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Best Mendoza Wineries to Visit for Wine Tasting in 2024

Best Wineries, Wine Tours & Tasting Experiences in Mendoza Argentina

Argentina is a country that is extremely diverse. From the glaciers of Patagonia, to the deserts of Salta, this country offers so many different stunning landscapes and cities across a large stretch of territory. Though the country may offer various cultures and sceneries, one thing that Argentines everywhere agree on is their love for their wine! So much so that wine is designated by the government as the official beverage of Argentina.

When it comes to regions, Mendoza is by far the most famous for wine tasting Argentine style. But lesser known regions such as Salta and Patagonia are just as beautiful to visit and offer the same level of quality wine. In this article, we are going to focus on some of the best wineries in Mendoza that should be on your Argentina wine tasting itinerary.

Getting to and around Mendoza

The ideal airport to fly into when traveling to Mendoza, Argentina, is the Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, commonly known as El Plumerillo Airport. This airport is located just a few miles from the city center and offers regular flights from Buenos Aires and other South American cities. If traveling from the US, you may need to connect in Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile, before arriving in Mendoza.

Transportation

Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily take a taxi or hire a private driver to get to your accommodations in Mendoza .

Taxis are readily available outside the airport, but be sure to negotiate the price beforehand. Another option is to rent a car , which can be a convenient way to explore the wineries and vineyards in the region. However, be aware that driving in Argentina can be challenging, and it’s recommended to have a GPS or a detailed map.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS). Credit cards are widely accepted in Mendoza, especially in hotels, restaurants, and wineries. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or tips. ATMs are available throughout the city, but be aware that some ATMs may have withdrawal limits or fees.

Spanish is the official language in Argentina, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including Mendoza. However, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases before traveling to Argentina, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or interact with locals. In general, the people in Mendoza are friendly and welcoming to visitors, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or recommendations.

Mendoza Wine Tours

If you don’t feel like driving, there are several “grape” options to embark on guided wine tours throughout Mendoza.

Barricatours offers a private tour and comfortable transport to various wineries throughout Mendoza with hotel pickup and dropoff. They also include a fantastic lunch experience with local wine pairings.

Kahuak Tours offers a similar full-day experience for a bit less of a price tag, though it’s not private. Despite this, it’s still a very highly-rated tour, includes lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and in addition to wine tasting, you’ll stop at an olive oil factory to sample local flavors.

For the luxurious Winetraveler, e mbark on a full-day wine tour of the Uco Valley with Mendoza Andes 4×4 / The Tintos . This exclusive tour will take you off the beaten path to three distinct wineries, each showcasing their own unique terroir. Avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience as you learn about the winemaking process and sample a variety of wines. The tour culminates with a gourmet lunch, prepared by a talented chef at a 5-star resort, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Tupungato volcano. Indulge in a wine pairing as you savor the delicious flavors of the region.

Active travelers will appreciate this half-day guided bike tour also from Kahuak . Led by a knowledgeable local guide, pedal through picturesque vineyards while learning about the winemaking process of one of South America’s most famous wine regions. Immerse yourself in the fresh air and scenic views as you cycle past rolling hills and lush landscapes. Along the way, enjoy multiple tastings of locally produced wines and savor a delicious lunch featuring traditional Argentine specialties. The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

Top Mendoza Wineries to Visit for Wine Tasting

Bodega kaiken.

Roque Sáenz Peña 5516, Mendoza, Argentina

+54 261 525-0018

Visitors can taste wines at Kaiken any day they are open without a reservation, making this winery an easy stop in Mendoza. The winery was built in 1920, giving it some historical context. Kaiken is a brand under the iconic Montes Wines out of Chile, so the quality level is high for the value of wine. Malbec is the main grape you’ll find at this winery but ask about the Brut Sparkling Wine made in the traditional method with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, or the Estate Malbec Rosé for something a little different.

While visiting the property, you can choose from several different tasting options from basic to premium, as well as tours around the vineyard and Feng Shui winery. Additionally, there are other activities on site such as a vineyard picnic option and a blending game where you can make your own wine!

Bodega Catena Zapata

Cobos S/N, M5509 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

+54 261 413-1100

About a thirty-five-minute drive from Kaiken is the world-renowned Bodega Catena Zapata . Founded in 1902, Bodega Catena Zapata is credited with being one of the pioneering wineries in Argentina’s Mendoza region and for putting Malbec on the map as an Argentine specialty. Family-owned and operated, Catena Zapata is led today by Nicolás Catena and Laura Catena, the third and fourth generations, respectively, of this iconic Argentine winemaking family.

Visiting Catena Zapata requires making a reservation by inquiring on their website . The winery offers three types of tours: The Catena Pyramid Visit , which includes a tasting of three high-end wines and a walk-through of the barrel room for $30 ; the Renaissance of Malbec Visit , which is a tour based on the history of Malbec and includes a barrel tasting in addition to four high-end wines, cheese and charcuterie for $100 ; and the Adrianna Vineyard Grand Cru Visit , which is a tour based on the famous Adrianna Vineyard, including a vineyard tour and a barrel tasting of five exclusive wines along with tapas for $150 .

Of note, Catena Zapata recently opened Angélica – Cocina Maestra, on February 10th, 2023. It is a “wine first” experience that reimagines the pairing experience, where diners start with a choice of wine menus, each a flight of five wines, and their flight is then paired with 10 dishes. Led by the ‘wine chefs’ – Nicolás Catena, Alejandro Vigil, and Laura Catena – the restaurant puts wine at the center of the dining experience. The restaurant is named after Angélica Zapata, family matriarch and education pioneer who was headmistress of the local country school. The building recreates a traditional Italian borgo village, paying homage to the Catena family’s roots. The restaurant has a dining capacity of 38 seats with a 10-course menu, and it is the first restaurant endeavor from Nicolás Catena, Laura Catena, and winemaker Alejandro Vigil.

Domaine Bousquet

RP89 km. 7, M5561 Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina

+54 261 532-0896

A little over an hour from the city center area of Mendoza in the Tupungato Valley on a property surrounded by unspoiled nature is Argentina’s leading organic winery, Domaine Bousquet . Visiting this property used to mean a step back in time, but the winery now has a dirt road, instead of a dirt track, and electricity, in addition to the top-rated, 35-seat Gaia Restaurant, which focuses heavily on local, organic ingredients made into culinary creations by Tupungato-born and-raised, New York-trained Chef Adrian Baggio. Staying true to its principles of quality organic wines, Domaine Bousquet is very much an authentic Argentine winery experience with world-class flare.

Reservations are recommended for both the tour and tasting and dining in the restaurant on site, but the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. Domaine Bousquet is a French-inspired Argentine winery producing Argentina’s first organic wines of value and quality.

Bodegas Salentein

GQ32+M2 Los Arboles de Villegas, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina

+54 261 554-7902

Bodegas Salentein is a winery located in the heart of the Uco Valley, one of the most prestigious wine regions in Argentina. The winery is renowned for its innovative wine tasting experiences, unique architecture, and stunning surroundings. It’s situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Andes.

The winery was established in 1996 by Dutch businessman Mijndert Pon, who was inspired by the natural beauty of the region and the potential for producing high-quality wines. The winery has since gained international recognition for its wines, which are made using sustainable and organic farming practices.

Visitors to Bodegas Salentein can enjoy a variety of wine tasting experiences, including tours of the vineyards and cellar, tastings of their award-winning wines, and food pairings. The winery’s “Wine & Dine” experience is particularly popular, as it pairs their wines with local cuisine, offering visitors a taste of Argentina’s rich culinary culture.

One of the standout features of Bodegas Salentein is its architecture, which was designed by the renowned architects Eliana Bormida & Mario Yanzon. The winery is built into the side of a hill, with a series of tunnels and underground cellars. The striking design of the winery is a blend of modern and traditional elements, with the use of natural materials like stone and wood.

Winetravelers have recently praised Bodegas Salentein for its stunning location, the quality of the wines, and knowledgeable and friendly staff. Visitors to the winery can also explore the surrounding area, which includes hiking trails, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. 

Bodega Septima

Ruta Internacional n 7 km 1061, M5509 Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

+54 261 609-2869

Located approximately 25 km southwest of the city of Mendoza you can find Bodega Septima. It was established in 1999 and is part of the Codorníu Raventós group, which has a long history of winemaking dating back to the 16th century.

The winery is situated on a hillside, offering stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Visitors to Bodega Septima can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards, as well as wine tastings paired with local cheeses and meats. The tasting room features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the vineyards and the Andes mountains. Visitors can also take a tour of the cellar, which features traditional oak barrels and state-of-the-art stainless steel tanks.

Bodega Septima is particularly well-known for its Malbec wines, which are made using grapes grown at high altitude in the Uco Valley. The winery also produces other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah, among others.

Septima also offers a range of other activities, including bike tours, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides, making it an excellent destination for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience in Mendoza.

Bodega Ruca Malen

Ruta Nacional 7 Km. 1059, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Bodega Ruca Malen is a winery located in the Lujan de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Argentina. The winery was founded in 1998 and is known for producing high-quality wines using sustainable and organic farming practices.

One of the standout features of Bodega Ruca Malen is its unique wine tasting experiences. The winery offers a variety of options, including a blending workshop where visitors can create their own blend of wine. During this experience, visitors are taken on a tour of the vineyards and cellar, where they learn about the different grape varieties and the winemaking process. They then get to taste various wines and use their newfound knowledge to create their own unique blend, which they can bottle and take home.

In addition to the blending workshop, Bodega Ruca Malen offers traditional wine tastings and food pairings. The winery’s restaurant is particularly popular, offering a range of dishes made with local ingredients that are paired with the winery’s award-winning wines.

Bodega Norton

RP15 km 23, M5509 Perdriel, Mendoza, Argentina

+54 9 261 372-8497

Bodega Norton is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Mendoza, Argentina. The winery was founded in 1895 and has since gained international recognition for its high-quality wines, particularly its Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

RECOMMENDED: Book a Mendoza Wine Tour (including flights) That Includes a Visit to Bodega Norton

Visitors to Bodega Norton can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards, cellar, and production facilities, as well as wine tastings and food pairings. The winery’s restaurant, La Vid, is also highly recommended, offering a range of dishes made with local ingredients that are paired with the winery’s award-winning wines.

In addition to the locale, one of the standout features of Bodega Norton is its architecture, with a mix of traditional and modern elements that reflect the winery’s long history and commitment to innovation.

Winetravelers have recently noted the unique experiences offered at Norton, such as the wine and cheese pairing and the “after-hours” tour of the winery and cellar. Definitely consider adding it to your Mendoza wine tasting list.

Luxury Vineyard Resorts in Mendoza

Why bounce around wine tasting all day when you can do it from the comfort of a luxury wine hotel in Mendoza? Here are some of our top picks to consider using as bases during your next trip to the region.

The Vines Resort and Spa

The Vines Resort and Spa is located in the heart of Mendoza’s Uco Valley, surrounded by vineyards and the majestic Andes mountains. The resort offers many classic wine-focused experiences, including vineyard tours, wine tastings, and food pairings. Adventure travelers can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding countryside. The resort’s luxurious accommodations and world-class spa make it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort

Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort is a luxurious vineyard resort located in the Uco Valley. It’s set on a 320-acre estate surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and the majestic Andes mountains. Casa de Uco also provides wine-focused experiences to guests, including tastings and tours of the vineyards and cellar. Guests can also participate in wine blending sessions, where they can create their own unique blend of wine. The resort’s restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience, with ingredients sourced from the resort’s own garden and local producers.

Accommodations on this property are modern and stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Each room and suite features a private terrace, outdoor shower, and luxurious amenities. If you’re the outdoorsy type, there are plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding options available at the property.

Cavas Wine Lodge

Cavas Wine Lodge features a world-class wine cellar and restaurant, showcasing the best wines and cuisine from the region. Guests can enjoy private tastings with the Cava’s sommelier or a vineyard tour to learn about the winemaking process. The resort also offers wine-themed activities like grape harvesting, blending workshops, and cooking classes where guests can learn how to prepare traditional Argentine dishes.

The resort’s accommodations are luxurious and spacious, each with a private terrace overlooking the vineyards or mountains. The lodge’s amenities include a spa, infinity pool, and outdoor Jacuzzi, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation experience.

For adventure seekers, and not unlike the other resorts we’ve mentioned, Cavas Wine Lodge offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides over the vineyards. The resort’s location provides easy access to nearby attractions, including Aconcagua Provincial Park and local hot springs.

Not ready to stop wine tasting? Head to Salta

While Malbec still reigns supreme as the most popular and well-known grape coming out of this South American country, another grape has made a name for itself in the northern province of Salta. White wine lovers rejoice, because Argentina’s native Torrontés grape makes for a lovely aromatic and refreshing white wine. Follow the Salta Wine Trail from Salta City down to Cafayate and stop to taste some of the best of Torrontés.

Piattelli Vineyards

While visiting Piattelli Vineyards outside of Cafayate, which sits at 5600 feet above sea level, you will be absolutely amazed at the incredible postcard landscape that surrounds the property. From the high desert mountains to the surrounding vineyards, Piattelli’s Cafayate winery offers arguably one of the most beautiful tasting vistas in the world. Their wines are equally as beautiful. From the Cafayate portfolio, try the Reserve Torrontés grown at almost 6,000 feet. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Malbec-Tannat blend round out the portfolio. Ask about the “Arlene Series” of wines grown high up in the Andes Mountains.

For an added bonus, you can also taste the Mendoza portfolio of Piattelli wines or visit the Mendoza winery during your visit to that region. If you plan on visiting either location, fill out the contact form on the website to schedule a time for your tasting and tour.

Bodega Colomé

Bodega Colomé is not only the oldest winery in Argentina, dating back to 1831, but it is also home to the highest vineyards in the world at around 10,000 feet. The high-altitude vineyards create wines of unique complexity and concentration.

A visit to Colomé will take you way off the beaten path, as it is about three hours from Cafayate, and about a 45-minute to an hour drive from the nearest small town of Molinos. If you visit the estate, it may be best to stay on site at the Estancia Colomé and spend time visiting the eclectic James Turrell art museum on the property.

Colomé has been a part of the Hess family since 2001, and Donald Hess has revitalized the property and made it into one of the most exceptional wineries to visit. From a wine adventure travel standpoint, it is in one of the most remote regions of the world, far from the nearest tourist attraction. For those wine lovers looking to taste some of Argentina’s more classic wines from a modernized historic winery in a beautifully secluded area, Bodega Colomé checks all the boxes.

Winetraveler Tip: Want to stay in Salta (Northern Argentina) during your visit? Take a look at some of the top luxury hotels at these low prices .

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Mendoza Wineries

What is the most famous winery in mendoza.

The most famous winery in Mendoza, Argentina’s premier wine region, is Bodega Catena Zapata. Renowned for its exceptional Malbec wines, this iconic winery combines century-old traditions with modern innovation to create a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors and wine enthusiasts alike.

What wine is Mendoza most famous for?

The Mendoza wine region, tucked into the foothills of the Andes, is most famous for its Malbec wines. This full-bodied, rich red wine has gained international acclaim, making Mendoza a must-visit destination for wine lovers worldwide. The region’s high altitude, intense sunlight, and cool nights provide ideal conditions for growing Malbec grapes, resulting in wines with a distinct and unforgettable character.

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11 Must-Visit Mendoza Wineries

For wine enthusiasts looking for the ultimate wine getaway that combines awe-inspiring landscapes with world-renowned wines, Mendoza is absolutely that place you’re looking for. Home to some of Argentina’s most prized varietals, such as Malbec and Torrontés, this region is a treasure trove of viticultural delights waiting to be explored.

From the beautiful Mendoza vineyards, to hidden gem wineries with exclusive tastings, to amazing local cuisine paired with award-winning wines, Mendoza promises unforgettable experiences and it delivers big time. It’s a fantastic destination for wine tasting, with world-class wines, breathtaking views and excellent wine tourism options.

Mendoza is comprised of three major wine producing areas that make up the typical wine route: the Uco Valley, Maipu, and Lujan de Cuyo. Each of these growing areas produces slightly different varietals and has a unique feel that sets it apart from the others.

The best way to see the entire region at your own pace is to visit one wine region per day with a tour guide and driver (this may be expensive, but is necessary). Have them set up visits to three wineries per day with a wine-paired lunch each day. This is the way we planned our trip and it was perfect.

We also suggest you visit a good mix of modern, large commercial and family-owned wineries, so you can see the vast array of wineries and styles in the region. If you go in the harvest season, you might even see them making wine.

>> Learn more about the Mendoza Wine Region and where to stay when you’re there.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• If you want to experience Mendoza’s wine country at its most vibrant and witness the harvest process, the autumn months of March to May are typically ideal.
• It’s best to hire a local guide to book appointments and do the driving. We recommend Damian with Borravino (mention Savored Journeys for a bonus winery!).
• The best way to enjoy the wine and food is to do a wine-paired lunch at the wineries! Ask Damian to set them up for you.

Plan a Mendoza Wine Tour

If you’d rather not plan your own Mendoza Argentina wine tour, you should rely on the expertise of a guide and driver.  We hired a private guide who planned out the stops and the route for us, with our input on the wineries we wanted to visit. It’s a great way to go, so you don’t have to worry about any of the details.

• First of all, the roads are not well marked and it can be very difficult to find your way around to the wineries and they all have very tight security with guards.
• Secondly, if you don’t speak Spanish well, you may run into issues getting into the wineries. It’s best to hire a driver. Or better yet, hire a tour guide and get all their expertise and knowledge!

Book a Tour With Borravino

I recommend booking a wine tour with a reputable company, like Borravino . The tour guide, Damian, was born and raised in Mendoza and has a deep knowledge of the wine regions. On his tours, you’ll meet passionate winemakers, explore boutique wineries, and savor the region’s best wine and food.

When you work with Damian, you can decide where to go or have him take care of all the details for you – transportation, appointments, and everything. Book a one-day tour or go all out and have him plan a magical tour of Mendoza, Buenos Aires, Chile’s wine regions, and Uruguay’s wine regions – it’s entirely up to you. I personally recommend booking at least 3 days – one in each area of Mendoza.

If you do contact Damian, please let him know that I referred you or use coupon code SJWINE on his website checkout page. Doing this will earn you free perks like visiting an extra winery or olive mill (for a 1-day tour) or free transfers from airport to hotel (for a 3-day tour).

*We’ve partnered with Borravino to give you a great wine tour option that we know and trust. If you book with them, we will receive a small commission.

Borravino Wine Tour Options

1-day wine tour to any mendoza wine region.

Visit three wineries and have a wine-paired lunch at the third.

Price per person: $175 USD for Lujan or Maipu; $215 USD for Uco Valley (all inclusive). There is a 10% discount for groups of 4 to 8 people. Larger groups should discuss the price with Damian. BOOK HERE (Use coupon code SJWINE for a FREE extra winery visit).

3-Day Mendoza Experience Private Wine Tour (Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu & Uco Valley)

Visit all 3 of Mendoza’s well-known wine regions: Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, and Uco Valley. Each day you’ll visit 3 wineries (a mix of old and new, big and small), with a wine paired lunch at one of the wineries.

Price per person: $565 USD (all inclusive). BOOK HERE (use coupon code SJWINE for a FREE extra winery visit).

7-day Local Immersion in Argentina’s Hidden Gems (Buenos Aires & Mendoza)

Spend 2 nights/3days in Buenos Aires and 4 nights/5 days in Mendoza. Transfers, hotels, dinners are included. Discover the city, neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks. Then transfer to Mendoza for a personalized wine tour of the three regions of Mendoza, paired with traditional Argentine cuisine. Price includes accommodation for couples, all private transportation, all activities, wine tours, city tours, lunches, and wine tasting. 

Price per person: $1848 USD. BOOK HERE (use coupon code SJWINE for a FREE welcome dinner)

Borravino Customer Review

“Each of our experiences planned by Damian were perfect – great wine, great views, friendly people! We had a wonderful time in Mendoza and Uruguay and cannot recommend this experience enough! 🙂 By Caitlyn Miller on Apr 20, 2022.”

Check out  the offerings here  and be sure to tell Damian that Savored Journeys sent you.

Where to Go Wine Tasting in Mendoza

For your wine tasting pleasure, we have put together a list of 11+ must-visit Mendoza wineries. Of course, there are hundreds more wineries you could enjoy in the area – from large producers to small family-run wineries. These are just a few of our favorites, broken up by region.

Region: Lujan de Cuyo

Luján de Cuyo is a well-renowned wine region situated at the foothills of the Andes mountains in Mendoza, about 40 minutes south of the city. This region is considered to be where wine began in Mendoza. Its elevation, at an average of 3,000 feet above sea level, makes its terroir very unique.

Luján de Cuyo was also the first region to institute the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlée) for Malbec in 1993, which greatly advanced the wine industry in Mendoza.

⇒ Book a private tour to the Lujan de Cuyo wine region (use code SJWINE and receive a free tasting)

Archaval Ferrer

Started by a group of friends in 1998, Archaval Ferrer is committed to producing small quantities of fine red wine. It’s a small working winery and you’ll witness that firsthand as you tour the internal workings of the winery, walking directly through areas that are integral to their production process. At the end of the tour, you’ll stop for a barrel tasting in the cellar.

Winery Address: Calle Cobos 2601, Pedriel (5509), Mendoza, Argentina Tel.: 54 9 0261-155535565 Reservations:   online form

Bodega Ruca Malen

Note: Temporarily closed for renovations

Ruca Malen is a certified organic winery since 2020, located in Agrelo, the foremost wine region of Mendoza where high-end wines are made. When we visited, we went on a journey through the winemaking process to see how modern techniques have been implemented. If you’re lucky, you arrived here at lunch time to indulge in the highly creative five-course menu with wine pairings that’s served in a sunny solarium with a unequaled view of the vineyards and surrounding mountains.

Winery address: Ruta nacional 7 km 1059, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina. Tel.: (+54 261) 413 8909 Reservations: [email protected]

Bodega Vistalba is unique in that the winery was designed so that the whole winemaking process takes place using gravity, without the use of pumps. The tasting room is also underground. A tasting reservation includes a tour of the winery and vineyards, along with a tasting of 4 reserve wines from their Vistalba, Tomero and Progenie collections. You can also book a tasting of 5 of their high-end wines.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, they do a wine blending and a blind tasting experience. They also serve a tasting menu for lunch at their restaurant La Bourgogne, open from Tuesday to Sunday, and they have a wine bar.

⇒ If you’re interested in visiting the wineries on a bike tour, sign up for this 6-hour bicycle tour through the Luyan de Cuyo region, starting at Vistalba winery.

Winery address: Roque Saenz Pena 3531, Vistalba, Mendoza, Argentina Tel.: 54 (261) 498 9400 Reservations: [email protected] or use the online form on the homepage

Clos de Chacras

This boutique winery is housed in an architecturally restored 1920s building that establishes the feeling of old world charm when you enter. A tour will take you through the working winery and end with a tasting of the different levels of wine they offer, served alongside a cheese plate. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner here, or just grab a glass while you enjoy the outdoor seating. Tours can be done Wednesday – Sunday and on holidays.

Winery address: Monte Líbano 1025 – Mendoza Province, Argentina Tel.: 54 261 496 1285 Reservations: [email protected] ; www.closdechacras.com.ar

Bodega Norton

Bodega Norton is another top winery in Lujan de Cuyo. The winery has been producing wine since the late 1800s and is known for its high-quality Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bodega Norton has five vineyards spread over the main terroirs of the province of Mendoza, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, all of them within a privileged zone known as the First Zone for the quality of its grapes. The winery tour includes a visit to the vineyards, the winery, and a tasting of their signature wines.

Winery address: RP15 km 23, M5509 Perdriel, Mendoza, Argentina Tel.: +54 9 261 372-8497 Reservations: Form on website

Region: Valle de Uco

Located the furthest away from the city, about a 75-minute drive, Valle de Uco is the newest wine region in the area and is also one of the highest-altitude wine regions in the world, having some of its vines planted 4,000 feet above sea level. It’s a longer journey to get there, but very rewarding, not only for the world-class wine, but the amazing views and incredible, modern architecture.

• Book a tour of 3 wineries of the Uco Valley with Borravino

A masterpiece of modern architecture, Salentein is built in the shape of a cross as a symbol of the area’s religious roots and to increase production in the winery, both of which you’ll learn about on the tour.

There are no better views of mountains and vineyards to be found in all of Mendoza. It is just stunning here, and the winery fits right into the middle of the vineyards. It is located at 4,000 ft in elevation, which in combination with the terroir, gives a unique expression to the wines.

Along with the fantastic views from the property and the stunning cellar that can house up to 5,000 barrels, Salentein also houses a gallery with exclusive collections of Argentine art, and a restaurant where you can stay for a lovely 3-course lunch.

