The Argentine prison system shows a significant deterioration, overcrowding and lack of government intervention, in a context of institutional, social and economic difficulties. Such conditions are ripe for conflict, as occurred in the province of Mendoza in March 2000, the motín vendimial. Taking as a reference point such disturbance, this paper analyzes the current situation of the prison system in Mendoza, specifically, the living conditions in prisons, the various parties involved and finally discusses alternative proposals for prison systems. Apparently, the riots are not only a manifestation of violence and revenge between them internally but also a way of claims due to living conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]