed down south of the equator so it's best to visit Mendoza between November and April when high temps make for beautiful days outdoors. Have fun hopping from vineyard to vineyard. When you're done, check out the rustic Cavas Wine Lodge where the Malbec isn't just for drinking. They also provide wine-infused spa treatments so you can truly unwind in one of their cozy cabins after a long day of tasting.