Winery address: Ruta Provincial 89, Los Árboles, Tunuyán Tel.: 54-02622-429-500 Reservations: www.bodegasalentein.com

Andeluna Cellars

Andeluna Cellars winery and vineyards are situated along the Andes Mountains, over 4,200 feet above sea level. Tour the state-of-the-art facilities before enjoying a glass of wine at the tasting bar, or a special tasting of their Reserve, Limited Reserve and Grand Reserve wines in the wine cellar. They have a great restaurant that serves a 5-course meal paired with your preferred tier of wine.

Winery address: Ruta Provincial 89 s/n, Distrito de Gualtallary. Tupungato, Mendoza Tel/Fax: +54 2622 423 226  ext. 13 Reservations: [email protected]

Domaine Bousquet

The main objective of Domaine Bousquet — a small, family-owned winery — is to combine the European winemaking style (the family hails from France) with the cool climate and terroir of the Uco Valley. During the tour, you’ll walk through the vineyards and visit the winery to learn the steps they employ to create such beautiful wines.

Then enjoy a tasting of all three lines of wine. Domaine Bousquet also has a lodge and cooking school for further exploration into the region. Gaia Restaurant serves a 4-course or 6-course lunch with wine pairings in the rustic and charming tasting room.

Winery address: Ruta 89 S/N Km 7, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina Tel: +549 261 5320896 Reservations: [email protected]

Region: Maipu

Maipu is the closest region to Mendoza city — a quick 15-minute drive — so if you’re short on time, this is the region to visit. The main varietals produced in Maipu are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, and this area is home to some of the largest names in the industry.

The mostly flat vineyards are located at around 2,600 ft in elevation. The sunny days and cool nights make for perfect conditions in which to grow intense fruit that results in full-bodied wines with great structure and tannins.

⇒  Book a Borravino wine tour in Maipu with lunch

While the Trapiche brand has been around since 1883 – one of the pioneers in Mendoza wine making, the building they occupy has a much different story. The original owners of the building, which was built in the early 20th century, sold it in 1970 and it was abandoned soon after. Trapiche acquired it in 2006 aiming to rescue and restore its original structure.

They recycled the interior and incorporated the latest technology and equipment for the production of their high-end wines. A tour of the facility exudes the historical qualities that make it unique, including the glass floor in the tasting room that gives a view into the barrel room below.

Trapiche owns 1,255 hectares of vineyards. Their wine has won many awards, beginning with the first in 1889. It’s clear that they are a formidable competitor in this market, and because of that you probably recognize the label from home. Their wine is exported all over the world.

Winery address: Nueva Mayorga s/n street (M5522CHA), Coquimbito, Maipú Reservations: Book a Tour on their website

Bodega Tapiz

The highlight of Tapiz is the horse-drawn carriage ride around the vineyards that is included in the tour. The vineyards are planted at 920 to 1,400 meters above sea level, and the abundant daytime sun and cooler nights create the perfect climate for production.

After the ride around the vines, you’re welcomed inside the winery where you’ll try samples straight from the fermentation vats and barrels.

Club Tapiz also has a hotel ( Hotel Club Tapiz ) and a restaurant that’s open daily from 7am to 11pm. They have an ala carte menu and a multi-course menu served with Tapiz wines. Be sure to book in advance.

Winery address: Ruta Provincial 15 km 32, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina Tel.: +54 261 496-3433 Reservations: http://www.bodega-tapiz.com.ar/

Familia Zuccardi

Familia Zuccardi is one of the most well-known wineries in Mendoza. In fact, it’s more than just a winery. In addition to wine, they also produce olive oil, offer daily tours and and tastings, host cooking classes. Sabastian Zuccardi, the 3rd-generation winemaker at Zuccardi has been recognized as one of the top 10 winemakers in Argentina.

They also have a restaurant, and you should definitely plan to stay for lunch! The wine is fantastic and the experience is enriching and fun.

Location: Ruta Prov 33 km 7,5  |  Fray Luis Beltran ,  Maipu M5531, Argentina Tel: +54-261-441000

Where to Eat in Mendoza

Downtown mendoza.

Mendoza is not only famous for its wines but also for its vibrant culinary scene that pairs excellently with the local wines. Remember to make reservations in advance if possible, as these places can get busy, especially during the tourist season. Enjoy the fantastic combination of Mendoza wines and Argentine cuisine!

Here are some of the best places to eat dinner in Mendoza for wine lovers:

• 1884 Restaurante Francis Mallmann – One of the most iconic restaurants in Mendoza, 1884 is owned by the famous Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. It is known for its open-flame cooking style and an excellent wine list. Address: Belgrano 1188, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza
• Maria Antonieta – A bistro-style restaurant, Maria Antonieta offers an array of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. They also have a solid selection of wines, and the relaxed ambiance is perfect for a casual dinner. Address: Belgrano 1069, Mendoza
• Azafran – This restaurant is famed for its extensive wine list that features a broad selection from the Mendoza region. The cuisine is a combination of traditional Argentine with contemporary touches. Address: Sarmiento 765, Mendoza City
• Siete Cocinas – Siete Cocinas, meaning “seven kitchens”, is a reference to the seven different culinary regions of Argentina. The restaurant offers a diverse menu using seasonal ingredients and a fantastic selection of local wines. Address: Mitre 794, Mendoza City, Argentina
• Grill Q – Parrilla Argentina – For a classic Argentine asado (barbecue), Grill Q is a top choice. It offers a range of grilled meats and other Argentine delicacies, accompanied by an extensive wine list. Address: Chile 1124, Mendoza City, Argentina (inside the Park Hyatt Mendoza)
• La Lucia – This restaurant offers modern Argentine cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and creative dishes. It also features an extensive wine list. Address: Villanueva 899, Mendoza City, Argentina

Lujon de Cuyo Winery Lunches

• Achaval Ferrer Winery: This winery offers a unique wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the vineyards, wine tasting, and a delicious lunch paired with their signature wines.
• Bodega Norton: This winery offers a gourmet wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the winery, wine tasting, and a three-course lunch paired with their award-winning wines.
• Ruca Malen Winery: This winery offers a wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the vineyards, wine tasting, and a five-course lunch paired with their premium wines. The lunch is served in their beautiful restaurant with stunning views of the Andes mountains.

In Uco Valley

• Salentein Winery: This winery offers a wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the winery, wine tasting, and a three-course lunch paired with their signature wines. The lunch is served in their stunning restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
• Zuccardi Winery: This winery offers a unique wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the vineyards, wine tasting, and a four-course lunch paired with their premium wines. The lunch is served in their beautiful restaurant with panoramic views of the Andes mountains.
• Andeluna Cellars: This winery offers a wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the winery, wine tasting, and a three-course lunch paired with their award-winning wines. The lunch is served in their elegant restaurant with breathtaking views of the Uco Valley.
• Trapiche Winery: This winery offers a wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the winery, wine tasting, and a three-course lunch paired with their signature wines. The lunch is served in their beautiful restaurant with views of the vineyards.
• Familia Zuccardi Winery: This winery offers a wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the vineyards, wine tasting, and a four-course lunch paired with their premium wines. The lunch is served in their elegant restaurant with views of the Andes mountains.
• Tempus Alba Winery: This winery offers a wine lunch experience that includes a tour of the winery, wine tasting, and a three-course lunch paired with their award-winning wines. The lunch is served in their modern restaurant with stunning views of the vineyards.
• Casa de Campo: Not a winery, but Casa de Campo is a great spot for lunch. You’ll find it packed with locals and very little English being spoken by the staff. What you will get is an authentic Argentinean meal at a great price. Ask your driver to help you order if necessary, or just go with the tasting menu, which will give you a fairly large portion of a lot of their famous dishes.

Where to Stay in Mendoza

One of the best places to stay is right in the center of Mendoza city, where you don’t need a car to get around. You can walk to many great restaurants and bars. However, one of our favorite hotels is on the outskirts of town among Mendoza’s malbec vines, and I wouldn’t shy away from staying there either, if you like something more quiet. 

Click here for a comprehensive overview of all our favorite places to stay in Mendoza.

• Park Hyatt Mendoza   Book a stay on Expedia   | Read reviews on   Trip Advisor
• Entre Cielo – Book a stay on Expedia
• Villa Mansa Wine Hotel – Book a stay on Expedia
• Lares de Chacras – Book a stay on Expedia
• Finca Adalgisa – Book a stay on Expedia

I’m pretty convinced you’re going to love Mendoza. It’s such a beautiful place to visit, even if you don’t like wine, but if you do… you’ll be in heaven!

Best Mendoza Wine Tasting Tips

• Hire a Local Guide or Driver : The vineyards can be spread out, and local laws are strict about drinking and driving. Hire a local guide (mention Savored Journeys for a discount) or driver.
• Book Tours in Advance : Mendoza’s wineries can get busy. You’ll want to secure a spot by booking tours and tastings in advance. This ensures you get to visit the vineyards you’re interested in, without disappointment. Your guide can book these for you!
• Balance Your Tasting Day : You’ll find both large, commercial wineries and small, boutique producers in Mendoza. Mix and match your visits to get a well-rounded view of the region’s offerings.
• Pair with Local Cuisine : Don’t miss the opportunity to pair Mendoza’s wine with local Argentine cuisine. Many wineries offer lunch or dinner options.
• Ask Questions : The winemakers and guides in Mendoza are passionate about their craft. Engage with them, ask questions, and don’t be shy about seeking their insights.
• Dress for the Weather : Mendoza’s climate can vary, and the vineyards may require some walking. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that’s suitable for the weather on the day of your tour.

When to Visit Mendoza for Wine

The best time to visit Mendoza for wine tasting largely depends on what you’re looking to experience. Here’s a quick guide:

• Spring (September to November) : As the vineyards come to life with blossoming flowers and green leaves, the weather is pleasantly warm. This season allows you to witness the beginning of the growing cycle and offers beautiful scenic views.
• Summer (December to March) : If you’re interested in seeing the vineyards in full bloom, summer is the time to visit. This is the peak of the tourist season, so expect more crowds. The weather can get hot, so plan your tastings accordingly.
• Autumn (March to May) : This is considered one of the best times to visit Mendoza’s wine country. The weather is cooler , and the vineyards are awash with golden and red hues as the leaves change color. Harvest typically happens during this time, providing a unique insight into the winemaking process.
• Winter (June to August) : If you prefer a quieter experience, winter might be for you. While the vineyards are dormant, and the landscape is more barren, the Andes Mountains are often snow-capped, offering a different kind of beauty. Some wineries may have limited hours, so check ahead.

Tours to Book

You might also like.

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Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

29 thoughts on “ 11 Must-Visit Mendoza Wineries ”

What a great roundup! I went to Mendoza many, many years ago and visited a couple of the older wineries like Pascual Toso. I should go back now and visit the new ones.

I’d really like to get back to Mendoza myself. There are so many wineries, it would take years to visit them all!

This is an interesting list but a bit disappointing. I live in Buenos Aires and have been to Mendoza 10 times now and this list mostly represents the large wineries that are always talked about in all travel publications due to their large marketing budgets. All of these wineries have received money from foreigners and are generally not owned by Argentines. There are so many more interesting and beautiful wineries in Mendoza that are not mentioned here (Lagarde, Mendel, Zorzal, etc) that I would recommend visiting.

You’re very right, John. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of other great, small, family-run wineries in Mendoza that are highly recommended. This list represents only a very small portion of the great wineries in the area. You’re lucky to live so close and be able to check out so many of the others. I wish I’d had months to do more exploring. We’ll be back in the area soon and will report on some of the ones you mentioned. Thanks!

Well there’s a winery/lodge/restaurant called Alpasion. Have you heard of it? It’s really wonderful. It’s a small lodge which is very cozy. The food is absolutely mouth watering. But the best part is the wine. You have to pay that place a visit. You can even enquire online.

Thanks for the info, Himanshu.

Have just found your website, via a search for wineries around Mendoza. Name is David Walter, Houston, Texas. Have made initial deposits for a one week trip to the Patagonia with a short after trip to Mendoza to see the city and a few wineries (as time allows). Will try to extend the trip since already there, but may be locked in from a group travel rate. Will try to talk airline making the flight back to Houston to see if I can’t pay something extra and stay longer.

Will peruse the comments on the list for the names of some lesser commercial wineries to visit. If not a complete list, at least a good start. Have taken German and Mandarin Chinese and now on a crash course to learn Spanish. Have started and have three months yet. Trip October 17-25, main trip, then to Mendoza October25 – 28. Since there thought to extend for several more days if I can get return trip changed, local lodging and great wineries to visit. Have raised grapes, made homemade wine, even distilled some to make a kind of brandies. Great fun Would appreciate any suggestions on anything, drivers, lodging, wineries maybe not yet in the comments Thanks for any time and suggestions you can make. David Walter, email: [email protected]

Hi David, Sounds like you’ll need to iron out your dates before you can start planning. We’ve put all of our recommendations in this post and I would encourage you to start there. There are plenty of wineries listed here to keep you busy for a full week.

Hi John, We are visitîg Mendoza next week. Which are the wineries u would recommend? We will stay around Lukan de Cuyo. thank you for ur advise!!!

Hi Ana, We’ve personally been to and highly recommend all of the wineries on this list. If you’re going to Lujan de Cuyo, do check out the ones we’ve recommended in that area. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

Hi, Laura is true that every time there are more wineries that open doors to tourism, I actually live in Mendoza and I think that definitely you need to hire a car to visit wineries (with driver) in my opinion is not so expensive for people from US because the change is very good for you. Definitely you need one day for each region Maipu, Lujan and Uco Valley and you can’t visit more of three wineries per day perhaps four, having tasting in each winery and lunch with tasting in one of them. Don’t forget to do reservations to visit wineries and some times one month before like Catena Zapata.

Gustavo: Will be trying to extend a short trip to Mendoza after a longer trip to the Patagonia. Oct 17-25, Mendoza Oct 15-Oct 28. If I can change my return flight to stay longer, even though trying to learn Spanish over the last 2 months, like your suggestion of a driver. Any suggestions of lodging, wineries, restaurants. David Walter, Houston, Texas, US, email: [email protected]

Hi Laura, I would like to ask for your permission to translate your post to spanish and use it in my blog, obviously citing the source. I Hope you like the idea.

Of course, Ariel. You can translate and use the content with a link back to the source. 🙂

Laura, Thank you for the article.

My fiancé and I are going to Mendoza in 2 weeks and were wondering if you had any more hidden gems?

I reached out to Gustavo (above) about hiring his drivin service and will leave a review if we connect.

Hi Stuart. That’s awesome that you’re going to Mendoza. I love it there! Definitely stop by Vines of Mendoza shop in town, and their resort. Francis Mallman’s Siete Fuegos is great for dinner. My other recommendation would be to make sure you find a good, knowledgeable driver who can make local recommendations for you. We found some really great wineries because of that. Also, if you plan ahead, you can schedule to just have tastings at some of the wineries instead of a full tour, which can become tedious after the first few. If you have any other question, feel free to email me.

We’re going to Mendoza Christmas week. Are there any boutique wineries that have spectacular wines that we should visit? What would you recommend for New Year’s eve dinner?

Some family wineries that we loved are Clos de Chacras, Domaine Bosquet, Carmelo Patti. There are so many. It would be worth it to visit Vines of Mendoza and try some wines to see which you like most for a visit. I’m not sure where there might be New Years Eve parties, but I would personally try to see what big wineries are doing pairing dinners for NYE. Your hotel should be able to help you with that.

Hi Laura: I have lived in Mendoza Region (San Rafael) for 4 years and as always the second largest city in the Province does not get a mention (but then we are used to that 🙂 ) I would highly recommend to the list of excellent wineries you posted one of my all time favorites, also has an excellent restaurant and probably architecturally the most stunning of them all: Bodega O’Fournier.

On my way to my own vineyard I will take my fiancee this trip for her first time and we will visit some of my favorites as well as take some of your suggestions. Unfortunately Catena Zapata did not have anything for us on relatively short notice. So those that are going, this is also a winery you want to visit and yes…make reservations well ahead of time.

None of these wineries usually allow popping in for a tour. The exception Salentein. At Salentein visit the art gallery as well. Part of your ticket.

Hi Martin. It’s a very good point you make that the wineries in this area don’t allow for pop ins. They often even have a security clipboard with expected names on it. We didn’t get a chance to visit O’Fournier yet, but we’ve had their wines and love them. Excellent recommendation.

Hi Laura, great list. We just got back from a week in Mendoza and visited many of the wineries you mentioned in your list. However I was surprised you didn’t mention Lagarde! We had an absolutely fantastic multi-course lunch with wine pairings in their garden. Was the highlight of our trip. Not only were the wine pours limitless, but the food was the best we had the entire week. We ended up staying so much longer than we anticipated. Highly recommend a visit if you haven’t tried it. Oh and we splurged on two nights at the Cavas hotel, what a sublime experience.

Hi Francesca. So happy to hear that you loved Mendoza. We’re always finding great new wineries – very good to hear about Lagarde. As you know, there are just too many to choose from. Thanks for the latest recommendation to add to our list.

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Did you have an opportunity to meet Sebastian Zuccardi?

Hi guys congratulations on your postings and information. We are writing from Carmelo Mountain Lodge a place that you probably would like to know, please if interested contact us for exclusive arrangements for you. Www.carmelolodge.com Best regards

My husband is determined to rent a car and do the driving himself. We live in Mexico so he’s used to driving in a Spanish speaking country. You keep talking about hiring a driver. Is this a must? Why?

Abigail – it’s not a must, but it’s the most practical way to get around for most wine tasters. The roads are not always well marked and the wineries can be difficult to find. If you speak Spanish you’ll be better off, but if you’re drinking it’s really not recommended. The ABV is .05%

After we read your article, we booked a private tour through your link and tried to contact the private tour company to design our trip. However, the number provided by the website does not work. We booked it through Viator. Do you know what we can do now? Where can we find customer service to contact that private tour company? Thank you for reading my message in advance.

Sincerely, Yetta

Yetta, can you send me an email to [email protected] with the name of the company so I can help you sort it?

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• Travel Resources

THE 10 BEST Mendoza Wineries & Vineyards

Wineries & vineyards in mendoza.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Wineries & Vineyards
• Cooking Classes
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Distillery Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Farmers Markets
• Distilleries
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Catena Zapata

2. Pulenta Estate Winery

3. Bodega Roberto Bonfanti

4. Bodega La Azul

5. Bodega Los Toneles

6. Bodega Tierras Altas

7. Bodega Renacer

8. Bodega Chandon

9. Bodega Ruca Malen

10. Bodega Hacienda del Plata

11. Bodega Cruzat. Bubbles Experience

12. Bodega Trapiche

13. Bodega Budeguer

14. Vina Cobos

15. Bodega Norton

16. Bodega Matervini

17. Bodega Nieto Senetiner

18. Bodega Benegas

19. The Vines of Mendoza

20. Susana Balbo Wines

21. Bodega Achaval Ferrer

22. Bodega Alpamanta

23. Bodega Alta Vista

24. Bodega Vistalba

25. Bodega Lagarde

26. Finca Decero

27. Bodega Familia Cassone

28. Clos de Chacras

29. Bodegas Belasco de Baquedano

30. Vina Las Perdices

What travelers are saying

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• Malbec Experience in Bodega Tierras Altas
• Horseback ride through vineyards followed by gourmet lunch
• Bodega Tierras Altas
• Bodega Roberto Bonfanti
• Bodega Ruca Malen
• Catena Zapata
• Melhor Mendoza
• Bodega Hacienda del Plata
• Bodega Alpamanta
• Bodega Atilio Avena
• Monte Quieto Bodega de Familia
• Pulenta Estate Winery
• Bodega Carmelo Patti
• Casarena Bodega y Viñedos
• Bodega Budeguer
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25+ Best Wineries of Mendoza: Ultimate Wine Tasting Guide

If you’re a wine fanatic like me, then a trip to the wineries of Mendoza should be on your travel bucket list.

The region is the biggest wine producer in Argentina, and the quality of the wines completely blew me away.

I’m talking bold flavors of their flagship Malbecs to the delicious Cabernet Francs and crisp, refreshing Torrentes varieties.

But there’s so much more to Mendoza than what meets the eye.

While it may be the wineries that attract you here in the first place, you’ll leave with not only a full heart (and belly) but a strong appreciation for Argentinian landscapes, culture, and cuisine.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Mendoza wineries (or bodegas as they’re called in Spanish).

Quick Navigation

Where is Mendoza

Mendoza lies in the west of Argentina, near the Chilean border. It sits on the foothills of the Andes Mountains, with an altitude of 800 m + above sea level.

The easiest way to get here is via a 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires.

I came from Santiago in Chile and opted for a scenic 6-hour drive through the Andes to Mendoza.

If you’re following my 2 week Argentina itinerary , I suggest visiting Mendoza after your trip to Patagonia in the south.

Where to go wine tasting in Mendoza

Mendoza is home to 3 high altitude wine regions: Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo and Valle de Uco.

Lujan de Cuyo: My best Mendoza wine region

Lujan de Cuyo is home to my favorite Mendoza bodegas.

It’s only a 30-minute drive south of the city and boasts spectacular wineries and restaurants with beautiful views.

The town is quaint and filled with character, and it’s a great base for your Mendoza itinerary.

Here’s my guide to visiting Lujan de Cuyo.

Maipu: Home to the oldest wineries of Mendoza

Maipu is the closest wine region to Mendoza. It’s also the oldest.

The town itself is a bit of a letdown, but the wineries here are fantastic! They’re smaller and offer a more intimate experience.

Uco Valley: Most picturesque Mendoza bodegas

The Uco Valley is Mendoza’s newest and fastest-growing wine region.

It sits at the foot of the Andes Mountains and offers unbeatable views. Here’s where you’ll find wineries that are architectural masterpieces!

But it’s a lot further from the city – 100 km to be exact.

Mendoza wine tours

Because of how the wineries of Mendoza are dispersed, people often have trouble deciding how best to plan their trip.

Some wineries can be visited by bike; for others, you need a car to get around.

After spending two weeks in Mendoza, here’s my advice on what to do and where.

Rent a bicycle

In Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu, it’s best to rent a bike for the day and cycle between the wineries. They are all close to one another, and it’s a cheap and fun way of exploring these wine regions.

I rented from Maipu Bike Rentals in Maipu and Baccus Bikes in Lujan de Cuyo. You will be given a map and a suggested route before going on your way.

I also did this multi-bike wine tour in Maipu and highly recommend it!

The highlight was peddling through the quiet streets, sipping delicious Malbecs while feasting on the most incredible cheese platter.

Book wine beetle tour here.

Go on a small wine tour

There are plenty of organized tours that depart from the city, Maipu, and Lujan de Cuyo. They visit some of the best Mendoza wineries.

The best part of booking a group or private tour is that all the admin is taken care of. You don’t need to make any bookings for tastings or lunches as it’s all done for you.

This tour includes wine tastings at three wineries, a gourmet lunch, and return transport.

Most group tours have a maximum of 8 passengers, so you’re still guaranteed to have personal experience.

Book Mendoza wine tour here.

Bus Vitivinicola: Larger group tour

If you’re hoping to visit the Mendoza bodegas on a budget, I highly recommend Bus Vitivinicola.

I can vouch for them as I did this tour, and it was so much fun! It’s a large group tour that accommodates up to 50 people.

They have daily departures that rotate between all the Mendoza wine regions.

This is the best and most affordable way to visit Valle de Uco , which is a lot further south of Mendoza.

It’s one of the larger group tours, so if you want an intimate experience, you’re better off booking a private driver.

If you’re drinking responsibly or have a designated driver, renting a car is the best way to explore the Mendoza vineyards.

You can then visit those wineries off the beaten track and change up your wine route depending on how your days are going.

A car will come in handy in the Uco Valley, where the wineries are spread out, and taxis aren’t available.

The best Mendoza bodegas

After visiting over 15 bodegas in Mendoza, there wasn’t one that I did not like.

Each was unique in its own right, from small family-run vineyards to larger productions.

A wine tasting will cost between 1,800 ARS and 3,200 ARS for three glasses, and most require prior booking.

Bodega Pulmary

• Location: Lujan de Cuyo
• Best for: Fascinating wine cellar and passionate winemaker

Bodega Pulmary is a quaint winery in the heart of Lujan de Cuyo.

It’s unassuming, and while it may not have the best views, it certainly has the character.

Of all the Mendoza wineries I visited, this was the most unique!

The owner/winemaker is incredibly passionate about wine production, and it was fascinating to walk through the cellar.

Bodega Kaiken

• Best for: Winery lunch amount the vines

If you’re looking for a fantastic lunch with equally impressive wines, head straight to Kaiken Winery.

