There are three main regions for the best wineries in Mendoza Argentina: Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, and Uco Valley. The Mendoza wine region is known for malbec, which is a dry style of red wine. It is the most celebrated and successful wine to emerge from Argentina.
The ideal climate for producing great wines can be attributed to the Andes Mountains. Mendoza is located at the foothills of the Andes which act as a barrier to the humid winds from the Pacific Ocean. This geographic location along with soil types, altitude, and climate allow for incredible winemaking conditions.
There are over 900 wineries in Mendoza and 358,000 acres of vineyards. To put in perspective how important this wine making region is: Mendoza produces two-thirds of Argentina’s total wines. The wineries across the region range from small batch, family owned and cozy, to super modern in their architectural design. Therefore, I recommend trying a little of everything to gain a true understanding of what makes Mendoza so special.
This site participates in affiliate programs. That means, when you click any of these links to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you SO much to anyone who uses these links and supports my blog in this way. I appreciate you more than you know. ☺️
How to Plan Your Mendoza Winery Schedule
When planning your itinerary, you will want to focus on one region per day since wineries can be further apart than you realize. You do not want to be rushed or spend all day in the car! Therefore, I suggest 2-3 wineries a day to have a leisurely and enjoyable experience. Secondly, plan a mix of tastings, tours, biking, and lunch to keep it interesting. Once you get to a winery, you really won’t want to leave for the next. I truly could have spent a whole day enjoying lunch and tours at only one of these places.
Maipu is the closest region to downtown Mendoza, about a 10 minute drive. Next, Lujan de Cuyo is further south with a 20-30 minute drive outside of town. Finally, over an hour south, you will find the Uco Valley. Personally, I would base in downtown Mendoza to visit Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo, then day trip to Uco Valley wineries. If staying in the Uco Valley, you can make stops on your way in and out of town to the other regions like we did!
Above all, be sure to make reservations in advance as most require it for entry. I emailed or messaged them on whatsapp if they didn’t have a reservations platform available online.
Lujan De Cuyo Wineries – Best Wineries in Mendoza
Lujan De Cuyo is known for having the BEST malbec grapes and wines. It was here that the region found success with this variety, consequently, making it the home of malbec. Here are a few of my favorite bodegas to visit.
Bodega Norton
We started our Mendoza experience at Bodega Norton and they set the bar super high! This is a large scale winery with 5 vineyards and immaculate grounds. Bodega Norton was started in 1895. The owner has 10 kids and surprisingly not one of them wanted to take over the business. It was sold to the founder of Swarovski Crystal as he loved this winery. He is actually from Austria so they make a great Gruner Veltliner wine as well!
We did the bike tour and were taken through the production area where we got to taste wine in the cellar! The malbec here was my favorite of the trip. Our guide Cyntia is the best – ask for her. The scenery here, as you can see in photos, is truly unrivaled. In short, I could have spent all day at Bodega Norton relaxing at the picnic tables, eating and drinking.
Activities Available:
- Bike Tour
- Picnic
- Tour + Tasting
- Winemaker for a Day
- Cooking Class
- Lunch at La Vid Restaurant
Bodega Cruzat
Bodega Cruzat is known for their bubbly which is a welcome break from all the malbec you will try! I learned so much about sparkling wines. For example, they wait until the very last minute to cork sparkling wines and you are supposed to drink a bottle as soon as you get it for the freshest taste. In addition, you will also learn why the corks are shaped differently on bubbly!
We had a picnic here and enjoyed tons of vegetarian approved snacks and a bottle of bubbles while overlooking the vineyard. After that, there is a short, but super informative 15 minute tour before you leave.
Activities Available:
- Picnic + Bubbles (rose or regular, vegetarian option offered)
- Tour + Tasting
- Family Experience – Kids paint labels for wine to take home while parents taste.
Nieto Senetiner
Nieto Senetiner is one of the oldest wineries in Mendoza dating back to 1888 when a couple Italian immigrants planted the first vines. It is a great winery to visit and do a full lunch or cooking class! The grounds are stunning and the lunch is one of the best in Mendoza.
Activities Available:
- Tour + Tasting
- Lunch at the winery
Uco Valley Wineries – Best Wineries in Mendoza Argentina
The Uco Valley is home to some of Mendoza’s most famous wines. Close to the Andes Mountains, Uco Valley has incredibly stunning views to go along with the many world class accommodations. The high elevation, climate, and access to the Andes make the terrain perfect for producing wine.
