Forgive me for interrupting with a macabre thought, but what’s your plan in case World War III breaks out?

This question is less and less theoretical: The world seems to be living on the edge, with growing tensions between great powers. In fact, 2023 recorded the highest number of state-based conflicts since 1946. Ukraine. Gaza. Syria. Not only are clashes on the upswing, but so are their political complexity and technological implications.

I was mulling this during a recent trip to Mendoza, Argentina’s Western province famous for its fine wines and astonishing beauty. Three days of vino indulgence clarified one thing: If geopolitics take a turn for the worse, this would be my perfect hideaway.

It’s not just because Argentina — as much as the Southern Cone of South America, Australia and Antarctica — is among the safest areas in the event of nuclear war. Mendoza province, located on the foothills of the Andes next to Chile and with a population of only two million in an area slightly bigger than England, also offers everything from agriculture and mineral riches to sunny days for most of the year.

If you think I’m just being hyperbolic, let me tell you about someone already living my eccentric dream: In late 2023, tech entrepreneur Martín Varsavsky bought 31,000 hectares (76,600 acres) of Mendoza land together with five friends as a safe haven against a possible global conflict. On top of breathtaking nature including a 5,000-meter (16,400 feet) mountain inside the ranch “for the price of an apartment in Miami,” Varsavsky found protection from the “madness” of our turbulent world.

“We are in a moment that resembles 1910. I hope I am wrong, but the more time passes, the bigger the possibility of a war,” he told me. “It’s not absurd to think that we would need it.”

Varsavsky, who lives in Madrid but works in the U.S. where he has a series of biotech ventures, is planning to build houses and cottages on the property after finishing a runway for propeller airplanes.

Yes, most people can’t afford investments of this scope or this kind of travel flexibility. But the reasons to consider Mendoza as your bunker, permanent residence or tourist destination still remain: Chief among them is its booming and glorious wine industry.

You’ve heard about Argentina’s famous Malbec but there is so much more than that, including great mineral whites produced at over 4,700 feet. I toured some of the country’s top winemakers — despite the growth of other regions, Mendoza still accounts for about 75% of Argentina’s wine acreage — and I felt as if I was in Disneyland for adults (try to find some Semillón, Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot).

Mendoza’s cuisine has also taken a step forward: The province accounts for four of Argentina’s seven Michelin-starred restaurants. You can’t beat a great lunch next to vineyards under the imposing quietude of the Andes. Or there is the spectacular landscape of Potrerillos, ski resorts such as Las Leñas and friendly people all around.

The locals, or mendocinos, are considered among the most conservative people in Argentina (Javier Milei garnered 71% support in the province during the 2023 presidential runoff), who traditionally endorse a more prudent fiscal approach. They also have instituted a ban on consecutive terms for governors. Uneasy relations with the capital Buenos Aires, together with a relatively stable and prosperous local economy, have reinforced an independence movement that supports the separation of Mendoza from Argentina, recently labeled “MendoExit.” While the idea has never carried enough political weight to become a real threat, it still caught the eye of the Financial Times in 2020.

Did I forget to mention that the province has potash, oil and ample renewable energy? My one hope for improvement would be that the province presses ahead with big infrastructure projects that have been long delayed, including a new tunnel with Chile to improve trade flows. It also needs to invest heavily in water systems to supply its arid climate while making sure these projects don’t hurt its delicate environment.

You don’t have to be a catastrophist to savor all Mendoza has to offer. But if the nuclear balloon goes up, that’s where I hope you’ll find me, nursing a glass of crispy Torrontés.

_____

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

JP Spinetto is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Latin American business, economic affairs and politics. He was previously Bloomberg News’ managing editor for economics and government in the region.

_____

©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com/opinion. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.