Here, you’ll be treated to the most gorgeous setting under the vines. The food was out of this world, and the service was outstanding.

I was very lucky to get a booking here, so be sure to plan ahead of time.

Bodega Vino Cerno

• Location: Maipu
• Best for: Small, intimate winery

Bodega Vino Cerno is a small winery in Maipu with a great selection of wines.

It was one of my favorite wineries, thanks to the rustic tasting area and authentic atmosphere.

I also had the empanadas here, and they were terrific!

Bodega Piedra Negra

• Location: Uco Valley
• Best for: Andes Mountain views

Bodega Piedra Negra is a picturesque winery in the Uco Valley. It’s part of the François Lurton Group, known for its commitment to sustainable and organic winemaking practices.

Their portfolio includes a range of varietals, with Malbec as the flagship grape, producing wines with intense fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and elegant complexity.

I particularly loved their Reserve Cabernet Franc.

Bodega La Rural

• Best for: Wine museum

Bodega La Rural is an incredible winery and an impressive wine museum.

It features many tools and artifacts used in the production of wine, collected over hundreds of years.

This cellar door was one of the most unique ones we visited. It’s set in a dark room surrounded by massive wine barrels.

Bodega Monteviejo

• Best for: Impressive architecture

Monteviejo is a beautiful, luxurious winery in the Uco Valley.

But it’s not only a fantastic winery. Monteviejo has a renowned restaurant, too. If you want a quality experience, book their degustation menu with wine pairing.

The views from their restaurant and bar are absolutely spectacular!

Bodega Mevi

• Best for: Vineyard views

Aaaah. Bodega Mevi!

Here’s where you’ll find some of the best vineyard views.

We cycled into the property and were immediately surrounded by stunning vineyards. The wines are equally impressive.

Bodegas Enzo Bianchi

• Best for: Amazing staff and informative wine-tasting tour

I loved Bodegas Enzo Bianchi for the fantastic wine-tasting experience and service.

Here, you can experience the passion and dedication of the Bianchi family, who have been crafting world-class wines for generations.

Their Corte and Organic Malbec were my favorites!

Claroscuro Bodega De Arte

• Best for: Degustation menu

Claroscuro Bodega De Arte was the most underrated winery I visited. Their wines were terrific and well-priced.

I also had lunch here and was impressed with the food and service.

Bodega Viamonte

The views of the Andes mountains from Bodega Viamonte are hard to beat (unless you plan to visit the Valle de Uco wineries).

I recommend ending your day of wine tasting here. Buy a bottle of their Malbec, grab a seat on their well-manicured lawns, and enjoy the incredible atmosphere.

Viamonte is also an excellent place for a winery lunch, but bookings are required.

Bodega Gieco

• Best for: Relaxing, authentic atmosphere

Gieco Winery came highly recommended by a few people we met in Lujan de Cuyo. It has a relaxing atmosphere and a charming vibe.

But it doesn’t fall short of the good stuff: wine and food!

The owners are hospitable, and you can’t go wrong with stopping here for lunch and wine surrounded by vineyards.

Carinae Wines

• Best for: Intimate tasting

Carinae Wines was the first stop on our wine bike tour.

It’s a boutique winery with an intimate feel. The beautiful outdoor seating perched under the trees is the perfect place to do a tasting of their delicious reds.

Bodega Nieto Senetiner

• Best for: Winery lunch and tasting

Just a short walk from Bodega Gieco lies another stunning winery in Mendoza, Bodega Nieto Senetiner.

Trees line the entrance, and it’s a beautiful introduction to the winery. The tasting room and restaurant are set within a beautiful historic building.

We had a delicious meal here, and the service was outstanding.

• Best for: Wine and walk

Bodega Trapiche is a gorgeous winery waiting to be explored.

It’s one of the oldest wineries in Argentina. Trapiche is pretty big compared to some of the other Mendoza wineries on this list, but it’s worth visiting.

We skipped the wine tour and instead purchased glasses of wine and opted for a self-guided walk through the stunning grounds.

Trapiche also offers a lunch and wine pairing.

Tempus Alba

• Best for: Malbec Reserva

Tempus Alba is a more prominent winery with a modern feel.

They offer an impressive selection of reds and have an onsite restaurant overlooking the vineyards.

Other Mendoza wineries to visit

I was completely wined out after visiting so many bodegas in Mendoza.

Here are a few others that I wanted to visit but was unable to as they were either closed during my visit or had no availability as they require bookings a few weeks in advance.

• Zorzal wines (Uco Valley)
• Bodega Lagarde (Lujan de Cuyo)
• Bodega El Enemigo (Maipu)
• Bodega Carmelo Patti (Lujan de Cuyo)
• Bodega Salentein (Uco Valley)
• Bodega Alta Vista (Lujan de Cuyo)
• Bodega La Azul (Uco Valley)
• Bodega Domiciano (Maipu)
• Bodega Corazon Del Sol (Uco Valley)

When to visit Mendoza

While Mendoza is an all-year-round travel destination, October to April is the best time to visit.

Summer: December to February

During the summer, Mendoza’s vineyards are most vibrant, and the grapevines are in full bloom.

But summer is the high season in Mendoza. While you’ll have long, sunny days, it will be crowded. Bookings need to be made weeks and even months in advance.

Autumn: March to May

March to May is a great time to visit the wineries of Mendoza. The temperature is cooler and more comfortable when compared to summer.

The grape harvest season starts in March, and you can enjoy the wineries with fewer crowds.

Winter: June to August

Winter in Mendoza means chilly mornings and evenings. But the days are often sunny, and you can still have a great time exploring the vineyards.

While they aren’t as lush or vibrant, it’s off-season and a lot quieter than other months.

I visited Mendoza in winter and was able to visit most wineries with no prior reservations. However, I did struggle to find availability for winery lunches.

Spring: September to November

Spring brings warm and comfortable temperatures to Mendoza.

The vineyards come to life from October, and it’s a great time to witness lush wineries.

Tips for visiting the wineries of Mendoza

• Winery lunches need to be booked weeks in advance. Even out of season.
• Some wineries are closed on either Sundays or Mondays.
• Uco Valley wine tastings need to be booked in advance.
• Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu wineries are more flexible with walk-ins. But during high season, prior reservations are required.
• Allow for three winery visits in a day.

Where to stay

Deciding where to stay in Mendoza was the hardest part of planning my trip!

If you’re short on time or traveling on a budget, I recommend staying in Mendoza City and doing day trips to the various wine regions.

If you have a few days in the area, stay in Lujan de Cuyo. It’s a beautiful town and the perfect base for exploring Maipu and the Uco Valley.

Stay in the Uco Valley if you have a car rental and want an isolated and relaxing holiday.

Luxury accommodation

If you’re searching for a luxurious stay in the Uco Valley with mountain views, look no further than Casa de Huespedes La Azul . The location is perfect, as it’s next to several wineries, and the hospitality is outstanding.

The Diplomatic Hotel is a luxury 5* hotel in Mendoza City. The entire property oozes opulence and is exquisite, inside and out. It also features an outdoor pool and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.

Mid-range places to stay

Posada Mawida is a family-run lodge in the heart of the Maipu wine region. You’ll have beautiful views of the Andes mountains from the property, and there’s even a pool with picturesque vineyards as the backdrop.

Casa de Coria is a charming B&B with delightful hosts. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and it’s a great choice for a relaxing stay. The location couldn’t be better, as it’s within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and wineries in Lujan de Cuyo.

I stayed at Aires de Coria in Lujan de Cuyo, and it was fantastic! The large rooms are tastefully decorated and include a private en suite bathroom. It’s centrally located, just a short walk from the bike rental stores.

Windmill Hostel in Mendoza City is an excellent option for budget travelers and backpackers. It’s a short walk to the bus station and has an awesome atmosphere. There are private rooms as well as dorms available.

Final thoughts on Mendoza wine region

I couldn’t help but fall in love with Mendoza, Argentina.

Be it the stunning views of the Andes Mountains, the magnificent dining options under the vineyards, or the quaint streets and friendly neighborhoods. Oh, and the superb Mendoza wines, of course.

I suggest spending 5 days exploring the wineries of Mendoza. You won’t regret it!

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Do you have any questions about the Mendoza bodegas and wineries? Drop me a question in the comments section below!

Looking for more Argentina travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!

• How to Plan The Perfect Patagonia Travel Route
• The Perfect 3 Day Bariloche Itinerary
• The Best Hikes in El Chalten, Patagonia
• Perito Moreno Minitrekking: Ultimate Guide
• Where to Stay in Bariloche, Patagonia

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Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

How to Visit Valle de Uco in Mendoza: Best Wineries and More

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We're the sisters who founded Across South America 15 years ago... and we're here to help you fall in love with South America just like we are!

Are you dreaming of a getaway filled with rolling vineyards, world-class wines, and enchanting landscapes? Look no further than Mendoza, Argentina’s beloved wine country, where every corner is a treasure waiting to be explored.

As a discerning traveler with a taste for the finer things in life, I know you appreciate the allure of world-class wine destinations. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you an exclusive insider’s guide to the Mendoza wineries, Argentina!

Mendoza, often referred to as the heart of Argentina’s wine country, invites you to explore its sprawling vineyards and prestigious wineries. This region is not only Argentina’s primary wine-producing area but also stands tall on the global stage, most notably for its full-bodied Malbecs, a varietal that has become synonymous with the Argentine winemaking tradition.

When you visit Mendoza wineries, you’ll discover a range of other robust reds and crisp whites, such as Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay, each embodying the unique terroir of the area.

When visiting Mendoza wineries, you’re not just exploring the city; you’re embarking on a journey through a rich tapestry of viticulture that’s been woven into the landscape over centuries!

As you tour the various bodegas and tasting rooms, you’ll find that Mendoza wineries are as diverse as the wines they produce, ranging from small, family-run operations to large-scale, state-of-the-art facilities. Each offers a unique opportunity to learn about the meticulous process of transforming grape to glass while taking in the stunning Andean backdrop. Your Mendoza experience is set to be both enlightening and memorable, with every sip capturing the essence of this wine connoisseur’s paradise.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply seeking a luxurious escape, Mendoza offers an unparalleled wine-tasting experience that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving more!

Mendoza Wineries Luxury Travel Guide:

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History of Mendoza’s Winemaking

Your exploration of Mendoza’s winemaking history isn’t complete without understanding the profound impact Italian immigration has had on forming the heart of this fertile wine country. Steeped in tradition, the wineries of Mendoza tell a story of cultural fusion, pioneering techniques, and a steadfast commitment to the art of viticulture.

Italian Immigration and Wine Legacy

As you trace the lineage of Mendoza wineries, it becomes abundantly clear that Italian immigrants were instrumental in shaping its destiny. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, waves of Italian families settled within the main wine regions of Mendoza, infusing their rich winemaking heritage into the local soil.

These passionate individuals brought with them invaluable knowledge and practices from Europe’s esteemed wine cultures, ultimately planting the seeds for a flourishing wine industry.

The impact of Italian immigration is evident in the identity of Mendoza wineries. From the high altitude regions of Lujan de Cuyo to the sprawling vineyards of the Uco Valley, Italian ingenuity bolstered the wine-making craft.

Mendoza now stands proudly as a premier wine capital, significantly influenced by the zest and dedication of these early Italian settlers, who tirelessly worked to blend their ancestral expertise with Argentina’s unique terroir.

Geography and Climate

The Mendoza wine region in Argentina is celebrated for its distinctive geography and climate, which are pivotal to the character and quality of its wines. Here, you’ll discover how the high altitudes and the Andean influence create an unparalleled terroir for viticulture.

High Altitude Vineyards

Your journey through Mendoza’s wine region will take you through areas such as the Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo, where vineyards are perched at altitudes ranging typically from  2,300 to 5,600 feet . These high-altitude vineyards benefit from intense sunlight and cool nights, which contribute to the grapes’ balance of sugars and acidity, vital for producing rich and flavorful wines.

• Advantages of High Altitude : Enhanced sun exposure and thermal amplitude stimulate the development of thicker grape skins, leading to more robust and complex wines.
• Distinctive Features : Besides the general elevation, you’ll find  alluvial soils  rich in minerals, which are perfect for winegrowing due to their good drainage and fertility.

The Andean Influence

The  foothills of the Andes Mountains  not only provide a breathtaking backdrop but also play an integral role in creating the  perfect conditions  for viticulture. The mountains serve as a barrier, contributing to the dry and arid climate, and as a source of meltwater for vineyard irrigation.

• Climatic Impact : The Andes cast a rain shadow over the region, ensuring a dry climate that helps prevent vine diseases commonly associated with wetter conditions.
• Water Sources : Pure Andean snowmelt water is fundamental for irrigating the vineyards, delivering essential nourishment to the Mendoza grapevines.

The confluence of high altitudes, the right soil composition, the dry climate, and the ability to manage water supply creates a terroir that is not only unique but conducive to the production of high-quality wines revered around the world.

Exploring the Wine Regions

The Mendoza wine region is ingeniously irrigated by Andean snowmelt, which fosters the growth of vineyards across three key subregions: Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and the Uco Valley. Each subregion offers a distinct experience, with Maipú providing a historical perspective, Luján de Cuyo featuring some of the most established estates, and Uco Valley presenting a more modern and innovative approach to winemaking.

From the high-altitude vineyards of Uco Valley to the traditional estates of Luján de Cuyo and the accessible Maipú Valley wineries, you’re about to discover what makes each area distinct.

Uco Valley Wineries

Uco Valley , often referred to as  Valle de Uco , is recognized for its high-altitude vineyards, which contribute to the nuanced flavors and intense colors in the wines produced here. The region is particularly noted for its full-bodied Malbecs, fresh Semillons, and elegant Pinot Noirs. You can explore some of the best wineries in the Uco Valley that offer not just tastings, but a spectacular view of the Andes mountains as a backdrop.

Luján de Cuyo and Its Vineyards

The prestigious region of  Luján de Cuyo  is considered the birthplace of Malbec, offering wines with rich flavors and deep history. It’s known for red wines that showcase the complexity gained from the region’s varied terroir. Visiting Luján de Cuyo, you’re engaging with vineyards that have helped to shape Argentina’s wine reputation on the global stage. The area’s premium vineyards are not to be missed, providing an experience that combines traditional methods with modern innovation.

Maipú Valley’s Offerings

Maipú Valley , the closest wine region to Mendoza city, is where accessibility meets quality. This region is characterized by its rustic charm and historical wineries. Maipú is ideal for those who wish to delve deeply into Mendoza’s wine culture without straying far from the city. Full-bodied and high in alcohol, the wines here reflect the warmth of the valley and include both reds and whites with a bold profile. Experiencing Maipú Valley’s wineries is straightforward and immensely rewarding, especially for those interested in the artisanal aspects of winemaking.

READ MORE: Our Ultimate Guide to the Best Wineries in Argentina

Top Mendoza Wineries

Mendoza is home to a diverse range of wineries, from intimate, family-run estates to larger, internationally recognized brands. You’ll find wineries with deep historical roots as well as modern wineries that have garnered attention for their innovative and high-quality wines.

Boutique vs. Mass-Produced Mendoza Wineries

Boutique Mendoza Wineries

In Mendoza, you’ll find small-scale producers crafting artisanal wines, where you can expect more intimate tastings and often a chance to meet the winemakers!

My selection of the best Boutique Wineries to Visit in Mendoza:

• Domaine Bousquet : Combines French winemaking techniques with the region’s perfect growing conditions for organic wines.
• Susana Balbo Wines : Susana’s Signature wines capture her ultimate expression as a winemaker – creating bold wines with an artistic finesse you never get tired of drinking.
• El Enemigo : “Casa Vigil, the divine winery” is the personal project of Alejandro Vigil. Alejandro has the highest rating ever given to a pure Cabernet Franc wine by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, awarded to El Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc of Gualtallary, Mendoza.

Mass-Produced Mendoza Wineries

In Mendoza, you’ll find a delightful mix of boutique wineries and internationally renowned estates, each offering its own unique charm and flavor.

My selection of the best International Wineries to Visit in Mendoza:

• Catena Zapata : A leader in Argentine wine production, known for its high-quality Malbec.
• Bodega Norton : One of Mendoza’s oldest, it has received international acclaim, particularly for its Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Familia Zuccardi: Renowned for both innovation and tradition, offering unique experiences

Oldest Mendoza Wineries with a Story

If your are willing to Step back in time and uncover the stories behind some of Argentina’s most beloved wine estates, where tradition, passion, and innovation converge to create unforgettable experiences, there are 2 wineries you need to visit.

Bodega La Rural: Founded in 1885 by Italian immigrant Don Felipe Rutini, Bodega La Rural is a true landmark in the history of Mendoza’s wine industry. With over a century of winemaking expertise, this historic estate continues to produce some of Argentina’s most iconic wines, including its renowned Rutini brand. Indulge in a tasting of La Rural’s signature wines, where you can sample a selection of their acclaimed Malbecs, Cabernet Sauvignons, and more, each one a testament to the estate’s enduring legacy.

Bodega Weinert : Nestled in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Weinert is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Founded in 1975 by Bernardo Weinert, a German immigrant with a passion for winemaking, this historic estate is renowned for its commitment to traditional methods and artisanal craftsmanship.

Whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking a taste of Argentine hospitality, these historic estates promise an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Mendoza’s wine country.

Wine Varietals and Specialties in Mendoza wineries

In the heart of Argentina’s wine country, you’ll find a variety of exquisite wines that have garnered worldwide acclaim, particularly the renowned Malbecs and an impressive range of both red and white varietals.

Famed Malbecs of Mendoza wineries

Mendoza’s flagship variety ,  Malbec , has risen in the ranks to become a global favorite, largely due to the region’s perfect winegrowing conditions that bring out the best in these grapes. These full-bodied red wines are characterized by their deep violet hues and robust tannins. They often exhibit lush fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, sometimes with a hint of spice or vanilla when aged in oak. The  Uco Valley  is particularly famous for producing Malbecs that display a fierce and powerful character.

Diverse White and Red Wine Offerings

Mendoza isn’t just about Malbec; your palate can explore an array of both red and white wines. Besides  Malbec , Mendoza’s wineries cultivate premium  Cabernet Sauvignon  and  Cabernet Franc , which are red varietals known for their structure and aging potential. Among whites, the crisp and aromatic  Torrontés  and the versatile  Chardonnay  stand out for their fresh profiles. Some vineyards in the region also produce sparkling wines, utilizing traditional methods to create effervescent drinks that are perfect for toasting special occasions. Whether you prefer a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or a delicate sparkling wine, Mendoza’s wineries cater to a broad spectrum of tastes.

Wine Experiences in Mendoza

Wine enthusiasts like you often seek captivating experiences combined with the opportunity to taste exquisite wines. Mendoza wineries, known for its high-quality viticulture, offers memorable wine tastings.

But Mendoza wineries are not limited to simple wine tastings; they offer a blend of activities that can enrich your visit. Enjoy a guided tour through the vineyards, perhaps on  horseback riding  for an adventurous twist. Engage in  wine pairings  where foods are meticulously matched with wines to enhance the flavors in your glass. At the  end of the tour , some Mendoza wineries may surprise you with a creative exhibition or a walk-through of their cellars. Moreover, the  tasting room  is where every detail from aroma to palate is discussed, helping you understand the nuances of each varietal.

Exclusive Experiences you can’t miss when visiting Mendoza

Do you Picture yourself soaring above the vineyards in a helicopter, or dining under the stars at a private estate, or maybe indulging in a wine and wellness retreat?

Mendoza promises to captivate and delight at every turn!🌿

✨ Helicopter Wine Tours: Elevate your wine-tasting experience to new heights with a helicopter tour of Mendoza wineries. Soar above the sweeping landscapes of the wine country and take in panoramic views of the Andes Mountains as you make your way to some of the region’s most prestigious wineries. Touch down at exclusive estates such as Catena Zapata or Bodega Ruca Malen, where you’ll enjoy private tastings of their finest wines paired with gourmet cuisine. With personalized service and breathtaking scenery at every turn, a helicopter wine tour is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your Mendoza getaway.

✨ Private Vineyard Dinners: Immerse yourself in the romance and elegance of Mendoza’s wine country with a private vineyard dinner under the stars. Set amidst the vineyards of a boutique estate such as Bodega Norton or Bodega Vistalba, your evening begins with a guided tour of the winery followed by a tasting of their acclaimed wines. Then, retreat to a candlelit table set among the vines, where a sumptuous multi-course meal awaits. Indulge in locally sourced ingredients and expertly paired wines as you savor the flavors of Argentina in a setting that’s nothing short of magical.

✨ Wine and Wellness Retreats: Treat yourself to a luxurious wine and wellness retreat in the heart of Mendoza wineries. Stay at a boutique hotel such as Cavas Wine Lodge or Casa de Uco, where you’ll enjoy five-star accommodations and personalized service at every turn. Start your day with a sunrise yoga session overlooking the vineyards, followed by a guided tour and tasting at a nearby winery. Then, indulge in a pampering spa treatment using locally sourced ingredients such as Malbec grapes or olive oil. With its perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, a wine and wellness retreat promises to leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the world.

Best Times to visit Mendoza wineries

When planning your visit to Mendoza wineries, timing is crucial for an optimal experience.

Best time to visit Mendoza wineries:  The peak time to explore wineries in Mendoza is during the  harvest season , from late February to April. This is when the region buzzes with activity, and you have the unique opportunity to witness the winemaking process in full swing.

Summer months  can be very hot, but vineyards are lush and vibrant. Visiting during the  summer  offers the advantage of long days, picturesque sunsets, and a full schedule of wine tours and tastings.

Where are the best hotels to stay in the Mendoza Wine Region?

When planning your stay in Mendoza’s wine country, expect to find a wide array of accommodations that cater to your love of high-end wines and the ultimate comfort. From luxurious lodges to boutique hotels, you’ll have access to upscale amenities and experiences tailored to oenophiles.

Staying in Wine Country

To elevate your experience, we’ve curated a selection of the best wine lodges in the region, promising unparalleled luxury, exceptional hospitality, and of course, exquisite wines. 🏞️🍷.

At  boutique wineries  and lodgings throughout Mendoza, the dining experiences are curated to complement the vineyard’s portfolio. You can expect to enjoy gourmet meals in on-site dining rooms where the focus is on regional cuisine that matches the elegance of the wines served.

Take a look at my Top 3 Luxury hotels in Mendoza Wine Route of Argentina :

✨ Cavas Wine Lodge, located in Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza: The lodge offers you an experience steeped in luxury with views of the Andes serving as a picturesque backdrop. As one of the first boutique wineries with a lodge in the area, Cavas does not disappoint. Each room boasts a private plunge pool and rooftop terrace, ensuring your stay is as exclusive as the wines produced in the region. Cavas is part of the Relais Chateaux collection worldwide.

✨The Vines, Valle de Uco, Mendoza: Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes Mountains, The Vines Resort & Spa is a luxurious retreat that celebrates the essence of Argentine hospitality. Featuring spacious villas and private residences, each thoughtfully designed with rustic elegance and modern comforts, this resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore the surrounding vineyards on horseback or bicycle, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine paired with exceptional wines at the hotel’s signature restaurant, or simply soak in the panoramic views from the infinity pool. With its commitment to sustainability and community, The Vines Resort & Spa offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience in Mendoza.

✨ Susana Balbo House and spa Suites : Experience the epitome of luxury at Susana Balbo House and Spa, an exclusive retreat nestled within a private vineyard in the heart of Mendoza. Designed by renowned winemaker Susana Balbo, this intimate boutique hotel offers just seven beautifully-appointed rooms, each exuding elegance and sophistication. Immerse yourself in the art of winemaking with personalized tours and tastings led by expert sommeliers, or simply unwind in the serene surroundings of the hotel’s spa, where rejuvenating treatments await. With its impeccable service and attention to detail, Susana Balbo House and Spa offers a truly immersive wine country experience.

READ MORE: Best Mendoza Luxury Hotels to stay in 2024

Culinary Experiences

In Mendoza, the fusion of traditional flavors with innovative culinary techniques promises a gastronomic delight. Your palate is set to embark on a journey through refined dining experiences and rich, locally-produced olive oil.

Gourmet Dining and Local Delights

Your culinary adventure in Mendoza might begin with a  gourmet lunch  at one of the  best restaurants  in the region. These establishments often feature dining rooms overlooking the vineyards, providing a picturesque setting for your meal. At these venues, you can relish exquisite dishes that are skillfully paired with the winery’s best vintages. For instance, you could enjoy a sophisticated multi-course meal that showcases the essence of Mendoza’s culinary heritage at Susana Balbo Winery, directed by a head chef. Here, the use of fresh, local ingredients is paramount, and each dish is carefully crafted to match the profile of the accompanying wine.

