Wineries in Mendoza: Luján de Cuyo, Maipú or Uco Valley, which one to choose?

You understand Mendoza by drinking its wine where it is made. But "going to the wineries" can mean very different things depending on the area. This guide sums up the three main regions and which tour fits each case.

The three regions, in short

Luján de Cuyo

South of the city, twenty to thirty minutes away. The heartland of Mendoza malbec, with traditional wineries and very modern ones. Ideal if you are short on time: you can visit several in an afternoon.

Maipú

Right next to the city, to the east. The most historic area, with family wineries and many olive oil producers: besides wine, this is where you taste olive oil. It pairs very well with Luján on the same route.

Uco Valley

An hour and a half south, at the foot of the Andes. These are Mendoza's highest vineyards, above 1,000 meters, with big day-night temperature swings and snowmelt water. Many of the wines that put Mendoza on the world map come from here. It is a full day, and the landscape is part of the visit.

Which tour to choose

If you have an afternoon

Wineries and Olive Oil is the wine route in short format: three wineries with tastings and an olive oil producer, from 2 pm to 7:30 pm. Monday to Saturday, with pickup from your hotel. The best option for your first day in Mendoza.

If you want lunch at a winery

Wineries and Olive Oil with Lunch is the long version: the same three wineries and the olive oil producer, plus a three-course lunch with wine pairing at a winery, looking out over the vines with the Andes behind. Every day from 11 am to 6 pm. Let us know about vegetarians, celiacs or allergies when you book.

If you want to see the Uco Valley

The Uco Valley tour is a full day through Tupungato and Tunuyán: the Ruta de los Cerrillos, the Cristo Rey del Valle, a visit to Piedra Negra winery and the Manzano Histórico. Fridays, 8 am to 6:30 pm. The winery tasting is paid separately on site.

If you are a group or want your own pace

On the Private Winery Tour it is just your group, and the route is built around what you like: Luján and Maipú, or the Uco Valley. Book at least one day ahead; the price depends on group size and the wineries you choose.

What a visit is like

At each winery you walk the vineyards and the barrel room with someone who works there, then taste their wines: malbec, of course, but also whites and the blends each house does best. The wineries visited may change depending on the day and availability.

• Tastings are for adults 18 and over.
• Wear comfortable shoes: vineyards are dirt paths.
• Leave room in your suitcase: almost every winery sells its wines.

The best time to go

Wineries are open all year. March and April are harvest time, with the vines full of grapes and the Harvest Festival in the city. In autumn the vineyards turn yellow and red, and in winter a long winery lunch is the perfect plan for a cold day.

Can't decide? Tell us how many days you have and which wines you like, and we will recommend a route.