Not to miss is the 7 Fires Experience in Valle de Uco, Mendoza, where renowned chef Francis Mallmann invites you to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina’s wine country.

At the heart of Mallmann’s culinary philosophy are the seven fires, a collection of ancient cooking techniques that pay homage to Argentina’s rich culinary heritage. From grilling over a wood-fired grill to roasting in a traditional clay oven, each fire imparts its own distinct flavor and texture to the dishes, creating a symphony of tastes and aromas that dance on the palate.

7 Fires experience is a must-visit destination for food lovers and luxury travelers alike! 🍷

Olive Oil Tasting and Production

Beyond wine, Mendoza is also celebrated for its olive oil, with groves thriving in the region’s climate. Indulge in a tasting experience where you learn about the intricate process of olive oil production. Tours typically guide you through the olive groves and delve into the pressing and bottling processes. You have the opportunity to taste a variety of oils, noting the subtle differences in flavor and aroma. Olive oil tasting in Mendoza can be as profound an experience as wine tasting, offering an insight into another facet of the region’s rich agricultural bounty. For instance, visit a winery that also specializes in olive oil making and enjoy samples straight from the press.

READ MORE: Colome Winery & Estancia — a Hidden Gem in a Hidden Gem Destination

Activities for Non-Wine Lovers

While Mendoza is renowned for its wineries, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find an assortment of activities beyond the vineyard that cater to various interests. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or fascinated by culture and history, this destination ensures an engaging experience for all.

Outdoor Adventures

Breathtaking landscapes beckon you outside in Mendoza. As an outdoor activity lover, you can embark on a  bike tour  through scenic routes, tailored for both solo riders and groups of friends. Explore the foothills of the Andes on a day trip or even consider a multi-day excursion for a full-blown adventure. If cycling isn’t your speed, Mendoza also offers opportunities like  horseback riding  or  hiking  to immerse in the natural beauty away from the bustling city.

Cultural and Historical Visits

Should your interests lean toward the cultural, the  city of Mendoza  itself is steeped in history. Meander through  museums , admire colonial architecture, and dive into the local market scene. For a deeper understanding of Argentina’s past, join a  historical tour  that can transport you back in time, revealing stories about the region’s indigenous peoples and the colonial era. Within a few hours’ journey from Buenos Aires, your exploration into South American history awaits.

Taking Mendoza wineries Wines Home

You’ve wandered through expansive vineyards, lingered in aromatic  barrel rooms , and savored the complex flavors of  Argentinian wine . It’s only natural to want to preserve the memories of this journey. Choosing wines to take home is not just about selecting bottles; it’s about capturing moments.

• Assess your cellar needs : Reflect on whether your  wine cellar  at home lacks a bold Malbec or a crisp Torrontés.
• Understand wine aging : Not all wines are meant for the long haul. Pick those that will mature gracefully over time.
• Consider storage conditions : Ensure you have the right environment at home to keep the wines in their best condition.
• Legal considerations : Keep in mind the quantity regulations and tax duties that apply when transporting  wine  internationally.

Before leaving a winery, ask if they offer shipping options. It may be more practical than carrying the bottles yourself, especially if you’ve found multiple wines that speak to you.

Remember, each bottle from a Mendoza winery is more than just  wine ; it’s a testament to the rich history and dedication of the  wine industry  that thrives here. Bringing these wines into your home allows you to share and extend the warmth of Argentinian hospitality with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you’ll find concise answers to some of the most common questions regarding Mendoza’s wineries, helping you plan your visit effectively.

What are the best Mendoza wineries to visit in the Uco Valley?

The Uco Valley is renowned for its high-quality wineries such as Bodega Catena Zapata and Salentein. Each offers a unique experience with tours and tastings that showcase their exceptional Malbecs.

Can you recommend family-owned Mendoza wineries in the Lujan de Cuyo region?

Yes, family-owned wineries like Carmelo Patti and Bodega Ruca Malen in the Cuyo region offer personalized tours and have a rich history, providing insights into Mendoza’s winemaking traditions.

How many wineries are there in Mendoza?

Mendoza boasts over a thousand wineries, making it a pivotal region for Argentina’s wine production, with a large variety focused on Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

Is it necessary to make reservations before visiting wineries in Mendoza?

It is advisable to make reservations before visiting wineries in Mendoza, as many do not accept walk-ins and have specific tasting schedules.

What are some of the most picturesque Mendoza wineries?

Wineries like Bodega Norton offer stunning views of the Andes, while Lagarde Winery features a historic setting that provides a visually delightful experience with its lush vineyards and elegant architecture

READ MORE: The Most Romantic Wine Hotels in South America

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Best Wineries in Mendoza, Argentina + Travel Guide

One of my travel goals is to visit all the major wine producing regions on the world ! So, I was really excited about visiting Mendoza, home of Malbec and Argentinian wine. Mendoza is located at the foothills of the Andes mountain range, close to the Chilean border and capital, Santiago. As Argentina’s number one wine producing region, the Province of Mendoza has no shortages of some amazing wineries (bodegas). This post covers some of the best wineries to visit in Mendoza.

Table of Content

The wine producing regions of mendoza, a typical day touring, how to book tours, how many days, private tour or driver, other modes of transportation, notes about driving, where to stay, getting to mendoza, lujan de cuyo.

Mendoza is the name of the province AND the name of the capital city within the province. There are actually three major wine regions in the province of Mendoza. These are: Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, and the Uco Valley. One thing to note about these 3 regions is that the quality of the wines and the views get better as you go higher.

• Maipu  is closest to the city of Mendoza and easiest to reach using readily available modes of transportation (i.e., bus, taxi, bike)
• Lujan de Cuyo  is located about 20 minutes from the city center but is still accessible.
• The Uco Valley  is located about an hour and half from the city but is home to the best wineries in Mendoza paired with some amazing views of the Andes. You need to either have your own car or hire a private driver to visit this region.

Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley are the two more popular regions. If you are very pressed for time or have only a day, then visit Uco Valley for the best wineries and views! However, as I mentioned, you will need your own car or a private driver. If renting a car or hiring a private driver are not options for you, then visit Lujan de Cuyo during your one day in Mendoza as this area can be reached by regular taxi.

I visited 4 wineries including a multi-course lunch per day and I think that was rushing it a bit. Some wineries offer lunches with wine pairing and these take a good 2-3 hours. If you are doing a multi-course lunch, then I recommend 3 wineries if you want to take things nice and slow. If you don’t mind visiting 4 wineries a day then I suggest visiting 2 in the morning, then lunch, followed by one more in the late afternoon.

Mendoza is known for it’s really good food. In fact, 4 of Argentina’s 7 Michelin star restaurants are in Mendoza!! As I mentioned above, some wineries offer multi-course lunches with wine pairings. I highly recommend doing one per day you are here. Dinner at wineries are a lot harder to come by as most close around 5 pm but I did still manage to find one (more below!)

I cannot recommend booking in advance enough! It was holiday season when I visited and all the wineries were packed! It is very easy to reserve in advance. Most wineries have an online reservation system or will have a WhatsApp number to contact them. If there are wineries you absolutely want to visit, then book those far in advance as you can, to ensure you can get the date/time you want.

This really depends on you! You can spend weeks here and there will still be enough wineries to go around. I spent 2 full days and 1 night visiting wineries. Plan on 3-4 days if you are planning on visiting most of the wineries I have mentioned below.

How to Visit Wineries and Get Around

Self-driving offers the most flexibility. Especially if you are visiting the Uco Valley. However, it’s the least ideal for visiting wineries, especially Argentinian wineries where the pours are very heavy! If you are traveling in a group, you may be able to have a designated driver or take turns being one each day. If you are traveling solo, you will probably have to cut back on your consumption. I was doing more than visiting wineries in Mendoza (more to come on this!), so I rented a car through Mendoza Rental and had a really good experience. I contacted Mauro via WhatsApp and it was very easy to communicate with him. He had the car ready for me when I landed at the airport and I was also able to drop it off at the airport, without having to drive to the city.

This is the best way to visit some of the best wineries in Mendoza but it definitely comes at a higher cost. If you are traveling with a group of friends, then you can split the cost and it won’t be too bad. There are 2 types of options here. One where you have a driver and they drive you to the wineries that you book and the other is where the company will arrange all the wineries and you have a driver who will take you to those places. Some places have set wineries that they take customers to while with some others, you can pick and choose the ones you want to visit and they will arrange the tour

Tour Companies

Here are a few options for companies that can arrange things for you:

• Driver in Mendoza – They are a highly rated company with many options to choose from. You can tour 1 region in a day or a mix of regions (i.e., Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley). You can also select the wineries you want to visit or they will do it for you.
• Mendoza Wineries Tour – This company was recommended to me. They also will arrange your winery tours for you.
• Trout & Wine – A friend of mine went with this company and she said it was good. They offer both private tours and small group tours. They are a little pricey!
• Borravino wine Tours – This company offers a slightly different model, where the price includes everything! That is the driver, the tours and tastings and a lunch.

Here are a few options of individual drivers.

Please note that they were all recommended in a travel forum I am a part of. It can be a little hard to come across private drivers, so I wanted to share these numbers with you but with the disclaimer that I haven’t used them personally.

• Miguel Sanz – +5492614190737
• Walter Nievas – +5492613368550
• Adria Carlavan – +5492615331377
• Cesar Martinez – +5492613141773

Cabify, Uber or Remis – You can use Cabify or Uber in Maipu and in Lujan de Cuyo. You may have to wait a bit in Lujan de Cuyo for a ride. As a back-up, I would ask all the wineries you are visiting if they can arrange a taxi, just in case. Cabify offers something called “Cabify Bodega” on their app. Basically it lets you book a driver for the entire day, who will do up to four stops with up to 3 passengers. It’s a lot cheaper than the private tour or driver option.

Bike – Biking is another popular way to get around in Mendoza. Both Maipu Valley and Lujan de Cuyo have dedicated bike lanes in places. This company offers rentals and winery bike tours.

Bus - The bus option really only works for Maipu and that too you may still have to get a taxi to get to your final destination.

Some of the roads in Mendoza are not the best. This statement applies to both small roads leading to wineries and even the main roads. There were a few main roads that were under construction when I visited. Also, be very careful about driving after visiting wineries. There are regular police checkpoints where they check for driving under the influence.

Mendoza has accommodation for every type of traveler and budget. I stayed in Chacras de Coria, which is located in Lujan de Cuyo. It was about 20 minutes from the city center and 30 minutes from the airport. This area is a lot quieter than the city center and has lots of restaurant options to choose from. Since I was doing a few other things beyond wineries, I wanted to stay in a place that was not completely away from everything. If you are looking for complete peace and quiet and want to stay away from the city, then the Uco Valley will be your best option.

My favorite way to look for a place to stay is to use booking.com. I love their many filter options where you can filter for location scores and various amenities.

If you are coming from Buenos Aires, then you will have to fly to Mendoza. Luckily it is a very short flight and there are multiple flights a day from Buenos Aires. If you are coming from Chile ( Santiago ), you can drive through the Andes. It takes about 5.75 hours but this does not include time to cross the border. The route is very scenic but can be very winding and windy!

Best Wineries in Mendoza

Now let’s get to the best wineries in Mendoza! I have divided this into the 3 regions. I did not get to visit each and every winery in this list in the interest of time. However, all these wineries are the ones I had narrowed down from my many counltless hours of researching for the best wineries in Mendoza!

Generally, wineries in the Maipu region are pretty underwhelming and there is nothing much to write home about. However, there are two exceptions.

I had one of the two best meals I had in Argentina at Casa Vigil . This winery has a Michelin star restaurant and it is always on the World’s Top 50 Restaurant list. In addition to lunch, they also offer dinner, making them one of the few wineries in Mendoza that does both. The meal is multi-course with wine pairings. Each course and the paired wines were simply *chef’s kiss*! I cannot recommend this winery more. A winery tour is included with the meal. Casa Vigil is also called El Enemigo Wines. They currently sit at number #10 in the Best Wineries in the World list.

Bodega Trapiche

I did not visit Bodega Trapiche but it is another well ranked winery in the Maipu area. Also, the brand is well known throughout the world or at any store that sells Malbec. Trapiche is one of the oldest wineries in the region and was established in 1883.

Catena Zapata

Catena Zapata is perhaps the best winery in Mendoza! In fact, it was awarded the number 1 spot for the best wineries in the world ! Catena is one of the oldest Malbec producing wineries in the region. Their building is shaped like a step pyramid and the top floor terrace, offers some stunning views of the Andes. I did the tour with the make your own wine mix experience! You need at least 2 hours for this. In all honesty, I wish I skipped the tour and just got to the wine mixing! I can see why this winery is the number 1 in the world! It feels like a very luxury experience from the minute you step foot through the doors of the pyramid. Reservations are a little hard to come by, so book as early as you can!

Clos de Chacras

Situated on a bike route, Clos de Chacras is in the heart of Chacras de Coria. They are a boutique winery that is family owned. They offer tours of the vineyard, tastings and lunch. I had a very fun tour of the vineyard at Clos de Chacras. They have a really good story and a history which is highlighted in the tour. Seeing some of the old vats and ways of making wine in the 1920s was definitely memorable . After the your, you can do a tasting on their deck next to their large coy pond. Their lunch menu gets really good reviews if you want to check it out!

Ojo de Agua

Ojo de Agua might be one of my favorite winery experiences in Mendoza! First of all, the vineyard is stunning! And there is something very quiet and peaceful about this winery which I really enjoyed. I had a private tour and tasting. My absolute favorite part was the cheese platter that came with the tasting. The tasting area is beautiful and overlooks the vineyard. They also have a lunch option that gets very good reviews!

Susana Balbo Wines

I love the way the tour was done at Susan Balbo . Trust a woman to get it right! Yes, Susan Balbo Wines is owned by a woman and is another beautiful winery. The tour and tasting is integrated where we had tastings at various times in the tour as the tour progressed.

Ruca Malen is a popular winery for lunch where you can have a multi-course meal with wine pairing, overlooking their vineyard, with the mountains off in the distance. They have a mention from the Michelin Guide however, the chef’s other restaurant is one of the 4 Mendoza restuarants that has a Michelin star. The food and the wines were both excellent! The serves do a good job explaining each dish and the sommelier will do the same for each wine pairing. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal and wine at Ruca Malen.

I reserved via WhatsApp. Their website has the number.

Achaval Ferrer

This winery is relatively new, only opening in 1995. I did not visit Achaval Ferrer but read really great reviews about them, especially about their stunning setting.

Carmelo Patti

This is the one place I have deep regrets about not going but I know I had good reason. Carmelo Patti is an individual winemakers that operates a garage winery. Carmelo will take you on a tour of his facilities and wine making process. People rave about this experience. Unfortunately, the tour is in Spanish (and my Spanish is asi, asi) and that is the reason I decided against visiting Carmelo Patti.

Bodegas Salentein

Bodega Salentein is huge! It is also one of the biggest producers of wine in the region. The wine was excellent, although it was on the expensive side! Salentein is another regular on the World’s Best Wineries list.

Tip – If you are driving, Google may send you down a road that has no access to the winery (you end up at their back gate which is not manned). Ignore the turn off that Google gives you and keep to the main road. The main entrance is just off the main road. There is a big board and you can’t miss it!

The vineyard at Andeluna is really beautiful. Andeluna also offered a really good tour, very similar to that of Susana Balboa, where we got to taste as we did the tour. I love this as I think it’s the most efficient way to tour a winery. The tour ends up all the way down in the cellar. I loved that the tour had a mixture of wines and not just Malbec.

Bodega La Azul

This is a family-owned winery and the only Uco Valley winery owned by a family from Mendoza. Bodega La Azul offers a 5-course lunch with wine pairings. The wine pairings are bottomless. Meaning, they keep the bottle at your table and go away! After lunch, you are taken for a tasting and get to drink wine straight from the barrel. The main course in my 5 course meal was one I will remember forever! I am not a huge steak person but wow! This steak was cooked to absolute perfection! Literally melted in my mouth!

I did not get to visit Alfa Crux but read really good reviews about them. They are a little out of the way but the reviews say it is fully worth it. A lot of people call out their really beautiful and unique architecture in addition to their wine. They also have a really good lunch option that people rave about!

Zuccardi is another winery that gets called out for its beautiful architecture, stunning views, good wine and food. They have in previous years been in the number #1 spot for the best wineries in South America.

I really wanted to visit SuperUco but unfortunately they were closed the day I wanted to visit. People who visit SuperUco rave about their wine tour and their food.

Domaine Bousquet

This small, family owned winery, produces organic wines. Domain Bousquet is a good winery to visit if you are looking for a smaller winery experience.

Did you find this post on the Best Wineries in Mendoza useful? Please let me know by liking/commenting below or sharing this post on social media! Thank you!!

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Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, I get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Love wine? Check out my posts on other wine producing regions below

• Alsace Wine Route, France
• Casablanca Valley, Chile
• Maipo Valley, Chile
• Rhine  and Mosel ( Cochem  and  Beilstein ), Germany

Best Wineries in the Maipo Valley, Chile

Best wineries in stellenbosch and franschhoek, south africa.

• 8 Best Fairytale Towns and Villages on the Alsace Wine Route, France

One Full Day in Reims and Champagne, France

• Itinerary for 3 Days on the Alsace Wine Route + Travel Guide

Itinerary for 3 Days in Mendoza

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This article is so helpful! Thanks for all of the great info on Mendoza wineries!

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful!

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Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting! Believe it or not this blog is not my full time job! I work 8-5 in Supply Chain and run this blog after work!  I’ve dreamed of traveling the world since I was a child and at 48 countries and counting, I am so grateful to get to live that dream.

To say travel is my passion is truly an understatement! What I love most about travel is that I get to connect with locals and meet with fellow travelers from around the world. In addition, travel also enables all my other interests like photography, architecture, art, music and food!  Please feel free to share any posts or leave me feedback on how I can improve. Thank you and happy travels!

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Vineyards and best wineries in Mendoza: how to choose which one to tour

Wondering what the best wineries in Mendoza are? You’ve come to the right place. How to select the right vineyard to visit in Mendoza wine region? Come and explore to find which one (or many!) is right for you.

Which are the best wineries in Mendoza for touring ? I came up with this question when we planned our last trip to Mendoza, and I wanted to include the Wine Route in it. But there is a long haul between choosing the top notch wineries and being able to really tour them.

When you’re planning a trip to Mendoza , the sheer number of wineries can be completely overwhelming. The most frequently asked question for visitors to Mendoza is: Which wineries should I visit? . But if you ask five people who have been, you’ll get five different answers! With winery options ranging from casual to refined and rustic to elegant, there is a winery in Mendoza to suit any palate and any style.

That is why, in this article, I want to tell you the things to take into account to visit the wineries of Mendoza without any mishaps , and I want to share my experience so that you have all the necessary information to plan your visit.

¿Qué encontrarás en este artículo?

Where are the wineries in Mendoza located?

There are several winery areas in Mendoza, but the main ones are:

• Luján de Cuyo.
• Uco Valley.

As for landscapes, those of Uco Valley are spectacular, but they are 53 miles to the south of the city. On the other hand, those of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo are much more accessible if you are going to stay in Mendoza city .

There are also wineries in the area of San Rafael , such as Bianchi, in case your trip is through the south of the province.

How to get to the wineries

How do you want to get to the wineries? There are various ways you can visit the best wineries in Mendoza . You have many options for transportation. The best transfer option will actually depend on your budget and priorities, so I’ve listed below all the possible alternatives. You can choose the one that suits your travel necessities best!

▶️ The most practical thing is to drive your own vehicle, as many wineries are far from the urban centers. Anyway, beware of alcohol tests : if you drive you will not be able to drink any alcohol , since the alcohol tolerance in Mendoza is zero. I usually use Rentalcars.com to compare prices for a rental car and book the best deal.

▶️ In case you don’t have a car or prefer to be able to drink without being worried, there are excursions that take you to tour them. For example, there is a well-known tour that picks you up at your hotel and takes you to visit two wineries, and it is affordable . ➥ Book it here!

▶️ Another highly recommended alternative is the Wine Bus, or “Bus Vitivinícola” , a sightseeing bus which has several different routes and stops depending on which one you choose: there is one for Valle de Uco, another for Luján de Cuyo, etc.

It will take you to different vineyards and wineries in Mendoza. In some wine bus tours you can choose a full day or half day tour , depending on how you have organized your itinerary in Mendoza. Book in advance and check the days of each tour in each booking link:

➤ North Uco Valley : The wine bus follows a unique route with stops at Salentein winery, Domaine Bousquet winery, Andeluna winery and the famous Gaia restaurant. ➥ Book it here!

➤ South Uco Valley : The bus has stops at two different wineries, Zuccardi Valle de Uco and Gimenez Rilli. ➥ Book it here!

➤ Maipú wine region : Full-day tour is a single route with stops at Olivar Zuelo, Santa Julia winery, Casa del Visitante winery and La Rural wine museum. ➥ Book it here!

➤ Luján de Cuyo & Maipú : This tour visits famous vineyards and wineries in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú. It stops at various wineries, for example: Casa Vigil, Bressia, Las Perdices, Penedo Borges, Tierras Altas and Cruzat. ➥ Book it here!

▶️ If you want to experience a more energetic activity, the wineries in Maipú area can be explored by bicycle . The land is quite flat. ➥ Book you bicycle in Maipu here . Something even more fun? hire a winebike tasting tour , ideal if you are traveling with friends or want to meet people and have a good time!

▶️ Would you like something more private ? There are private tour alternatives where they pick you up at your accommodation and you are taken to tour two wineries. This is ideal if you would like to go only with your family, partner or friends, without having to adapt to another group. Besides the most important aspect of a driver getting you there safely, they also can provide information and history. You can choose to go to those wineries of Maipú ( book it here or here ), Luján de Cuyo ( book it here or here ) or Valle de Uco (which is usually more expensive for being at a greater distance. You can book it here! ).

Which are the best wineries in Mendoza?

There really is no best or worst winery, it’s all about what you want! Which Mendoza wineries suit your style ? There are many ways to experience the incredible wines grown and produced here.

Choosing the best wineries in Mendoza is something subjective, so I’m going to rely on concrete and objective facts to classify them.

According to The World’s Best Vineyards Academy that selects the 100 best wineries in the world , the Argentine winery that appears in the highest position in the ranking is Zuccardi Winery , and no less than in the first place! The good thing is that this ranking is not centered solely in the quality of the wine, but in many other details that make a unique experience when visiting a vineyard , like the route, the landscape, the food or the surroundings.

In 2021, there were 3 wineries from Mendoza in the top 20 of this ranking: the first position was for Zuccardi wines , the seventh for Catena Zapata , whose design is characteristic for being a pyramid based on the Mayan architecture, and position 18 was for Trapiche .

On the other hand, the SuperUco winery won the first prize in Sustainable Practices in Best of Wine Tourism 2021 . They work the vineyard in an organic and ecological way, practicing biodynamics, which implies focusing on the natural elements without using any chemical compounds, herbicides or fungicides.

How to choose the best Mendoza wineries to visit

When you start looking for wineries to visit in Mendoza , you realize that it is a challenging task. There are so many! And being able to filter the ones that you may be interested in from those that you may not, for sure it requires a big effort.

I would love to have a month available to visit a different winery everyday, but it’s not my case and I guess it won’t be yours, either. Then, there is no other option than to choose some.

So, how to select the right vineyard to visit in Mendoza? I’ll give you some guidelines that I found useful to decide which wineries to visit . Planning can be part of the fun, so I hope these travel tips help you create an itinerary that is best for you when visiting Mendoza vineyards.

The best ones

To begin with, we always try to visit the best wineries, those of the rankings , as I mentioned in the previous point.

But is it really necessary to go to the best ones?

Perhaps we should analyze whether we know enough about wines so that we really understand the difference and, on the other hand, we must bear in mind that it is difficult to get availability. For example, in Zuccardi Valle de Uco I didn’t get a place in any of the three times I asked.

Transportation

Do I have a car to get around on my own? If that’s not the case, it is best to focus on wineries that have easy access, such as Bodegas López , or hire an excursion to visit them. The alternatives to choose are limited, though.

Winery restaurants

If you wish to have a full experience, a good idea is to look for wineries in Mendoza for having lunch or dinner . Not all wineries have a restaurant, so you’ll have to pick one.

This point may not be of much influence for you, but in my case, when looking for winery restaurants for lunch, I wanted them to have a good view of the vineyards and, above all, of the mountains. To me, it was a key point, so when it comes to choosing the best Mendoza wineries to visit, the setting is almost as important a factor to consider as the grapes themselves.

Know your intentions

Are you visiting for the first time and just want to have fun and explore? Is this trip less of a focus on wine purchases and more about the romance? Do you want to experience something more than just tasting wine?

There are tours where you can learn general wine education and how the wine is made. But you can also do a wine and food pairing lunch, have a picnic and more! Ever wanted to create your own style of wine? So you can do a blending class!

Favorite wines

What are your favorite wines? If you feel strongly about particular varietals (sparkling wines, only Malbec, etc.) then you can head for the wineries that make what you like. For example, if you like sparkling wines, you should definitely take the Chandon winery tour .

The price will be another filter, for sure. What is your budget for wine tasting and purchasing wine? There are two costs to consider for each winery: the tasting and the cost of the wine.

Visiting wineries in Mendoza can be from free to quite expensive , depending on which winery it is, whether we want to experience only tasting, or lunch. Based on our budget, we’ll have to decide how much we’re willing to pay for the experience. Anyway, I can assure you it’s worth it.

How much time do you have? Wine tastings in Mendoza can last anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours or more. And some wineries are remote! If you are short on time, you should skip the wineries in the Uco Valley or consider taking a half-day tour like this one .

Availability

Finally, no matter how much you want to visit a winery, it won’t be possible if there is no availability or if it’s closed at the time of your trip. So it is best to get to this point with at least a couple of wineries to contact, in case Plan A does not work.

Otherwise, you can ask the tour agencies , who usually have extra availability.

Tours, tastings and winery restaurants

When I chose to visit some vineyards in Mendoza, I knew that in addition to the classic tour and tasting, I wanted to have lunch in a winery that offered a good selection of Malbec wines .

Which wineries do have a restaurant ? Not all, but some offer an outdoor lunch with a tasting menu paired with their wines. Depending on the day of the week, they usually open at noon and some also in the evening for dinner. It is necessary to book a table in advance .

Here I share some options that I found (they could be more, but some wineries like Luigi Bosca were closed until the end of 2022 and others, like La Azul Winery , never answered).

Note : The prices are paid in Argentine pesos but, due to the inflation rate in the country, I will provide an estimated price in dollars (at the official rate).

Salentein Wineries

Located in Uco Valley, Salentein is a modern winery. It has an art gallery and a wine cellar which is characterized by its design and by having a compass rose on the floor, and where classical music concerts are held for its good acoustics. It is one of the most sought-after wineries, since it has spectacular architecture and still better views. There are several photos on its official website .

In The World’s Best Vineyards Academy ranking that I mentioned above, it was positioned in 23rd place in 2020 and the 67th in 2021.

It offers the classic 1-hour tour to the winery and the art gallery, with a tasting of 3 wines at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. And there are two schedules for the top tour, where there is a premium wine tasting. The price starts at $30 per person (official dollar rate).

They also have the Salentein Restaurant that offers a 4-course meal menu with two pairing alternatives. From $50 (dollars).

🚩 Location : Valle de Uco (you can take this wine bus which stops in Salentein, or you can also go on this private tour ).

💯 An interesting detail: Did you know that you can stay in Salentein Wineries ? They have this lodge among vineyards in Mendoza, which is highly demanded.

Zuccardi Winery

Zuccardi Winery is located in Valle de Uco at 1100 masl, and has a unique design, with a metallic dome that reflects the sunlight.

It has four schedules for touring and tasting, apart from the renowned Piedra Infinita Restaurant .

If you are willing to visit this winery in Mendoza, I recommend booking well in advance. We tried to go there 3 times, but we never got a place (in spite of trying to book several weeks before). This is Zuccardi website .

On the other hand, in Maipú you can find Santa Julia Winery and Pan & Oliva restaurant which is among olive groves and has very good reviews (both belong to Zuccardi).

🚩 Location : Valle de Uco ( this wine bus stops at Zuccardi Winery and this one goes to Santa Julia winery in Maipu).

Trapiche Winery

As I mentioned before, Trapiche Wineries took 18th place in The World’s Best Vineyards Academy of 2021 and in 2019 had won as the best winery of New World Wines at the Wine Star Awards .

Trapiche is one of the most visited wineries in Mendoza. It is a historic winery from 1883 and was one of the first to include French vines and import French oak barrels. It is also characterized by being next to the old railway tracks.

The guided tours with a tasting last around an hour and they are held every day every 2 hours, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The price starts at $30 per person (official dollar rate).

The Espacio Trapiche haute cuisine restaurant offers a 3-course meal menu and is open from Thursday to Monday at noon, or Friday and Saturday for dinner. It costs from 60 to 100 dollars, depending on the pairing you choose.

The restaurant has excellent reviews, but if you are looking for something more relaxed or inexpensive, they have the Estacion 83 Wine Bar . It is a train car that used to take the grapes from the harvest to the winery, where you can drink bulk wine in the gardens, just as if it were craft beer.

🚩 Location : Maipú ( this private tour goes to Trapiche).

Nieto Senetiner

Nieto Senetiner winery is one of the historic wineries of Mendoza , since they have been making wines since 1888.

Its winemakers are considered benchmarks in the country’s wine industry. In fact, in 2020 Santiago Mayorga was the only Argentine selected among the 50 most influential under-40 people in the wine world.

It offers tours, tastings and a restaurant in a spectacular setting, with century-old vineyards within walking distance and the Andes mountain range as a background.

I will tell my full experience in another specific article.

🚩 Location : Luján de Cuyo ( this private tour goes to Nieto Senetiner).

Alta Vista Winery

The environment of Alta Vista is very nice and the winery offers tours and tastings every day at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. From 15 dollars per person (there are 3 types of tastings to choose from).

They also have a proposal called A day in the countryside which consists of a relaxed lunch in the gardens, with a 4-course meal menu, and two pairing options to choose from. From $45 (dollars).

🚩 Location : Luján de Cuyo.

Lagarde Winery

Lagarde still has its winery from 1897. From this winery I love their wines and the environment they created for having lunch under the big trees . It is also easily accessible for being close to the center of Luján de Cuyo, which is a plus. Still I was very surprised as it was “trapped by the city”, and yet they managed to create a beautiful place overlooking their vineyards.

Tours are made from Tuesday to Friday at 10:00 am, but it is advisable to check beforehand because it may change. It includes a 3-wine tasting and it costs from 23 dollars per person.

They also have the Fogón Restaurant , which although it has a very modern indoor place, I loved the outdoor place with tables under the large trees and attached to the vineyards. They offer a 4 or 7-course meal menu, starting at $65 (dollars). They also have an à la carte menu where lunch includes the guided tour, which is a clear advantage. They are closed on Wednesdays, and on Fridays or Saturdays you can also have dinner.

They also offer different proposals, such as blending your own wine, or a blind wine tasting.

If you buy wines directly from the winery, you get a 20% discount on the price list. The Proyecto Hermanas Pinot Noir is exquisite.

Vistalba Winery

I was struck by the offer of original activities in this winery , and I thought it was a good idea to include it in the list in case you are looking for a different proposal.

You can choose between playing a wine blending game, or being taught the techniques of tasting, or a blind tasting to guess the wines you are drinking. There is also a classic tour and tasting at 4 schedules, from Tuesday to Sunday, and they have a wine bar to have a glass of wine with a view to their vineyards in Mendoza.

🚩 Location : Vistalba ( this private tour goes to Vistalba winery).

Chandon wineries

If you enjoy sparkling wines , this is the winery you should visit in Mendoza. We toured it on a previous trip, and I remember that we were surprised by its flawless gardens .

They currently offer a tour and tasting of 3 sparkling wines, which lasts around 1 hour, at 5 different schedules a day. From $15 (dollars).

They also have a 4-course lunch menu at Bistro Chandon , which includes water and a glass of sparkling wine per plate. From $50 (dollars). You can ask for an upgrade for an extra $15 (dollars) for pairing with Baron B line.

A more relaxed alternative is the picnic in the gardens , try some cheese, cold cuts and empanadas with a sparkling wine.

🚩 Location : Agrelo.

🍷 There is an excursion that leaves from Mendoza city and takes you to tour Chandon Wineries, which is ideal if you don’t have a car or if you plan to drink alcohol.➥ Book it here!

López Winery, free touring in Mendoza

I left the proposal of Bodegas López , founded in 1898, to the end since it has some special details: it is easily accessible from the city of Mendoza if you take the Metrotranvía , and the guided tour, which includes the tasting of 2 wines, is free.

That’s why I have already mentioned it in the article about things to do in Mendoza Argentina , since it is really very easy and cheap to arrive there on your own, even without your own car.

It also has the Rincón de López Restaurant , with a set menu or à la carte.

🚩 Location : Maipú.

Tips when visiting a winery in Mendoza

• Booking in advance : most wineries handle reservations and you won’t be able to get access to them if you don’t book in advance. Besides, many of them do not have any availability a month in advance, such as Zuccardi.
• Alcohol breath tests : the best advice I can give you is to not drink and drive. The alcohol tolerance in Mendoza is 0% so, in case you drive, it is best to plan a designated driver, or go by taxi or excursion, so you don’t drive. Of course, there are tests everywhere: we had to do one at 7:00 in the morning while going to do trekking to the Aconcagua mountain.
• Priorities : You shouldn’t tour many wineries the same day, especially if you are willing to have lunch in one of them. The meals, paired with wines, are long and I promise you will not be willing to continue touring other wineries later.
• Check the days wineries are closed beforehand. This may suffer changes throughout the year.

Can you stay in any of the wineries in Mendoza?

There are some with lodging, although they are not so many, and as imagined, prices are quite expensive. Having said this, it must be for sure an incredible experience to wake up next to the vineyards.

Three of the most exclusive options of lodging near the vineyards of Mendoza are:

• Casa de Uco Wine resort .
• Casa Petrini .
• Estancia Mendoza Wine Hotel .

In case it is what you are looking for, I recommend that you book in advance , especially in high season and in February-March, when it is harvest time in the land of the Wine Route.

Wineries and vineyards in Mendoza FAQs

How many vineyards are in mendoza.

There are more than 150.000 hectares of vineyards, roughly 1,000 registered wineries and over 150 tasting rooms in Mendoza. This can make selecting the right ones to visit a challenge, but using our tips you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect ones to come visit.

What is the best time to visit Mendoza’s vineyards?

Although there is tourism all year round, many tourists visit the wineries during the summer, between December and February, but keep in mind that it can be very hot. Personally I prefer to go in autumn or spring, when the weather is more pleasant.

Another ideal time to visit Mendoza’s wineries is between February and April, during the grape harvest season, although you should book accommodation in Mendoza and tours in advance.

How many days do I need to visit the wineries in Mendoza?

It depends on how much you like wine! I think one day would be the minimum, but I would spend at least two days, one for Luján de Cuyo and Maipú and another for the Uco Valley, which has incredible landscapes. Anyway, you could even use a week to visit wineries in Mendoza.

Map of wineries in Mendoza for visiting

…and that’s a wrap! I hope this list of the best Mendoza vineyards & wineries was useful to plan your trip. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. Have fun!

Soy Bea, creadora de contenidos en este blog. Llevo 15 años viajando de forma independiente, por más de 40 países. Ahora trabajo de mi profesión mientras viajo. Disfruto de caminar, la naturaleza, la fotografía, el verde de los arrozales y la comida italiana en todas sus variantes.

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7 Best Wineries & Bodegas in Mendoza

Mendoza is an amazing city in Argentina famous for its one-of-a-kind vineyards. Here are the seven best wineries you should visit anytime you’re in town. 

You sure should stay until the end of this article because we will reveal a winery you can’t afford to miss anytime you are in Argentina! 

Number 7: Vistalba

A trip to Roque Saenz Pena 3531 in Mendoza will lead you to the beautiful and unique Bodega Vistalba which is nothing like any winery you’ve ever been to.

What makes this place so different is the winemaking process, which doesn’t use pumps like most wineries but employs the magic of gravity. 

This is done using an underground winery with the tasting room also underground. Surely, you can pair the tasty wines from Vistalba with lovely meals at the La Bourgogne restaurant, where you’ll get excellent services as well.

As most visitors would testify, bodega Vistalba features top-of-the-line facilities with vineyards that are surrounded by a magnificent landscape. 

The Corte A wine tasting package in this winery is highly recommended when you visit, but feel free to try the Corte B and C packages to form your own opinion.

What’s more? The vineyards are a great place for a romantic walk as it provides the perfect scene for a relaxing moment with your significant other. 

Also, they have amazing guides who don’t just reel out memorized speeches but will show you how much they love the wineries, and who want to share unique experiences with you.

NUMBER 6: FAMILIA ZUCCARDI

Located in Maipu, a city on the outskirts of Mendoza, is a bodega that has established a name as one of the largest and most reputable wineries in this lovely city.

The Familia Zuccardi, which is run by top winemaker, Sebastian Zuccardi, boasts of several attractions, including the vast vineyard where you can spend a full day biking in bliss. 

A tour here will give you insider knowledge of the winemaking process, which ends with some lovely wine tasting. This bodega is also arguably the best place to get some high-quality olive oil in town as they have their thriving olive grove. 

Of course, the wine is fantastic and many reviewers will agree to this fact. Be sure to leave with a few bottles from the stylish shop available on the premises of the winery when going, and you won’t regret your decision.   

Visitors are particularly impressed by the work that goes into researching the best ways to produce top-notch wines and the breathtaking architecture of the Familia Zuccardi facility and restaurant, and I am sure you’ll be too!

Moreover, you can end your day with a tasty Italian lunch to complete the beautiful experience. 

NUMBER 5: CASARENA

Casarena can only be the perfect name for this winery that features earth-toned stucco around the winery's outer area. This place was originally built about a century ago. However, the family winery was renovated and reopened in 2007. 

Ever since then, the owners have opened the doors of Casarena to people from far and wide to taste their unique collections of wine while enjoying the beautiful city of Luján de Cuyo, where it is located.

So, if you’re ever at Brandsen 505, you should stop by the Casarena Bodega for the wine-tasting experience of a lifetime. 

Tours to this fantastic city are often available from Mondays to Saturdays, and many visitors highly recommend the restaurant. It sure is the perfect place to pair the high-quality wines of Casarena with a tasty lunch.

Plus, you can settle in at the beautiful outdoor patio, where you’ll also enjoy spectacular views. 

However, be sure to book a reservation beforehand as they get a lot of traffic. 

NUMBER 4: BODEGA RUCA MALEN

No doubt about it, the Bodega Ruca Malen put a lot of thought and planning into making sure that every visitor leaves its premises with a unique experience and beautiful stories to tell.

One of the ways they achieve this is by making the menu strictly seasonal. This means that, every three months, they present an updated menu with the meals paired with five specific wines. 

So, when you visit the Bodega Ruca Malen, you’re sure to get a combination of tasty wine and excellent food.

 That’s five courses to tantalize your taste buds while you admire the impressive view of the vineyard. You also get to enjoy views of the mountains that spread beautifully around. 

Surely, the highlight of your visit will be the guided tour through the winery, where an experienced guide will give you lots of details about the Bodega Ruca Malen, from the winery's history to the wine production itself. 

Take this from someone who has witnessed the blending class at this winery, you can rest assured that it’s definitely worth joining and is going to be a lot of fun.

So, you should free up some time and head over to enjoy lunch with freshly prepared wine while also enjoying unforgettable views at the Ruca Malen.

NUMBER 3: DOMAINE BOUSQUET

It is no longer news that family-owned wineries in Argentina have been a hit for centuries, and that’s not changing anytime soon.

This is little wonder as the Domaine Bousquet is one of the best wineries in Mendoza where you can discover fantastic wine unlike anything you ever had. 

The owners of this winery hail from France and are on a mission to provide the perfect combination of the European style of winemaking with the cool terrain of the Uco Valley, where Domaine Bousquet is located.

So, what should you expect from a tour to this winery in Tupungato of Mendoza? 

Well, let’s start with the wine-tasting experience itself. You’ll be presented with three lines of wine, and many reviewers have revealed how difficult it is to pick a favorite. Indeed, they are all absolutely amazing. 

After the fun and educational tour of the vineyards, round up your day with a visit to Gaia restaurant for a four or six-course meal, paired with your choice of wine.

NUMBER 2: BODEGA TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES

Located in Luján de Cuyo, Terrazas de Los Andes is a vast vineyard that houses a wide variety of grapes grown exclusively to produce wine that leaves a lasting positive taste.

One of the first things you’ll notice about this cleverly positioned winery is the breathtaking views it offers. And if you’re a picture freak, then this is an absolute paradise. 

Terrazas de Los Andes is named after the terraces where the grapes are grown, and during your tour, the guide will let you choose the wines you want to taste.

This makes it an even better experience as you don’t have glasses of wine shoved in your face without paying attention to your preferences. 

Meanwhile, a super interesting fact about this bodega is that it’s located next to a much older bodega, built around 1898.

However, this area in Mendoza experienced a devastating earthquake about a century ago that brought the old bodega down. Thankfully, it wasn’t demolished but left as a sharp yet beautiful contrast to the Terrazas de Los Andes, an interesting clash between the old and the new. 

NUMBER 1: SALENTEIN

Los Arboles, Tunuyan, where Bodega Salentein is located, has extremely deep religious roots, which are reflected in the shape of the winery.

The structure is an elegant shape of the cross that doesn’t just serve as a symbol but was also cleverly designed to increase production. 

Well, the guide will be very willing to explain how this architecture was seamlessly integrated into the overall production quality of the winery.

Meanwhile, the views of the vineyards and mountains are some of the best you’ll find in Mendoza, especially as the winery sits perfectly in the middle of the vineyards. 

The cellar has an impressive 5000-barrel capacity, while the winery doubles as a gallery that houses exclusive Argentine art collections. Indeed, this is a delight to behold, and can only be matched by the amazing 3-course meal available for your pleasure at the winery’s restaurant.

As reviewers will often say, it’s a bucket load of breathtaking experiences.

You might also like: Where to Stay in Mendoza

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The Best Wineries to Visit in Mendoza

Mendoza has over 1500 wineries divided between three main regions: Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, and Uco Valley and is the biggest wine-producing region in Argentina . It is known for its deep purple medium-full-bodied Malbec which is perfect to go with Argentinian grilled meats. In Medoza, they also grow Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and many other grape varietals, that are great for blending with Malbec.

The best wineries to visit in Mendoza, in our opinion, are boutique wineries that produce high-quality products . The smaller wineries are more personal and intimate with the possibility of meeting an owner or a winemaker or both.

We have met many winery owners this way that we keep in touch with, share pictures of our dogs and check on each other’s well-being occasionally. That connection and charm are part of the experience we are looking for when we visit a winery.

The list of wineries that we recommend below shows that, except for Zuccardi which we chose more for its influence on the wine industry in Mendoza than anything else.

History of Wine in Argentina

Argentinian wine-making goes back to the 16 th century, but it did not make a name for itself in the wine world, until the late 20 th century.

Argentina, like Chile, attracted a large number of European immigrants in the late 19 th century because it was not impacted by the phylloxera epidemic in Europe.  Immigrants from Spain, Italy, and France brought the vines with them and planted them where they settled.

Until the late 20 th century most of the wine in Argentina was produced for domestic use focused on quantity, not quality and they consumed a lot of wine, more than any other country in the world! According to our winery tour guide at Close De Chacros , wine consumption in Argentina dropped drastically in the 1970s with the import of soft drinks from the US, and the wine industry suffered a great deal. This gave Argentina a great opportunity, mainly Mendoza, to reinvent itself.

During this time, neighboring Chile was overhauling its own wine-making industry and making headway with exports to the US and Europe, and Argentina followed. Another little fact that helped Argentina was winemaker Nicolas Catena Zapata, of Bodega Catena Zapata, who was studying in the US and during this time he developed a strong relationship with Robert Mondavi. Upon his return to Argentina, he completely reinvented the winery and the wine he was making to complement the wines he tasted while in California. With his success, other vineries followed and by the end of the 1990s, Argentina was exporting over 3 million gallons to the United States and just as strongly to the UK.

Mendoza is Argentina’s biggest, most successful wine regi on. It produces nearly two-thirds of the country’s wine. The region is framed by the snowcapped Andes, the vines are planted at 1,400 meters above sea level, some of the highest in the world which makes for very picturesque scenery. It is extremely dry and there is no threat of too much rain, but hailstorms are notorious in Mendoza. Hailstorms can be very localized, and many growers have their vineyards spread out to hedge their bets against losing their vines. Nowadays most vines have netting around them to protect them from hail.

Things to know before visiting wineries in Argentina

Mendoza’s three wine regions are within driving distance from the city itself. Renting a car or hiring a driver is the best way to travel from winery to winery. We never book more than 3 wineries in one day, and if we are having lunch at one of the wineries then only two. Experiencing South American wineries is very different than European wineries. They are much more spacious; food is usually part of the visit and marketing seems to play a bigger role. When we say food, it is not just a tasting snack; these are five-course lunches or dinners with wine pairings and beautiful views all around you.

Reservations

Make a reservation ahead of time . However, this was not an easy task for us. We emailed about a dozen different wineries attempting to make reservations and heard back from less than half of them. You can ask your hotel to help with this since sometimes they have better contacts. 

While in Bariloche , at one of the restaurants we had a bottle of Malbec we liked, and while talking with the manager, she suggested we visit the winery while in Mendoza and try some of their more premium lines. We could not fit another winery tour in our schedule but figured we could stop at the winery for a tasting and buy some bottles to bring home with us. It was an ordeal to get in without a reservation but with a combination of our broken Spanish and “we want a drink” hand gestures, we were able to communicate that we just wanted to stop in for an unscheduled tasting.

My point here is it can be done. But the right and more comfortable way to do it is to make reservations ahead of time.

Size of the wineries

Most of the wineries are a much larger size than what you will see in Europe when visiting boutique small-production wineries. You cannot just drive up to them. They are gated and guarded.

In France and Italy, smaller wineries are a three or four-person operation that includes the owner, the tour guide, the winemaker, and everything in between. South American wineries are much different. They usually have foreign investors and an entire team of people trying to market their wine.

Sometimes even if you are visiting wineries in the same region they are not clustered together like in some other wine regions, there still may be some driving between the wineries. You may be driving wondering how there could possibly be anything in the area and all of a sudden, you see the sign and gate on the side of the road.

The tour you have booked is most likely not going to be a private tour and some wineries offer tours in English only on certain days and certain times. There is usually a charge for a tour and if you buy wine after the tour, often they will waive the fee.

Best Wineries to Visit in Maipu

The closest region to Mendoza and home to about only 20 wineries.

Familia Zuccardi Winery

If your first introduction to Argentina is somewhere other than Mendoza, chances are you will see this name everywhere. The wine you are drinking, the olive oil or vinegar you are using on the salad, sponsored silverware, umbrellas, bar stools, their name is everywhere.

We usually do not like large commercialized wineries, but Zuccardi’s success has opened the doors for so many other wineries and small winemakers in Mendoza, plus their location is very convenient and accessible from Mendoza.

The Zuccardi family tries to stay relevant and innovative and has invested in an R&D department at the winery to better understand the terroir and different variables that affect wine quality.

Familia Zuccardi wines include the Zuccardi, Santa Julia and Malamado brands.

For tours and tastings, you can visit their website .

Their wine list is quite extensive. The wines that we have enjoyed are from the category of “Winemakers Wines”:

TITO Zuccardi – a blend of 90% Malbec – 6% Cabernet Sauvignon – 4% Ancellota

EMMA Zuccardi – 100% Bonarda – the first time we ever heard of or tried the Bonarda variety of grape was in Mendoza and EMMA is top of the line. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get it in the states yet.

“…DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECT WINES, BUT WINES THAT EXPRESS THE PLACE, THE REGION”. — SEBASTIÁN ZUCCARDI

Bodega Alandes

This winery is different than any other we have been to. The winery’s tasting room is in Maipu, while the vineyards are mainly in the Uco Valley.

Karim Mussi , the winemaker is not one to follow the traditional lines of winemaking, he brings pop culture and art into his winemaking. Some wine labels have quotes from famous musicians, poets, philosophers, and authors. During the tour, you come across a combination of old artifacts and movie posters. We have not come across too many winemakers with a personality like this, or at least willing to put that personality on display. Some of his blends are from different vintages, and they make for some very tasty wines.

Once again, the wine list is extensive, but some that we have tasted and brought back with us and have left a lasting impression on us are:

Paradoux Blend – 20% Merlot – 20% Cabernet Sauvignon – 20% Cabernet Franc – 20% Malbec – 20% Petit Verdot – our favorite so far!

Karim Mussi – El Jardin De Los Caprichos 09 – 100% Malbec – the quote on the back of the label is from Charles Bukowski “I’ve kissed more bottles than people, and honestly, a hangover hurts less than a heartbreak.” – Agree.

Altocedro – 2012 Gran Reserva – 100% Malbec – we have not opened it yet. Waiting for a special occasion, like a Saturday or something else that seems so far in the distance right now.

Best Wineries to Visit in Lujan de Cuyo

Lujan de Cuyo is the home of Malbec and is only a 30-minute drive from the city center.

Clos de Chacras

The first impression as you drive into this boutique winery is ‘Hmm this place has a lot of character’. You quickly come across old tools, artifacts, and an old tower covered in vines. The story of this winery has just as much character.

The winery was built in 1921 but produced its first vintage as Clos de Chacras in 2004. Originally it was a part of a larger project led by the Gargantini family, and over time it has changed many hands until it was abandoned in the 1970s.

In 1987, the winery was put on auction and the granddaughter of the original winemaker, Bautista Gargantini, buys it back into the family, along with her husband whose great-grandfather worked on improving the irrigation system in Mendoza. It was a match made in heaven for producing high-quality, elegant wines.

Unlike some other wineries in the area, Clos de Chacras has only four different wines in their selection and you get to taste them all during the wine tour with cheese, chocolate, jam, and coffee bean pairings.

Fun Fact: ‘Clos’ in the name of a winery is French for enclosure.  It is typically used in the names of wineries that have a wall around the vineyards to protect against theft.  The word is still used in the names of many wineries even if the walls were removed a long time ago.

Cavas de Crizana – 100% Malbec – it is a fresh everyday wine aged in French and American oak barrels for 6-8 months

Eredita – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – means ‘Heritage” in Italian. Aged in French oak for 12 months gives it a balanced and lasting finish

Gran Estripe Blend – 65% Malbec – 15% Cabernet Franc – 20% Merlot – aged in new French oak for 18 months gives it an elegant long-lasting taste on the mouth. We brought a bottle back with us of the original 2004 vintage; it is happily getting chilled in the wine fridge while we wait for that special Saturday.

Memoirs Of Ida – has two lines 100% Cabernet Franc from Uco Valley and 100% Malbec from Lujan de Cuyo – aged in French oak for 18 months. This line is inspired by the owner’s mother Ida.

One of the most respected winemakers in Argentina, Roberto de la Mota, is a winemaker at Mendel . The grapes come from one of the 3 vineyards they have at different elevations to make some complex and intense wines with an elegant finish.

Other than the wines, and famous winemaker they have Sylvia Puebla an excellent host/tour guide who leaves visitors with a desire to come back for more wine and storytelling.

Mendel has a long list of wines they make, including white and rose wines. One of our favorites was:

Mendel Unus – 65% Malbec – 25% Cabernet Sauvignon – 10% Petit Verdot – well-balanced and mouth-filling wine.

If you have not noticed by now, we prefer the blends.

Best Wineries to Visit in Uco Valley

Uco Valley is not just known for the quality wine that it makes, but also for the scenery you enjoy while in the area.

La Azul is a small family-owned winery, the type of place we enjoy the most. During our lunch conversation with the owner, who was also one of our waiters and the chef, he told us he went to school to become a Veterinarian but decided to follow his passion and become a winemaker instead.

But maybe more popular than La Azul itself is the Resto de La Azul, where a 5-course lunch is served on an outside patio with plenty of wine to pair with the food. We were stuffed after the empanadas and choripan from the brick oven, but that does not mean we stopped eating! The wine was plentiful.

TIP: If you plan to visit La Azul for the famous lunch, consider hiring a driver to bring you back!

La Azul sits in the foothills of the Andes and the view is just amazing, we could have stayed there forever. The entire experience was surreal. We highly recommend going to La Azul for lunch. Our favorite wine was:

Azul Reserva – Malbec-Cabernet blend – full-bodied with a long, velvety finish.

Zorzal is the highest elevation winery in Mendoza located at over 1300 meters above sea level. It may be one of the youngest boutique wineries in the region with its first vintage from 2008. You will not find this winery on many other blogs and for that alone, it is worth a visit.

At Zorzal they use concrete eggs for fermenting some of the wines, we have seen clay eggs in Italy before, but concrete ones only in Chile and Argentina so far.

Eggo – Tinto de Tiza – 100% Malbec was the first wine that we tasted from this winery and it was interesting. Sour and fizzy notes on the tongue, it softened over time, but very different than any other Malbec we have tried.

Some other wineries we recommend:

Lagarde Winery

Bodega Casarena

Casa El Enemigo

Other helpful posts…

Sixteen Days in Argentina Things to do in Bariloche Thirteen Days in Chile One Perfect Day in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Italian Wine Classification How Wine is Priced

Argentina | South America | Travel | Wine

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The 4 Best Mendoza Winery Tour Experiences: A Complete Guide to Tastings, Restaurants, Wineries, Bike & Wine & more

Mendoza, Argentina is one of the global capitals for wine production, known for growing and vinting wine that competes with the best from France, Italy, Spain, California, and more. The difference between Mendoza and the other wine capitals is accessibility.

While in Napa and Tuscany, you will taste amazing wines and gourmet food, the experience comes with a high price tag for the experience. The tour, car rentals, accommodation, and more will potentially set you back thousands of dollars for a few day trip.

On the other hand…

Mendoza, Argentina delivers that same, delicious, world class wine, Michelin star restaurants, and knowledgeably narrated guided tours through vineyards, wine cellars, and passionately described tastings for a fraction of the cost – think, $30 for an entire day’s tour plus another $35 for a case of really good wine.

Better yet, in Mendoza and Maipu (the sister city that produces the wine) you have the option of being driven on a guided tour between wineries, rent a bike and cycling lazily between wineries, joining a Hop On Hop Off bus or even just walking.

No matter what your situation, the Mendoza wine experience is well worth the trip and detour during your Argentina and overall South America travels .

In this complete guide to the Mendoza wine experience, we’ll give you an overview of the best options for touring the Mendoza wine country – with a guided tour, by bike, on foot, and by public bus – as well as details and essentials you need to know to plan a great, wine themed stay in Mendoza, and plan how you explore the best wine South America has to offer.

After you’ve soaked up all knowledge on the Mendoza wine experience, be sure to check out our Mendoza travel guide .

This article contains affiliate links

Why you need to visit Mendoza for the Wine experience

• Bike & Wine in Maipu Bike & Wine in Lujan de Cuyo
• Hop on Hop Off Semi-Guided Tour

Mendoza City Center

• Maipu wine country
• Lajon de Cuyo & Vistalba wine country
• Valle de Uco wine country
• Getting to Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, Vistalba, and Valle de Uco and your winery of choice

Where to stay

Michelin star restaurants in mendoza, maipu, and lujan de cuyo.

If you’ve done guided wine tours, or even self-guided tours through Napa Valley, Italy, and France, then you’ll find the Mendoza and Maipu wine experience is far more accessible, affordable, and adventurous than wine tours through the other legendary wine capitals of the world. While I still recommend Napa if you have a chance, and it’d be foolish to skip a chance to wander French or Italian vineyars, I recommend Mendoza even more for how it fits into the South American experience.

The Top Reasons Why You Need to Include the Mendoza Wine Experience in Your South America Experience

• The Mendoza wine tours experience fits well into the Argentina and South America travel adventure, in both vibe and itinerary, as it feels Latin American, and sits on the route from Buenos Aires to Patagonia
• The vibe of carefree travel and solo travel experiences is stronger in Mendoza than in any other wine epicenter, as budget backpackers and solo travelers share tastings with wine connoisseurs
• Mendoza is the cheapest wine epicenter in the world to soak up the wine education and tasting experience, with a tour costing $30, a Michelin star meal costing the same, and tasting costing $.30 to $7
• Maipu and Mendoza’s densely packed wineries and wine bodegas mean you’re not riding more than 10 mins between wineries, and its even possible to bike or walk between wineries
• The nature of the travel – surrounded by warm and curious Argentinians and Chileans and more adventurous travelers – nearly guarantees you’re not sharing the experience with uptight snobs, just travelers and down to earth wine lovers. Local and foreign.

The Mendoza Wine Tour Options: Guided, by Bike, Hop on Hop off, and more

• Guided Mendoza wine tasting tour to 2 to 3 wineries by private bus, with hotel pick up and drop off
• Hop on Hop off Bus Wine Tour
• Bike and wine tour through Maipu (self-guided) to 4 to 7 wineries
• Bike and wine tour through Lajon Cuyo (self-guided) to 5 wineries
• Bike and wine tour through Vistabla (self-guided) to 5 wineries

Click each option above to jump to each mini guide below on how to make the tour happen for you

The Areas of Mendoza You Need to Know

• Mendoza City Center : Your base for the experience
• Maipu : Vineyards and wine, easily accessible by public transport
• Lajon de Cuyo & Vistalba : Old vine wineries next to the Mendoza river and Andean foothills
• Uco Valley : New vines and new wines, in the cooler mountain highlands

Mendoza, the capital of Mendoza province, is a “big little city” of just over 1,100,000 people. Though you won’t find any wineries in Mendoza city itself, this is where you should stay during your trip as it has the best and most accessible accommodation, and restaurants, bars, parks, and trails for your times between tastings. Convenient transportation departs to Maipu, Lajon de Cuyo, and Vistalba frequently.

Beyond wine, Mendoza is a hub for adventure sports and experiences such as trekking, mountain biking, and even summitting Mount Aconcagua – the tallest mountain outside of Asia.

After your wine tours, head to Aristides Villanueva street or Sarmiento street to start experiencing the best of Mendoza.

Read our full Mendoza guide for what to do outside of tasting and exploring

Maipu is one of the most popular and well known wine town regions within Mendoza, largely because it is so easily accessible by train, bus, or rideshare. Additionally, several options, from biking between wineries, walking, or taking a cheap ($.30) public bus make this one of the most accessible areas to tour.

Plenty of amazing wineries, cheap tastings, and well priced restaurants make this an optimal choice for travelers on a budget.

As well, the defined bike and wine route with wineries expecting bicyclers without a reservation make this a great area for an impromptu visit.

Maipu is 25 minutes away from Mendoza city center by electric train or rideshare, and 1 hour away by public bus

Bike & Wine Options: Mr. Hugo Bicycle Rental, Maipu Bikes

Learn more about the Mendoza city experience beyond the wine in our Complete Guide to Mendoza

Jump to the Maipu tour options

Lajon de Cuyo & Vistalba

While Maipu has large, expansive vineyards, Lajon de Cuy and Vistalba host smaller producers and the attention to details that comes with it. Additionally, Lajon de Cuyo sits closer to the foothills of the mountains and Mendoza Lake, which makes for more picturesque back drops and beautiful landscapes.

With a denser landscape of wineries, wine and biking as well as quickly bouncing between wineries on a hop on hop off tour or guided tour are easy and enjoyable in both the northern area of Lajon de Cuyo and the southern part of Vistalba.

Bike & Wine Options: Baccas Bikes , Vistalba Bikes

Jump to the Lajon de Cuyo and Vistalba wine discovery options

Valle de Uco: One hour south of Mendoza, but worth it

Located a one hour drive south of Mendoza City Center by car, the “newer” wine region of the Uco Valley sits at a higher altitude with a cooler climate, and a “new blood” wine culture. As beautiful and interesting as this area is, there is no public transport from Mendoza – so you will have to hire a car or tour or book accommodation in Uco Valley for the night.

So, where should you go?

Budget travelers, solo travelers, and those who wish to use public transportation for their tour will find it easier to get around Maipu.

Those who plan on biking or taking tours may find the views much more beautiful in Lajon de Cuyo and Vistalba.

Last, wine connoisseurs who want to experience the “new breed” of wineries in Mendoza should consider adding Valle de Uco to their itinerary on a different, additional day.

For all visitors, if at all possible, I recommend doing two days – one full day in Maipu, and one full day in Lajon de Cuyo, doing a biking experience in one and a guided tour in the other. Be sure to plan lunch at a bodega in each place.

Important notes to keep in mind as you plan your Mendoza wine tour experience

• Note that many wineries are closed on Sundays and Saturdays, so contact them before going and plan your tours for Monday to Friday
• The wineries that can be reached by bike generally do not require reservations for tours. For the others, contact in advance before arriving
• Many of the best wines made in Mendoza aren’t exported, so, drink plenty of those and buy a bottle too
• Malbec is king around Mendoza primarily by intention and due to marketing but Cabernets from Mendoza tend to be soft and even better so try many. Tempranillo or Viognier and sparkling wines are done extremely well too
• Message your bike rental location beforehand and reserve your bike if biking
• Download the “MendoTran” app to find when trains and public buses come and go
• Do multiple tours, such as a guided tour by bus first, then a bike and wine, then Uber between wineries, as all options are fun and deliver worthwhile, unique experiences
• Use Uber to get into and out of Maipu, Vistalba, and Lajon de Cajo, as it is a cheap (~$6 to ~$7) great option that allows you to save time. Uber will offer quicker pickups than Cabify.
• Remember to bring cash to keep things simple, as it will be needed, and not all places allow paying by card

The Best Options for Mendoza Wine Tours

The important information: there is no wrong way to experience wine in Mendoza.

Though the different styles of wine tours – from guided via shuttle bus, to private driver, to biking between wineries – may seem suited only by budget or adventure taste, in actuality, each approach has its own benefits.

In my opinion, the best way to experience Maipu’s wine scene is with one guided tour, one bike and wine tour, and then one train ride in and walking/Ubering between the last few wineries you’d love to see.

Guided tour by bus to 2 to 3 wineries, with hotel/hostel pickup

The standard Mendoza wine tour, popular with international travelers, backpackers, and Argentines visiting on the weekend is the standard guided wine tour to by shuttle bus.

The standard wine tour is great in that there is much heavier emphasis on touring the vineyards and the wine production areas for fermentation, processing, and bottling, as well as the wineries’ individual ethos.

If you’ve never actually toured a wine production facility and had the process explained, I highly recommend doing the tour. Learning how the actual desert of Mendoza can produce such tasty grapes, and how fickle and artful the process of turning those grapes into wine can be is an interesting and educational experience that helps you appreciate wine – especially Mendoza wine – even more.

How the guided wine tour in Mendoza works

On guide Mendoza wine tours, expect a very informative tour with 2 to 3 wineries and (likely) an olive oil tasting as well. The experience will lean towards interactive and very education with fairly small tastings by default, but comes with the opportunity to buy amazing wines insanely cheap. For example, I purchased a 1 year oaked Cabernet from 2018 for only $6 because of the tour, which more than balanced outside the small pour for the tasting.

The guided wine tour tends to be a ~5 to 6 hours long starting with pickup at your hotel or hostel at 2:30PM and drop-off at around 8PM. Most hotels and hostels will advertise the tour and arrange it, but the will actually be managed and run by a third party. Your hostel or hotel will book to call and arrange pickup and you will end up on a tour with guests from many other hotels – which actually adds to the fun.

I personally recommend booking the guided tour via Get Your Guide simply because you will be guaranteed a guide in English or Spanish, depending on your preference. On the day we went for the guided tour, our hostel staff mistakenly put us on a Spanish only tour which we found out a little too late (on the ride out). The tour was still fantastic, but may be difficult to enjoy if you don’t speak Spanish.

One of the best parts of the guided wine tours was hearing the varying histories, ethos, and production approaches of the different wineries. For example, one owner is 75 years old and insists on using traditional corks and roses as a “pesticide” because it is what his Spanish grandfather trained him on as a child. Another winery specializes in a specific type of grape and wine because their family built the winery on an underground river after much research.

I’ve visited Napa and Italy for wine experiences multiple times, and these experiences in Mendoza were by far more informative, casual, welcoming, and (seemingly) unpretentiously passion filled.

Cost of doing a guided wine tour in Mendoza

No matter who you book through (hostel, hotel, or Get Your Guide), a 2 to 3 winery tour will cost $27 to $30 USD.

Again, I recommend booking through Get Your Guide as the price is the same, and you’ll be guaranteed an English speaking tour, if you request it.

Click here to book your Mendoza Wine Tour via Get Your Guide

Tips and Recommendations for wine tours in Mendoza

• Pack snacks and water: You won’t be fed during the trip, so some cheese, crackers, and salami, as well as your own water on demand, will make the experience much more pleasant
• Be open to buying a bottle (or 6) of wine: Prices are insanely cheap for the quality of wine you get, and each winery has wines they only sell at the vineyard, or only in one shop in Mendoza
• Definitely go back on your own and try a few more wineries and consider coming back to try one of the restaurants, or, ask to leave the tour early and Uber to one of the Michelin star restaurants

Renting a bicycle and biking between 4 to 7 wineries and ending with Argentine barbecue

For those travelers up for a very unique self-guided tour, the experience of exploring wineries, tasting tens of wine, and learning how wine is made by simply biking between wineries is a fun, flexible option.

Maipu, Vistalba, and Lajon de Cuyo are so densely packed with welcoming wineries that you could easily bike between them…so many travelers do. Thanks to the option of an Uber ride or Cabify in, and several bike rental locations, “Bike & Wine” is one of the best approaches to experiencing Mendoza’s beautiful views, vineyards, and wines.

How the bike and wine experience works in

Simply arrive in your wine town of the day – Maipu or Lajon de Cuyo – by Uber, train, or public bus, and make your way over to your bicycle rental location of choice.

Maipu: Maipu Bikes , Mr. Hugo’s Bicycle Rental

Near Maipu Train Station ( Estacion Gutierrez ): Wine and Ride

Lajon de Cuyo: Vistalba Bikes , Baccus Wine Tours by Bike

Once you arrive, you’ll take 5 minutes to pay, get acquainted with the owners as well as the route you will follow through Maipu, Lajon de Cuyo, or Vistalba. However, be sure to save our list of wineries and routes by bike in each area.

From the start, you will simply ride alongside the road, on specially made bike lanes, to the wineries you choose. At each winery you will have the option of a paid tasting, which ranges from $.30 to $5 for the very exclusive wines. Additionally, several of the wineries, like Trapiche, offer some amazing lunch options at the restaurants located on site .

Though the route has 7 potential wineries in Maipu and 9 in Lajon de Cuyo that you can visit, people rarely make it that far, and 3 to 5 wineries is the average for a single ride.

Cost of doing the Bicycle and Wine Tour

(All costs are in USD to help you better plan for your experience)

• Getting to Maipu, Lajon de Cuyo, or Vistalba from Mendoza: $6 (Uber)
• Getting to Maipu from Mendoza by public transportation: $.20 (train), $.30 (bus)
• Bike rental: $10
• Tastings: $.30 to $2 for a small tasting of most wines, $1.50 to $13 for a really full glass

Now, let’s review the options, wineries, and routes for each of the bike and wine paths…

Bike & Wine Option 1: Maipu Main Biking Self-Guided Wine Tour Path

For those that choose the bike and wine tour from Mr. Hugo Bikes or Maipu Bike and wine, you will generally follow this path of wineries through Maipu. Many different bike rental shops recommend this same path, which is actually wonderful because you’ll share the path with other friendly travelers that are happy to chat and enhance your tasting experience

Start: Maipu Bikes or Mr. Hugos Bike and Wine

• Bogeda La Rural – Museo del vino rural
• Bodega Domiciano
• Trapiche (pricey restaurant but excellent wine)
• Tempus Alba (excellent)
• Vina El Cerno
• Mevi Bodega
• Bodega Vistandes
• Bodega El CarinaE (Restaurant with Asado to end the day)

Map of the Maipu Bike & Wine Route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M1eoiVEVxXRKqmfk6

I love this route, but, don’t feel bad if you don’t finish all of the wineries. Most of the wineries on this list offer great tours of their vineyards, grounds, and processing areas, as well as let you pay for as many tastings as you want. The downside (which is actually an upside) is you can spend half the day at a single one of these wineries.

Bike and Wine in Lujan de Cuyo and Vistalba

On the other side of Ruta 40 and closer to the Mendoza river and the Andean foothills lies another town and culture of wineries, situated densely enough with bike rental options that bike and wine is possible hear to.

Keep in mind that the train does not run to Maipu, so you’ll have to take Uber in or public transport.

The upside is that there are so many wineries and Michelin star restaurants in the area of Lujan de Cuyo and Vistalba that you could easily do two full days of tastings, winery tours, and eating.

For the Lujan de Cuyo bike and wine routes, 9 main wineries make a path with Vistalba bikes situated perfectly in between. This means you can start at Vistalba bikes and either do a 4 winery self-guided tour by bike to the north, or a 5 winery self-guided tour by bike to the south.

Bike & Wine Option 2: Lujan de Cuyo Northern Wine Route: 4 More Great Wineries

Start: Vistalba Bikes

• Bodega Vistalba
• Bodega Gieco
• Clos de Chacras
• Alta Vista Wines
• Bodega Benegas

Dinner or return back to Vistabalba Bikes

Northern Lujan de Cuyo Bike and Wine route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xh5j6cgKjacaDiu1A

Bike & Wine Option 3: Southern Vista Alba Bike and Wine Route: 4 More Great Wineries, on the other side of the Mendoza River

• Bodega Kaiken
• Bodega Ruca Malen
• Viña Cobos
• Bodegas Norton

Return to Vistalba Bikes and head to a Michelin level dinner

Southern Lujan de Cuyo Route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/znDKbzJdUQ5Rc7CX9

Hop on Hop Off Semi-Guided Tour through either Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, or Uco Valley

For those that want a little freedom while exploring the wine country, don’t want to drive themselves, and don’t want to Uber, Hop On Hop Off buses throughout the Mendoza wine regions are the best option.

The Hop On Hop Off buses have multiple pickup locations at which they pickup passengers once in the morning and once in the afternoon as well as drop off once at night.

Hop On Hop Off Passes can be purchases in half day or full day passes online or from the Cata International bus company at the bus terminal.

Information: https://busvitivinicola.com/fact-sheet/Fact-Sheet_EN.pdf

More info: https://www.argentina4u.com/en/best-seller-tours/hop-on-hop-off-wine-tour.html/

Other Amazing Wineries in Mendoza to Consider

Mendoza is renowned for its wine, wineries, and food good reason. No matter how long you stay, there will always be somewhere new to experience. By area, these are the additional highlight wineries that most visitors rave about and recommend. If you have a few more days, then consider visiting one, or a few, of these as well.

Lujan de Cuyo

• Riccitelli Wines

Vistalba Wineries

• Bodega Matervini
• Bodega Archival Ferrer

Maipu Wineries

Uco Valley Wineries

• Domaine Bousquet

Buying wine during the wine tours: Do it!

Most people think buying wine in Argentina at any shop in Buenos Aires to take home is a fantastic idea. Actually, it isn’t. While the quality of Argentine wine is great considering the average bottle price in Argentina of $3 to $8, the same bottle of wine in the US is usually only $20 to $30. It seems like a deal, but when you airline hassle and extra fees of getting the wines home, not just any bottle of wine is worth the headache.

However…

The same doesn’t apply in Mendoza, when purchasing at the wineries.

Each winery that you’ll tour in Mendoza has amazing wines available, including limited runs. Whereas the wine in the wine shops in Buenos Aires are good, the best wines you’ll find in Mendoza will be small batch and reserve production, so small that they are only sold on the estate or in Mendoza, and for a fraction of the price they’re sold for in wine shops around Argentina.

Even the best wines offered for sale while we toured Maipu and around Mendoza only $6.50 per bottle, and $5 if you purchased a box of 6. However, these were oak aged, reserve, and limited run wines vinted in small batches that would cost much more than $25 a bottle in the US. So, if you plan to buy wine to take home, take a tour and buy it in Mendoza.

Getting to Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, Vistalba, and Valle de Uco

To start the wine experience, you’ll need to get to your chosen location first. For each area, your options are:

• Uber or Cabify rideshare ride in

Guided tour by collective (shuttle bus)

Hop on hop off.

• Train from Mendoza (to Maipu only)

Public bus (to Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, and Vistalba only)

Uber or cabify to anywhere.

Throughout Mendoza and the nearby wine towns, Uber and Cabify are my favorite options for getting around. Generally here, rideshare rides rarely take more than 5 minutes to pickup, and rides cost between $5 and $7 to get from Mendoza to your destination (Maipu or Lujan de Cuyo) and cost ~$1 and $2 to get between winers. The trip to Uco Valley will set you back $30 to $45.

Within the wine cities, Uber generally picks up faster, but download both apps just in case

Cool Hack: $90 for Cabify Bodega, and a private driver from Mendoza for 8 hours

If you’re with a group and want to cram the most into a rich experience, consider “Cabify Bodega.”

Cabify Bodega is a package option within the Cabify app that, for a flat fee of $90, arranges a private driver for the entire day that will pick you up and drop you off in Mendoza. Along the way, the driver will take you to as many wineries as you want for up to 8 hours

If you book a tour, via Get Your Guide or the like, your shuttle bus will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or hostel, included in the price – so no need to worry about transportation at all

The Hop on Hop off wine experience, available through Vitivinicola allows you to hop on the bus from Mendoza at one set time each morning (for full day tours) and afternoon (for half day tours) and join a single evening drop off. Within Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo, the Hop on Hop off bus circulates through the wineries, allowing you to move around as you please.

Consult the tour brochure here to see the route times

You can purchase tickets online or at the Cata office in the bus terminal

Public Train from Mendoza (to Maipu only)

The public electric train departs Mendoza City Center continuously daily, allowing you to leave and return anytime you’d like for 300 pesos ($.30) each way. The ride is only 25 minutes each way.

Keep in mind, you will still have to take a public bus or a $2 Uber to the bike and wine locations, or your wine bodega of choice.

Note that the train only runs to Maipu.

The main train station in Mendoza is here but there are 19 other stops between Mendoza Central Station and Gutierrez Station (the final stop, in Maipu).

The public bus system is the cheapest and most flexible option for getting from Mendoza to Maipu or Lujan de Cuyo, as there are several buses running and they drop off at all of the major spots and wineries.

To find a pickup and drop off spot, I highly recommend using Google Maps’ directions function for public transportation. Locals will recommend the MendoTran site and app which is good and accurate about the time to arrival for buses, but the routing function did not work for me.

For most visitors, the best location to stay is in Mendoza City Center, as close as possible to Aristides Villanueva street. This location is perfect because it puts you walking distance from the main drag of Aristides Villanueva, with restaurants, bars, and breweries, Sarmiento walking street, with a similar setup that is more family friendly, and the parks of Plaza Independencia and Parque General San Martin.

For hotels, the Sheraton Mendoza is the best option in terms of quality and location if your budget doesn’t matter

For the traveler crowd and couples that still wants comfort, Mora Hostel is the perfect choice , as it offers private rooms, a solid breakfast, a wonderful courtyard, and all the comforts of home.

For the backpacker crowd, both Gorilla Hostel and Jacque Mate are as good as it gets with good facilities, and the perfect location next to the main drag of bars, restaurants, and entertainment.

Where to eat around Mendoza

The Mendoza is about the wine experience, and food & wine should be a single experience. Plan your eating for in town in Mendoza, which isn’t anything impressive, and at the bodegas, which is delicious, world class, and even Michelin star rated.

For the classier and reputed restaurants, be sure to make reservations. We missed out on the restaurant we hoped to eat at because reservations were booked out for a week.

• Casa Vigil (Maipu)
• Azafran (Mendoza City Center)
• Brindillas (Lujan de Cuyo)
• Zonda Cocina de Paisaje (Lujan de Cuyo)
• Ricciteli Bistro (Lujan de Cuyo) (Michelin Green Star)

Michelin Listed Restaurants

• 1884 Francis Mallman
• Espacio Trapiche
• Fogon Cocina de Vinedo
• Osadio de Crear
• 5 Suelos – Cocina de Finca

Find the full, updated list of Michelin star and listed restaurants in Mendoza here

Where to eat around Mendoza City Center

• Anywhere on Aristides Villanueva street or Sarmiento walking street for beer and touristy, upscale eats
• Shrimp Empenadas at Harry’s
• Great beer and burgers at Berlina

Check our Mendoza guide for Mendoza City Center Suggestions

Other Recommended Recommended Restaurants from the Vitivinicola Hop On Hop Off Tours

• Bodega Santa Julia, Restaurante Casa del Visitante by Chef Cristian Manzane
• Bodega Penedo Borges, Restó Penedo Borges by Chef Matías Castejón
• Bodega Tierras Altas, Restaurante Juana María by Cocinera Andrea Prieto
• Bodega Gimenez Riili, Restaurante Garden & Restó by Chef Andrés Otemin
• Bodega Norton, Restó La Vid by Chef Santiago Maestre
• Bodega Foster Lorca, Restó Foster Lorca by Chef Matías Castejón
• Bodega Terrazas de los Andes, Restó Casa Terrazas by Chef Noelia Scquizziao
• Bodega Belasco de Baquedano, Restó Navarra by Chef Andrés Isura
• Bodega Monteviejo, Restaurante Espacio Monteviejo by Chef Nadia Haron
• Bodega Domaine Bousquet, Restó Gaia by Chef Adrían Baggio

Visit the Hop On Hop Off homepage to learn more about these restaurants and how they may fit into a chosen Hop On Hop Off tour

More info for the Hop On Hop Off Tour

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

Explore the Best Wineries in Mendoza

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in? Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Displaying 1-3 of 45 wineries

Martino Wines

Legacy of elegance: Martino Wines produces exceptional Argentinean wines from its century-old vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza

De Angeles Old Vines Vistalba

Where Wines that tell their own stories of vines and lands and roots , De Angeles Old Vines Vistalba is a dream come true for wine lovers.

Wine Cellars

Renovated family winery in the Maipú wine region, making two different lines of wines that glorify their history in Mendoza

Travel Guide to Mendoza Wine Region

Mendoza wine region is widely considered to be the most important wine region in  Argentina .  Mendoza has gained this reputation as it accounts for almost two-thirds of the entire wine production in Argentina. Mendoza wine region is located in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, overlooked by the imposing Mount Aconcagua. Mendoza vineyards are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world with some reaching as high as 36 00 feet above sea level. The vast majority of wineries in Argentina are located in Mendoza and as such, it is considered the heart of the country’s wine-making industry.

Find out more about Wine tasting and Tours in Mendoza .

Explore Mendoza wine region with the help of our travel guide:

High altitude wines of Mendoza

Wineries with open cellar door

Places to visit

Local gastronomy

The Heart of the Argentine Wine Industry - Mendoza Wine Region

Mendoza wine region of Argentina was originally known as Cuyo. This region experienced a dramatic boom in winemaking in the 19 th and 20 th centuries which resulted in the area developing into the fifth largest wine-growing region in the world and the largest in all of Latin America.

The climate of Mendoza wine region is continental with areas of semi-arid desert conditions. There are four distinct seasons throughout the year, without any real temperature extremes. This provides a very stable growing cycle for the vines without any major events such as winter dormancy. The main concern for winemakers regarding the climate is the hail during the summer months which is known to locals as La Piedra.

The soils of Mendoza vineyards are predominantly made of alluvial soils that contain loose sand over layers of clay. The many mountain rivers in the region including the Desaguadero, Mendoza, Tunuyán, Diamante, and Atuel Rivers, are excellent sources of irrigation. The water in these rivers is supplied by the melting glaciers in the Andes Mountains. Across Mendoza, there are more than 17 000 boreholes that provide the region with the equivalent of two rivers worth of water flow area. In addition to this, the region has an intricate irrigation system of canals, channels, and reservoirs that dates back to the 16 th century.

The Subregions of the Mendoza Wine Region

The subregions of the Mendoza wine region are Maipu , Luján de Cuyo , Uco Valley , San Rafael and East Mendoza (also known as San Martin). Maipu is located close to the main city of Mendoza and is the warmest of the subregions. Wines produced here are full-bodied with high levels of alcohol, fruity flavors, and powerful tannins. In Lujan de Cuyo, the most prominent grape varietals grown are Malbec and Cabernet Franc . In the Uco Valley, one can witness the most beautiful views of the Mendoza region and drink some of the area’s most premium wines. This area in the foothills of the Andes is dotted with blue lakes and rolling vineyards, making it the perfect wine tourism destination.

Discover Mendoza Wine Route

Argentina is rated as one of the world‘s best wine regions, producing mainly red wines. Mendoza is a famous and well-known wine region in Argentina. Mendoza is an excellent production area for full-bodied red wines, such as Malbec . There are numerous famous wineries that produce high-quality red wines you can taste. Read more about the Mendoza wine route and taste local wines!

The High-Altitude Wines of Mendoza Wine Region

Due to its size and diverse range of grape varietals, Mendoza wine region produces a range of white and red wines that impress the palate of a range of wine drinkers. The Barrancas area of Mendoza vineyards is well-known for the production of red wine that has the flavours of darker fruits and soft levels of acidity. Barrancas produces internationally-recognized Syrah , Malbec , and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. In Maipu , the red wine production is dominated by Malbec, which gives the wine flavours of red fruits with hints of tobacco. The red wines of the Uco Valley are dense with layers of flavours of black fruits such as plums, blackberries, olives, and raspberries. These wines have notes of red pepper with a finish of cocoa powder. The San Rafael area produces mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec red wines with flavours of red roasted berries and a finish that is herbal and savoury. Along with this, they also produce red wine blends using Syrah and Malbec grapes. These wines are dark purple with violet undertones.

Grape Varieties:

Red: Cabernet Sauvignon , Malbec , Syrah , Tempranillo

White: Chardonnay , Sauvignon Blanc

Even though the Mendoza wine region is most famous for its red wines, white wines are also produced in the region using Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Chardonnay of Mendoza vineyards is a fresh wine that is often described as vibrant. These wines have a well-balanced acidity with notes of white fruits such as apples, pears, and peaches. Mendoza region also produces Mendoza sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. In recent times these sparkling wines have become extremely popular both locally and internationally.

Top Wineries to Visit in Mendoza Wine Region

Bodega Familia Cassone

The Bodega Familia Cassone is a family-run vineyard and winery located in one of the oldest and first wine-producing areas of Mendoza. The estate produces excellent wines and olive oils that are popular in Argentina and abroad. Bodega Familia Cassone is open from Monday to Saturday to visitors for a 1-hour and 15 minutes wine tasting and tour hosted by the estate winemaker.

Bodega Salentein

Bodega Salentein is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza. The team at Bodega Salentein strives to produce wines only of the highest quality that pay tribute to the terroir from which they come. The tasting room at Bodega Salentein is located in the basement of the winery alongside the cellar and is tastefully designed to welcome visitors for an Argentinean wine tasting experience.

The Mevi winery is located on the foothills of the Andes Mountains in the Mendoza region. Mevi produces a range of excellent red, white, and rose wines from the grapes grown on the estate itself. The winery is specially designed to welcome tourists and visitors across two terraces that offer impressive views over the estate and the surrounding mountains. Mevi offers guided tours of the winery, followed by wine tastings paired with wonderful local fresh produce.

Have a look at our selection of Wineries in Mendoza with open cellar doors and the greatest hospitality!

Where to Stay in Mendoza?

Located in downtown Mendoza, NH Mendoza Cordillera hotel offers accommodation in the city centre, only 100 metres from Independencia Square. The hotel features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, gym and private parking.

An outdoor swimming pool, gym facilities and a sauna room can be enjoyed in this 5-star hotel in downtown Mendoza. It is surrounded by restaurants, wine shops and stores.

Villaggio Hotel Boutique is located near Plaza Independencia. It features a swimming pool, a hot tub and a spa centre with a gym.  Rooms at Villaggio Hotel are modern and spacious, have stylish furnishings and decorated with fine art.

Popular points of interest near Agua del Corral Hotel & Spa include Museo del Pasado Cuyano, Independencia Square and Paseo Alameda. It is located only 7 minutes from Governor Francisco Gabrielli International.

Mendoza Wine Region Map

Where to Go in Mendoza Wine Region

Mendoza city - the tourism hub of the mendoza wine region.

Mendoza City is the capital of the province of Mendoza. Although this area is extremely dry and arid, Mendoza City is beautifully green thanks to its artificial irrigation system. The top attractions to visit in Mendoza City are the Parque San Martin, the various wineries in and around the city, the Plaza Independencia, the Mendoza Museum of Modern Art, the Piazza Espana, Central Park, and the Casa de Fader. Along with these attractions, Mendoza City also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The most popular of these is the harvest festival at the end of February each year.

When visiting Mendoza City don’t forget that a siesta or afternoon nap is still taken daily from 13:00 – 17:00 during which time most shops, restaurants, and banks are closed.

Aristides in Mendoza City - Experience the Nightlife of Mendoza

The warm weather in the summer months in Mendoza wine region is the perfect invitation for visitors and locals to spend long days in the sun enjoying a beer and the excellent local wine. After the sun sets in Mendoza the nightlife truly comes alive in Aristides. Aristides is filled with bustling restaurants, pubs, and cocktail lounges which offer the best Argentinian wines and quality cuisine. This vibrant neighborhood is the perfect location for tourists to interact with locals and learn more about the local culture.

Wine and Harvest Museum - The Jewel in the Crown of the City of Maipu

The Wine and Harvest Museum is a national monument that is located in the city of Maipu in the Mendoza wine region. The history of the museum stretches back to 1896 when Gerónimo Baustista Gargantini, a Swiss immigrant, started a partnership with Juan Giol, an Italian immigrant, in the city of Maipu. Together, they established La Colina de Oro – the first winery in Mendoza.

After many years, the winery grew to include accommodation for visitors and various residences for the staff and winery owners. These buildings were designed by renowned Italian architect Manuel Mignani who gave the estate an Italian style with vast gardens.

Today, the buildings of La Colina de Oro form the Wine and Grape Harvest National Museum. The museum is open to visitors from Monday to Friday. When visiting the museum visitors can watch the winemaking and bottling process and take guided tours through the facility and the estate.

Explore the Rolling Valleys of Mendoza Wine Region

Mendoza wine region is known not just for its excellent wine but also for its incredible nature and outdoors. The countryside of Mendoza is filled with rolling valleys of incredible natural beauty. This landscape provides the perfect playground for nature lovers on the foot of the magnificent Andes Mountains.

Mount Aconcagua -The Most Famous Mountain Peak of Argentina

Mount Aconcagua is by far the most iconic peak of the Andes Mountain range in Argentina. The wonderful Mount Aconcagua attracts thousands of local and international visitors every year who are determined to climb its towering peaks. The mountain has two peaks to climb: The North Peak which is 6962 meters high and the South Peak which is 6930 meters high. Mount Aconcagua forms part of the Aconcagua Provincial Park which is open from December to March every year. When climbing the peaks of the mountain, it is necessary to stop along the way to gradually acclimatize to the height of the peak. There are various camps along the way that allows for this and provide the perfect places to rest and recharge.

Mendoza Parks and Gardens - Walk around the Nature

Mendoza is not only frequented by visitors for its fantastic wine but also because of its range of beautiful parks and gardens. These wonderful attractions have given Mendoza a reputation as one of the prettiest cities in Argentina. When visiting Mendoza, the parks and gardens that should not be missed are the Plaza Espana, the Plaza Chile, the Parque San Martin, the Parque Civico, the Parque O’Higgins, and the Plaza Italia.

Reserva Natural Villavicencio - Learn the History of Mendoza

The Reserva Natural Villavicencio in the Mendoza province showcases the area's landscape, history, and nature while providing visitors with a sense of adventure. The reserve was established in 2000 to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area and to ensure that the natural environment is sustained for the local residents of Mendoza. The park is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm and it is suggested that visitors purchase tickets in advance. When inside the Reserva Natural Villavicencio attractions that should not be missed are the Hotel Villavicencio, the Caracoles Trail, the El Balcon viewpoint, and the Cross of Paramillos. Other experiences which can be enjoyed inside the park are self-guided tours, birdwatching, 4x4 trails, and dining at the in-park restaurants

Discover the top Mendoza Wine Tour Guides and explore guided wine tours in Mendoza, Argentina's renowned wine region.

Gastronomy in Mendoza Wine Region

The local cuisine of Mendoza is characterized by warm, hearty, soul-warming dishes that pair perfectly with the local red wines. When visiting Mendoza be sure to indulge in the various country-style dishes that speak to the warm hospitality of the region.

Asado de Tira - Roasted Meat Strips

Asado de Tira is a typical Argentinean dish of roasted beef short ribs cut in strips. The beef in this recipe is seasoned only with salt and then grilled for a few minutes. The strips of beef are crosscut so that the long strips of meat are interspersed with the bone. The shortens the tough fibers of the meat so that it can be grilled instead of slow-cooked. In Mendoza, this dish is traditionally served with garlic-filled chimichurri sauce and rich local wine.

Choripan - The Ultimate Argentinean Street Food

Choripan is the most famous street food in Argentina and Mendoza. This delicious treat is a sandwich made with chorizo sausage and a range of additional condiments. These are all served together in a crusty bread bun. Choripan is most commonly served by street vendors in stands across Argentina and is best eaten on the go.

Chimichurri - The National Sauce of Argentina

Chimichurri is the most famous sauce in Argentina and is usually enjoyed with grilled steak. This sauce is made with parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, and hot chilli flakes. Sometimes additional ingredients are added such as coriander or chopped tomatoes. Chimichurri sauce is bright green in color and is usually served with a grilled steak but can also be enjoyed with pork, chicken, lamb, duck, or fish. It is perfectly complemented by a local Malbec wine.

Insider Tips about Mendoza Wine Region

Where to eat in Mendoza wine region?

• Address: RP89 Km 11, M5561 Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
• Menu: Argentinian cuisine ,  vegetarian options
• Specialty: Grilled meat

Recommended by Domaine Bousquet

Rosell Boher Lodge

• Address: Servidumbre de Paso S/N entre Ruta Prov 86 y Ruta 7, 5509, Mendoza, Argentina
• Menu: Argentinian cuisine , fine cuisine
• Specialty: Meat

Recommended by Pulenta Estate Winery

Fuente y Fonda

• Address: Montevideo 675, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
• Menu: Argentinian cuisine
• Specialties: Meat, Pasta

Recommended by Winetourism.com

Where to stay in Mendoza wine region?

Casa Petrini

• Address: Ruta 89 Km 11, M5561 Villa Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
• Facilities and services: Restaurant, Spa
• Facilities and services: Restaurant, Pool, Jacuzzi

Plaza Italia B&B

• Address: Montevideo 685 • Mendoza • Argentina
• Facilities and services: Breakfast, Room service, Luggage storage, Shuttle service

What are the best wine bars in Mendoza wine region?

• Address: 25 de Mayo 1115, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
• Wine menu: Regional and national wines

Cabrera Charif Wine House

• A ddress:  Av. Arístides Villanueva 397, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
• Wine menu: National and International wines
• Address: Av. Arístides Villanueva 160, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
• Wine menu: National wines

What to do in Mendoza wine region?

Visit Lago Del Parque General San Martin

• Address: Av Emilio Civit 701, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina

Try wines on Caminos del Vino

• Address: Rivadavia 592, Mendoza, Argentina

Visit Cerro de la Gloria

• Address: Calle Los Platanos ,  Mendoza M5502IYA  Argentina.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mendoza Wine Region

1. where is the mendoza wine region located, 2. what are the most famous sub-regions and appellations in mendoza , 3. what are the main grape varieties in mendoza, 4. what is the best wine to try in mendoza, 5. what is mendoza known for, discover mendoza with local wine guides.

Check out our local wine tour guides with their wine tour offers to have everything organized when visiting the Mendoza wine region.

Displaying 1-3 of 3 local wine guides

Claudio Damian

Wine and Food Experiences for those who appreciate the finer things Borravino Wine Tours – The...

We are a tour operator 100% dedicated to do the best and more customized wine tours in Mendoza....

Company dedicated to the realization of visits, tastings and lunches in wineries of Maipu, Lujan...

Map of Wineries in Mendoza

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Subregions in Mendoza

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Best Wineries In Mendoza, Argentina

Argentina is famous for its winemaking heritage, and Mendoza is undoubtedly the soul of the country\'s wine industry, producing world-renowned Malbec wines. With over 1,200 wineries located across the city, Mendoza is a wine lover\'s

Argentina is famous for its winemaking heritage, and Mendoza is undoubtedly the soul of the country\’s wine industry, producing world-renowned Malbec wines. With over 1,200 wineries located across the city, Mendoza is a wine lover\’s paradise. We have curated a list of some of the best wineries in Mendoza to help you get the most from your next wine adventure. Let\’s take a look!

Catena Zapata is one of the region\’s most iconic wineries. Founded by a local family, the winery is known for producing some of the world\’s finest Malbec wines. The vineyard is located at the foothills of the Andes, and the altitude and unique climate offer the perfect conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Visitors can take a tour of the winery, which includes a tasting session.

Bodega Norton is another popular winery in the region. It has been producing wine since 1895 and is known for its impressive vineyards, which produce some of the best Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The winery offers a guided tour of its facilities, including its ancient cellar and wine-making process.

Atamisque Winery is one of the most picturesque wineries in Mendoza. Located at the entrance to the Uco Valley, the vineyard sits in the middle of the Andes, offering a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. The winery is known for its unique architecture and its production of high-quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Malbec wines. Notably, they also offer fresh produce from their organic farm to complement your wine tasting experience.

Clos de los Siete is a unique winery that offers visitors a unique wine-tasting experience. The vineyard consists of seven different wineries built in separate locations, each with its own character and wine-making process. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and taste wines from each winery, which offers a diverse range of flavors.

Susana Balbo Wines is a boutique winery known for its premium wines produced by the renowned winemaker Susana Balbo. The vineyard offers a fantastic wine-tasting experience, including a food and wine pairing tour, where visitors get to try exquisite Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontes wines paired with delicious local food.

Pulenta Estate Winery offers another unique wine-tasting experience. This winery is mostly underground, where visitors can enjoy a tasting session inside its wine cave. The winery is known for its production of fine red wines, including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The estate also has a restaurant with a wide range of dishes prepared by award-winning chefs.

Familia Zuccardi is a family-owned winery that focuses on producing organic and biodynamic wines. The winery has over 1,000 hectares of vineyards across the Uco Valley and is known for its Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Viognier wines. The winery also offers a unique food and wine pairing experience that is sure to be a highlight of any visit to Mendoza.

Wine tours and activities

Wine tasting is not the only attraction in Mendoza, Argentina. Visitors can explore the lush vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and participate in various activities. Horseback riding is a popular activity in Mendoza, and many vineyards offer guided horseback tours through the scenic countryside.

Visitors can also take a bike tour of the vineyards, which is an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore the vineyards. The city also has several hot springs, where visitors can relax and unwind after a day of wine tasting.

Another activity to consider is cooking classes. Mendoza is known for its delicious cuisine, which is an excellent pairing for its premium wine. Visitors can take cooking classes to learn how to make traditional Argentinean dishes such as empanadas, asado, and pastelitos.

Wine festivals

Mendoza, Argentina, is famous for its wine festivals, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world every year. The most famous wine festival is the Vendimia Festival, held in March and dedicated to celebrating the grape harvest. It includes parades, live music, dance performances, and, of course, plenty of wine.

Another wine festival to consider is the Wine Harvest Festival held in January. It is a unique festival that celebrates the wine harvest with a range of activities, including wine tastings, live music, street performances, and gastronomic fairs.

Vineyard lodging

For wine lovers, spending a night or two at a vineyard is a dream come true. Mendoza has numerous vineyards with lodging options, ranging from rustic cabins to luxurious villas for a comfortable stay. These accommodations offer an unforgettable experience, allowing guests to wake up to the breathtaking views of the vineyards and enjoy a range of activities, including horseback riding, cycling, and wine tasting.

Wine as a reflection of Argentina

Wine is not only a significant part of Argentina\’s culture, but it is also a reflection of the country\’s diversity and richness. The wine culture in Mendoza is a perfect example of how wine brings people together, and it is an excellent representation of Argentinean hospitality. Despite having numerous wineries, Mendoza\’s wine tourism scene is still charming, friendly, and unpretentious.

In conclusion, Mendoza, Argentina, is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. It is a picturesque city that offers visitors an authentic wine experience, with plenty of vineyards, activities, and festivals to explore. Whether you are an avid wine collector or a casual wine drinker, Mendoza has something for everyone.

Martin Holms

Review overview, privacy overview.

The Best Wine Tasting Tours and Winery Visits in Mendoza

06 Oct, 2022

Authored by: Tania Lee

Looking for the best wine-tasting tours in Mendoza? Then you’re in the right place! Whilst this incredible destination isn’t the only Argentine province in which to take a wine tour, it certainly is the most famous. Its diverse array of wineries, world-class restaurants and opportunities for wine tours with cooking classes, bike rides, horse riding and hiking, all with the incredible views of the Andes make this an incredible destination for wine lovers.

There is so much to see, do and taste! Here are five of our most popular wine tasting tours in Mendoza.

Best wine tasting tour in Mendoza 1: Full-Day Private Uco Valley Premium Wine Tasting Tour

We love this wine tour as it takes you on a discovery of the Uco Valley, the jewel of Mendoza, with a deluxe private wine experience filled with the best landscapes, wines and fine gastronomy.

Uco Valley is home to altitude wines, where you will understand the importance of terroir, and discover a new profile of wines, where the soil and climate are present in each bunch of grapes.

The wine tour begins with your pick up at 8:30am to go 60km south of the city of Mendoza out into the Uco Valley wine region. You will visit 3 Uco Valley wineries, each with a very different production profile. In each winery you will enjoy premium tastings of its best wines.

In the third Uco Valley winery you will enjoy a 4-course lunch paired with premium and premium gamma wines, accompanied by the best landscape that the Uco Valley has to offer.

From USD 250/GBP219 pp

Book your Uco Valley Private Wine Tour Now>  

Best wine tasting tour in Mendoza 2: Full-Day Private Lujan De Cuyo Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch from Mendoza

Number 2 on our best wine tours of Mendoza list is this private wine tour of Lujan de Cuyo. This Argentine wine growing region of Mendoza, is known as the Cradle of Malbec. The region boasts beautiful country houses, tree-lined roads and wide vineyards along which you traverse along the Mendoza Wine Road.

Led by an insider guide, your wine tour will take you to visit three world-class vineyards and wineries in Lujan de Cuyo. Walking around their facilities you will learn the different stages of the winemaking process, as well as the steps to tasting a good wine during the wine tastings.

After this, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with the best wines of Lujan de Cuyo, surrounded by a beautiful environment and the majestic Andes Range in the distance. This wine tour is not to be missed!

From USD147 / GBP129

Book your Private Lujan de Cuyo Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch Now>

Best wine tasting tour in Mendoza 3: Full-Day Private Chacras De Coria Bike and Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch

This is one of our favourite wine tours of Mendoza. Why? Because there’s nothing quite like cycling your way round beautiful vineyards, tasting Malbec and being surrounded by views of the Andes!

You’ll place yourself in the hands of an expert guide who will show you the very best wineries to taste Mendoza’s finest wines. Cycle through the city of Maipu and enjoy the stunning landscapes and natural surroundings.

Along the way make 3 stops at different Mendozan wineries where Malbec tasting will be the main attraction. You will also be treated to a tasting of assorted cheeses and cold cuts.

In each Mendoza winery you’ll learn everything you wanted to know about vine growing and their production methods. Compare each and discover how Mendoza has become such a famous wine-producing area.

Enjoy a delicious lunch along the way at one of the wineries.

From €140/GBP123

Book your Private Bike and Wine Tour of Mendoza now>

Best wine tasting tour in mendoza 4: 5-hour private asado cooking class & dinner in mendoza.

Well, how could we list our top wine tours without a nod to the famous partner to Malbec – beef! Join this memorable, mouthwatering asado cooking class at one of the best known restaurants in Mendoza city. You will be guided by a friendly and knowledgeable chef, who will show you different gastronomical techniques used in the province as well as local ingredients. For about 2 to 3 hours you will learn the most genuine Argentinian tastes while cooking.

And of course; there is wine! At the end of the Asado cooking class you will enjoy a delicious dinner made with the dishes you cooked all expertly paired with Argentine wines.

After dinner, return to your accommodation or you can ask for a fun drop off at the bars zone to have a couple of drinks.

From USD121 / GBP106

Book your Mendoza Asado Cooking Class with Wine Pairing Now>

Best wine tou r in mendoza 5: 7-day private argentina wine and culture tour from mendoza to salta.

This wine tour from Mendoza is up there with our favourites as it gives you the chance to explore the wine regions of Mendoza, Salta, and those in between!

This wine tour will bring you a full scale immersion into the wine and culture of Argentina across 7 wonderful days.

Your wine tour begins in the capital city of Argentine wine production, Mendoza, and follows the iconic Route 40 north, hugging the scenic road close to the Andes mountains. Travel through the emerging wine regions of La Rioja, Catamarca and Tucuman, to finish your journey in Salta, home of the highest altitude wine region in the world.

Mendoza is well known as the centre of Argentina’s wine region, and Salta is no longer a secret among the wine connoisseurs, famous for its crisp white Torrontes. But many of Argentina’s burgeoning and dynamic small vineyards, not to mention the most romantic and small scale, are off the beaten track outside the main wine regions.

This trip links Mendoza with Salta, passing through the lesser known wine areas of La Rioja, Catamarca and Tucuman. Well away from the crowds, you will be following the wine valley extending 1,200km from the traditional heartland of Mendoza up to Salta, through some breathtaking scenery close to the Andes.

Along the way you’ll be visiting wineries large and small and tasting not just the wine, but also sampling the pre-Hispanic and contemporary culture of this richly varied nation.

From USD1230 / £1,079

Book your Private Mendoza to Salta wine tour now>

Best wine tou r in mendoza 5 : tailor-made wine tour of mendoza.

Holidays are meant to be fun but sometimes planning gets in the way. A tailor-made wine tour of Mendoza means you can sit back, relax and we’ll create your ideal wine experience including your preferred number of days, whether you want to stay in the city or sleep out amongst the vines at an Argentine winery, the number and types of wineries (iconic, historic, biodynamic anyone?) and other activities like cooking classes, horseriding and trekking.

Here’s just one example of a tailor-made Mendoza wine tour experience we created:

4 days tailor-made private wine tasting, asado, horse riding, hiking and cycling in Mendoza

Our client was looking for a fun and active way of experiencing the wine region of Mendoza. We organised a fun packed 4 days starting with a tour of two wineries on horseback followed by an Asado and wine pairing at the 2nd estate. On the second day we arranged for a private guided hiking experience in the foothills of the Andes with a luxury picnic paired with wines on the way. On the third day we arranged a cycling tour of 3 premium wineries with lunch amongst the vineyards and an exclusive tasting of the estate’s most prestigious vintage in the historic cellar. On the final day we organised for a relaxing private Asado and 5 course tasting experience in the grounds of their accommodation with a wine pairing guided by a private sommelier.

If you’d like to experience a tailor-made private wine tour with horse riding, hiking and cycling in Mendoza’s like this get in touch with our tailor-made and custom wine travel team now>

Enquire with our Tailor-made Team

Tags: Argentina , Mendoza , Mendoza wine tours

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Mendoza wine tasting tours and winery visits

Best wine tours in Mendoza

With its rolling vineyards set in the foothills of the Andes, the Mendoza wine region is unlike any other wine region on earth. Discover this amazing wine region staying at Entre Cielos, a ... See More

Take a private full-day gourmet foodie wine tour to discover Mendoza and enjoy a journey into the diversity and passion of authentic Mendoza cuisine and wine. Your first winery and gourmet ... See More

Cycle your way through Mendoza's wine region and taste some of the best Argentine wine around!  Place yourself in the hands of an expert guide who will show you the very best places to tast... See More

Discover the Uco Valley, the jewel of Mendoza, with this deluxe wine tour filled with the best landscapes, wines and fine gastronomy. Uco Valley is home of altitude wines, where you will un... See More

Enjoy our excursion through the Mendoza Wine Route and visit 2 outstanding wineries in Maipú or Luján de Cuyo. This winery tour goes through Luján de Cuyo or Maipú, regions that are the cra... See More

Visiting three wineries in Chacras de Coria and doing it by bicycle is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable experiences in Mendoza. This sustainable transportation and its blood traction wi... See More

Why Visit Mendoza?

Wine tasting tours in Mendoza combine high-class restaurants, art and culture, bicycle rides, cooking classes, and even the possibility of harvesting or crafting your own blend. Home to the World's Best Vineyard for the last 3 years running it's also one of the 11 Great Wine Capitals of the world! Oh, and did we mention Malbec...? Surrounded by the incredible vistas of the Andes and an expanse of high-altitude fresh air, Mendoza is truly a dream wine destination.

The wine and food industry in Mendoza is changing at an incredible pace, with new restaurants, wineries, and winemaking methods being pioneered every single day. You'll find boutique wineries still using original 100-year-old vines alongside futuristic wineries where concrete eggs sit side by side with ancient amphorae ... and do we even need to mention how stunning the views are? Mendoza is the most important winemaking region in Argentina, producing almost two thirds of the country's entire wine quota, and some of the most well-known names in Argentina can be visited here, including world-famous Catena Zapata and Familia Zuccardi . 

WINE TASTING TOURS IN MENDOZA

There are three main wine regions in Mendoza to visit; the Eastern region  Maipu  (the oldest region),  Lujan de Cuyo  (just south of the city and considered the premier Malbec zone) and the  Uco Valley  (80 km south and home to Mendoza's highest altitude vineyards, right at the base of the Andes). Each is very different to the last and wine lovers will find it well worth spending at least one day in each place. Wine travellers can choose from a vast array of wine tours in Mendoza including private and group wine tasting tours, wine tours by horseback or by bike, wine, and food pairing tours, and Argentine cooking classes. Click here to find the best wine tasting tours in Mendoza ! 

FOOD TASTING EXPERIENCES IN MENDOZA

Foodies will also delight in the gourmet tours on offer in Mendoza. You can learn how to cook Asado, the traditional Argentine BBQ, empanadas and a whole host of other local cuisine. You'll find a plethora of outstanding world-class restaurants within the wine estates themselves. And within Mendoza, more world-class restaurants sit alongside cool sidewalk cafes and busy bistros. Lunches here are long, leisurely and fuelled by copious amounts of local wine!

MORE REASONS TO VISIT MENDOZA

Mendoza City is a small but cosmopolitan destination with great nightlife and a relaxed country vibe. The historical center provides plenty of sights and museums, including the Museo del Area Fundacional on Pedro del Castillo Square and the Museo Nacional del Vino, which is a great place to get to grips with Argentine wine culture before you head out to the winelands to see everything in action! A little further outside the city is the Casa de Fader, an 1890 mansion once home to artist Fernando Fader that now houses a permanent exhibition of his artwork. However, perhaps Mendoza City's greatest asset is its perfect position as a base for heading out to tour the area's amazing wineries and taking part in adventure sports in and around Aconcagua National Park. 

WINERIST INSIDER TIP. If you happen to be in the region during September, we thoroughly recommend that you check out Tango Through the Vines, where each year, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Mendoza and Bodegas de Argentina put on a series of tango performances all around Mendoza at locations such as museums, wineries, theatres, hotels and restaurants. The festival lasts twelve days and is an absolute must if you are in the vicinity.

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Sober Travelers Find Something to Savor in Wine Country

Mocktail trails, olive oil tours and elevated dining experiences are among the many ways the renowned wine-producing areas of Sonoma, Mendoza and Tuscany are appealing to sober or sober-curious travelers.

By Christine Chitnis

Amy Snook knows more about wine than your average traveler. Originally from California, she now lives in the Douro Valley of Portugal, her partner works in the wine industry, and she has visited 47 countries, many of which have celebrated viticulture. But seven years ago, on a trip to Mendoza, a winemaking region in the foothills of Argentina’s Andes Mountains, she opted to abstain from drinking alcohol, a decision she would repeat in future travels.

“It’s such a long flight to Argentina, and I was only there for 10 days,” said Ms. Snook, 34, a publishing professional. “I’m aware of how alcohol affects me, and I chose to prioritize feeling amazing every day of the trip over dealing with a hangover.”

During her visit, Ms. Snook bicycled between vineyards, reveled in breathtaking scenery, relaxed with spa treatments and engaged with sommeliers and winemakers, coming away with a new appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

“The obvious question when you tell someone that you aren’t drinking is, ‘Out of all the places you could go, why travel to wine country?’” she said. “But to me, it makes perfect sense because these regions offer all the perks of luxury travel — wellness amenities, beautiful landscapes and fine dining.”

With 41 percent of Americans seeking to reduce their alcohol intake, according to a consumer-sentiment study released in January by NCSolutions, Ms. Snook’s experience is part of a larger trend: the rise of sober-curious or mindful drinking. While sober travel is hardly a new concept, its popularity is surging to new heights — particularly among younger generations — and forcing a reckoning in the wine industry. The 2024 State of the U.S. Wine Industry report , an annual forecast of market conditions and trends written by the wine-business analyst Rob McMillan, found that 52 percent of consumers ages 21 to 34 believe that consuming alcohol, even in moderation, is bad for your health.

This trend is reshaping travel to world-class wine destinations like Sonoma County, in California, as well as Mendoza and Tuscany. Blessed with temperate climates, extended growing seasons, fertile soils, rich histories and breathtaking vistas, these renowned wine locales are expanding their offerings to attract drinkers and nondrinkers.

Here are some of the restaurants, tour groups and wineries in those regions that are reinventing the travel experience to be more inclusive of the sober-curious.

Dining in Sonoma

If wine is a true expression of the land, embodying the unique characteristics of its soil, weather and the meticulous craftsmanship of those who cultivate it, can you still forge that connection without drinking?

At Cyrus , a Michelin-starred fine dining destination in Geyserville , Calif., the answer is a resounding yes. Sonoma County, double the size of neighboring Napa, made conscious decisions to protect and diversify its land use, ensuring grapes as well as agricultural crops were grown. Douglas Keane, Cyrus’s owner and chef, highlights the local harvest by working with small farms and purveyors to source his ingredients. Crosnes — a Chinese artichoke — from Alexander Valley Vineyards gardens, yuzu and finger limes from the citrus grower David Levine, and cheesefrom Andante Dairy have all ended up on Cyrus’s menu.

Also on the menu: Kally , an alcohol-free wine alternative produced with housemade organic verjuice and sourced from Northern California. Served at more than 15 other Michelin-starred restaurants, Kally’s bottles include Early Chardonnay, which is crisp, bright and changes flavor and aroma as it moves across the palate, similar to a fine wine. A tart, vibrant Golden Sparkler has notes of jasmine and citrus, and a floral, fruity Rosé Sparkler offers hints of strawberry and hibiscus.

“Chefs and sommeliers are interested in having precise nonalcoholic pairings. Their food was created to be prepared with sophisticated drinks, not just sparkling water,” said Scott Mitic, who created the beverage along with his wife, Katie.

Customers, too, appreciate having a choice, he said, noting that many of Kally’s most loyal drinkers are wine enthusiasts. “This is not an abstinence movement; it is a moderation movement.”

Cyrus Schultz, the wine director and sommelier at Cyrus, aims to create drinks that make sober guests feel just as special, if not more, than those indulging in traditional wine pairings. His nonalcoholic creations include the Rosé Champagne, an effervescent blend of coconut, white sesame, cherry blossom and lime, and the Apple Martini, a sweet, herbaceous concoction of pink lady apple, fennel and mint olive oil.

“The intention is never to mimic alcohol products, but to construct the pairings similarly to how a chef looks at a menu — different textures, temperatures and flavor profiles,” Mr. Schultz said.

These efforts are not limited to one restaurant. Chris Vomvolakis, senior manager of consumer public relations at Sonoma County Tourism , said bars, restaurants and wineries across the region are recognizing that it’s not all about wine.

The town of Healdsburg recently created the Mocktail Trail , with eight participating restaurants, and Meadowcroft Wines in the town of Sonoma curated a flight of original zero-proof cocktails. David Messerli, Meadowcroft’s marketing and strategy director, said the winery encourages guests “to discern aromas, flavors and nuances, much like they would with wine.”

“For those opting out of alcohol, we felt there was more we could do,” he said. “People have various reasons for abstaining from alcohol, and no one should feel excluded because of it.”

Women-led luxury in Mendoza

Mendoza, renowned for its malbec wines and stunning Andean landscapes, is no stranger to luxury accouterments, but sober guests? That is a newer phenomenon. “We have definitely noticed an increase in guests seeking nonalcoholic travel options in recent years,” said Victoria Stiles, sales manager at Cavas Wine Lodge , a luxury 18-room hotel set amid a 55-acre vineyard.

At Cavas, wine may be the main attraction, but guests can book spa treatments using vine and grape-seed extracts, join yoga sessions on the private terrace overlooking the Andes and vineyards, and take full-day hiking excursions to Aconcagua Provincial Park, a rugged, mountainous destination that is home to Mount Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak.

Wild Terrains , a certified B-Corp travel company specializing in experiences for women, has planned three days of a 10-day Argentina tour to be sober-inclusive in Mendoza. Built around women-owned businesses, stops include boutique lodging at Entre Cielos , horseback riding in the Andean foothills, home-cooked asado at Estancia Los Chulengos and a private dining experience at Michelin-starred Zonda Cocina de Paisaje . The meal offers special mocktail pairings with distinct flavors like lemon verbena, beets and burro, an herb used to make digestive teas and infusions.

“In Mendoza, our trip centers on talented female winemakers who are pushing boundaries in a historically male-dominated industry,” said Lauren Bates, founder of Wild Terrains. “While these experiences include wine tastings, we want sober travelers to feel intentionally included even if they are skipping the wine tasting.”

Sofia Pescarmona, owner of the Bodega Lagarde vineyard and Zonda Cocina de Paisaje, said that while the restaurant experience aims to showcase their wine, nondrinkers will also appreciate it.

“We truly believe we can offer an elevated experience for those who don’t drink wine by highlighting other seasonal produce grown on our property,” she said.

Tasting olive oil in Tuscany

Wine tastings epitomize indulgence, especially immersed in the heart of Tuscany, when visitors can savor glass after glass of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., chief executive of the Il Borro wine estate and grandson of the fashion house’s founder, encourages guests to find other ways to indulge.

“The olive harvests in the autumn produce the region’s spicy, piquant ‘green gold,’” said Mr. Ferragamo.

Il Borro, in Tuscany’s Valdarno, is a meticulously restored medieval village that includes 58 suites, three vacation villas, two restaurants, stables, working vineyards and olive groves. Olive oil production began in 1996, following the recovery of varieties like Frantoio, Moraiolo and Leccino that had long been neglected. Now, after touring some 80 acres of organic groves, guests can engage in a tasting experience of two distinct oils, one full-bodied with floral, fruity and grassy aromas, the other robust, peppery and dark.

Another option, Tuscan Organic Tours , offers immersive daylong experiences that delve into wine and oil but also other rich agricultural offerings. Delicious tours with private transportation highlight tastes and flavors that include Pecorino di Pienza, one of the most renowned Italian cheeses, saffron and fresh pastas. The tours include visits to organic farms, lunches, tastings, and opportunities to participate in cheese-making and saffron harvesting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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How to make your own bespoke wine with the best vintners in the world.

With an initiation fee starting at $20k, private wine and travel club The Vines takes members around the globe to sip rare vintages, learn the art of blending and even create a personal barrel complete with 25 cases and bespoke labels.

By Elycia Rubin

Elycia Rubin

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Pulling a prized bottle of, say, a 2018 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon out of the cellar to relish with friends can be thrilling. But think about the bragging rights of pouring your own blend, which you personally crafted at a famed winery in the heart of Tuscany or in the hills of Argentina.

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Over three or four days you’ll stroll vineyards, gain inside knowledge about the craft, inhale the enchanting aromas inside renowned barrel rooms and sip treasured wines. Members also have the option of creating their own personal barrel (25 cases, priced from $6,000-$40,000), which will be bottled, adorned with a bespoke label and shipped to your home after maturation. Intimate and masterfully executed, these “Blending Escapes” are the pinnacle of wine-tasting bliss for any oenophile.

“Through The Vines, we share winemaking experiences with others who are passionate about wine and the cultural and travel experiences that accompany it,” founder and CEO Michael Evans tells THR . “Drinking wines from a region, with the people who make them, and enjoying the unique foods of each locale is an unparalleled experience.”

Studded with culturally rich activities designed to deeply connect members with each region thanks to the meaningful relationships Evans and his team have cultivated, excursions are carefully curated. In addition to the deep dive with winemakers, expect dinners at off-the-beaten path cafés and trattorias, bountiful lunches set on sprawling vineyards, cooking classes with revered chefs, and gatherings with resident authors and artists.

Current destinations where members can globetrot and vine hop include: Priorat, Spain; Mosel, Germany; the Champagne and Burgundy regions of France; Mendoza, Argentina; Oregon’s Willamette Valley; Duoro Valley, Portugal; Napa Valley; Sicily; and Piemonte, Italy.

South Africa, Bordeaux and Georgia in Eastern Europe are currently being plotted for 2025. Plenty of scintillating activities are forthcoming as well, to include truffle hunting in Tuscany, clamming on the Oregon coast, and making one’s own perfume in Spain.

Those who are yearning to delve further into the terroir and grow their own grapes, literally, have the option to purchase an acre of mature vineyards in Argentina at The Vines of Mendoza for $120,000, plus additional farming fees. “Winemaking is a la carte and starts at $4 per bottle,” says Evans, who also owns The Vines Resort & Spa , the private vineyard’s sleek retreat delivering majestic views of the Andes Mountains and surrounding vines.

A version of this story first appeared in the April 10 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe .

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These are the wine regions in jeopardy due to climate change, study says

How climate change is affecting the wine world.

Climate change is altering every aspect of the world we live in, and that’s especially the case for agriculture. The wine industry continues to adapt, from making English sparkling wine to treating smoke impact from increased wildfires.

Regions in jeopardy

Ways to adapt, will new wine regions emerge.

A new study published in Nature paints a pretty bleak future for wine, at least in some iconic growing areas. The study estimates that up to 70% of top wine production areas on the planet will no longer be suitable by the end of the century. That’s dire news for places like California, Greece, Italy, and more.

Wine has been evolving alongside climate change for years, and all hope is not lost. However, the industry will have to continue evolving to keep pace, experimenting with new growing methods and potentially new vineyard areas.

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Most of the wine map resides in more temperate areas not too far from the equator. Yet, thanks to rising temperatures and more extreme weather, this map is shifting. Regions that are particularly vulnerable include warmer areas like Mendoza, Australia, California, and the southern stretches of Italy and Spain.

These regions have already seen significant shifts, like heat spikes and drought, that lead to earlier harvests. On top of that, all that increased radiation (not to mention CO2, as the report points out) has negatively affected grape quality and forced some producers to grow elsewhere or not at all.

Moreover, an estimated 30% of the most affected wine regions are experiencing conditions too dramatic for premium wine production to continue. That’s a sobering pill to swallow for some of the planet’s most well-known wine zones, from Malbec to Provence.

The adaptation game has already begun. Over the last several decades, we’ve seen wine producers seek out cooler, more suitable land for cultivation. They’ve planted estates at higher elevations, and regions once thought irrational for premium wine production (Colorado, Vermont, the Midwest) are showing promise. Of course, this expansion leads to potential run-ins with natural areas, disputes over conservation, and natural resource depletion.

The industry will have to get smarter and is showing signs of doing so. More drought-resistant grape varieties are being championed, and sustainability has become a way of life. Traditional farming methods have given way to more natural approaches , and producers are trying their hand at making new wines to honor the warmer growing seasons.

Undoubtedly, new regions will emerge, and in many cases, they already have. New appellations are popping up all over the globe (otherwise known as American Viticultural Areas here in the U.S.), pushing farther and farther from the equator to avoid extreme heat and weather (hail and excessive rain cause problems too, damaging buds and introducing disease, etc.). Look for places in northern Europe to shine, as well as cooler domestic pockets like the Pacific Northwest .

The most startling conclusion could be once-famous winemaking areas going extinct. Places like the Barossa Valley in Australia and Paso Robles may one day soon simply be too extreme weather-wise for wine.

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You know the saying: The more expensive the wine, the better the wine. Turns out, the old adage isn't always true. Increasingly, there are great finds to be found all over the wine map, touting lower-shelf price tags without sacrificing any quality.

Getting to them, however, is not always a cakewalk. So we picked the brains of some industry types -- sommeliers, in particular. They offered some excellent pointers on finding great wines on the cheap. These tips will allow you to save money while enjoying some standout Sauvignon Blanc or Gamay Noir, arming you with new favorite producers. Who knows, maybe the price point will be so friendly you'll even consider stocking up on a new wine, cellaring a few bottles for years to come.

Italian wine is truly a thing of beauty. The whole of Italian culture is beautiful, to be sure, but it just isn't a truly picturesque Italian fantasy without a gorgeous bottle of wine in the picture. There's something so romantic, so luscious, so sexy, and rich about a perfect Italian wine, and it's one of our very favorite indulgences. Unfortunately, the nuances of Italian wine are also incredibly complex, and understanding how these bottles are ranked and classified is a whole other - perhaps less sexy - artistic experience.

When perusing the aisles of your local wine store, you may see a few familiar Italian names peppering the shelves. Words like Sangiovese, Chianti, and Moscato d'Asti are all warm in their familiarity, filling us with images of the Italian countryside and romantic gondola rides. But then there are words that may fill you with confusion, letters like "DOCG" or "IGT" marked on the label, making your head spin with all of the possible hidden meanings behind such mysterious acronyms.

For those of us wine-worshipping Millennials, the thought of the younger generation not inheriting this shared fervor for all things viticultural is outright ludicrous. But according to a new report from Silicon Valley Bank’s 2024 State of the US Wine Industry, that appears to be exactly what's happening. Perhaps it was our overenthusiasm that spooked the members of Gen Z; perhaps they found our DIY cork art and tacky TJ Maxx wine-pun napkins too "cheugy," and we've frightened them off of the incredible nectar forever. Perhaps we Millennials were just too outspoken in our passion, and wine is now somehow being reduced and widdled down to nothing but a once-trendy item that will age out of style with those of us who can still rap every word of the Fresh Prince intro. It's enough to make one shed tears into their oversized wine glass. How can this be?

The study Widely viewed as one of the most comprehensive analyses of the wine industry, Silicon Valley Bank's report is bleak but with a few hints at a silver lining for those of us who are hoping to see the wine industry keep its head above water.