Zuccardi
Zuccardi is still run by the family and you can feel that special touch throughout your experience here. We loved the wine tasting where we learned many of the wines are named after family members and subsequently got to hear their unique stories. Aside from that, the facility is very modern and futuristic in its architectural design. The tour was really interesting, even though we hopped on the Spanish speaking tour and our guide was kind enough to also translate for us. This is a great winery to have lunch in their trendy restaurant.
Activities Available:
- Tour + Tasting
- Lunch at Piedra Infinita
Domaine Bousquet
Domaine Bousquet is known for their organic, French wines and was actually the favorite winery of our tour guide at Bodega Cruzat. They produce 4 million liters of wine a year and export to over 50 countries. Stop by for a tasting in their underground cellar or have lunch at Gaia Restaurant.
Activities Available:
- Tour + Tasting
- Lunch at Gaia Restaurant
Solo Contigo
Solo Contigo was started by two Canadians, Noel and Terry Neelands, who desired to turn their passions for wine and gastronomy into a place for others to visit. If you are the type of person who buys wine based on the labels, you will love their fun designs!
Activities Available:
- Tour + Tastings
- Winemaker Tour + Tasting (led by the head winemaker)
- Wine Blending
- Picnic in the gardens
- Argentinian Barbecue
SuperUco
SuperUco makes wines free of pesticides and chemical products, allowing the vines to grow freely. They planted the vineyards in a circular shape, including the cellar which is an octagon. I love their message about why they designed the layout in a circle. Basically, there are no straight lines in nature and in life things tend to form circles. “If in nature the circle is synonymous with perfection, the octagon is the geometric figure most similar to a circle: the path to perfection” – SuperUco
Activities Available:
- Lunch or dinner
- Tour and Tastings
Cundo Altamira – best winery for lunch
Cundo Altamira is the lifelong dream realized by the owner, Carla. She grew up in Buenos Aires, but spent ample time visiting her family’s vineyard in Mendoza. Eventually, she moved to Mendoza full time and recently opened a tasting room at the property. The tasting “room” is an indoor/outdoor space featuring wines from all over the Mendoza region.
You can choose the 4 or 6 course tasting menu and do the wine pairing which I highly suggest. Carla poured some incredibly unique, small batch wines that I know we will not find at home or anywhere else. The food was incredible and the space was the perfect atmosphere for a long lunch – I did not want to leave! This is a MUST DO in Mendoza. Vegan/Vegetarian friendly, too!
Maipu Wineries
If you are hoping to bike from one winery to the next, Maipu is the perfect place with its compact layout.
Tempus Alba
Tempus Alba is a family winery with 5 generations in the wine making industry. It is located on the wine route of Maipu known as the “La Cuna del Vino”, the Birthplace of Wine. Stop by for lunch and a free self guided tour of the vineyard.
Activities Available:
- Lunch at Restaurant Patio Tempus
- Private Guided Tour
- Free Self Guided Tour
- Winebar Tempus Alba – Patio and Terrace to drink a glass or taste
Bodega Santa Julia
Bodega Santa Julia is a part of the Zuccardi family of wines, and is named for the only daughter of Jose Zuccardi. They offer organic wines and have everything from rosé to canned wine. I was excited to find their wines at my local Whole Foods so I can keep the vacay going!
Activities Available:
- Tour and Tasting
- Bike and Tasting
- Lunch – Case del Visitante
- Picnic in the Garden
Mendoza Winery Tour Companies
If this is all a bit overwhelming, let someone else do it for you! There are many tour companies in Mendoza that will coordinate it all for you. With so many incredible wineries, you really can not go wrong with their expertise.
I personally planned our Mendoza itinerary and then coordinated a private driver through our hotel (which was cheaper than quotes I received asking drivers myself).
Here are a few tour companies to check out and feel free to ask me any questions in the comments or DM me on instagram.
Ampora Mendoza Wine Tours
Uncorking Argentina
Driver in Mendoza
What is the Weather in Mendoza?
Mendoza is typically pretty warm. I visited in March and experienced 85F temps during the day and lows in the high 60s for evenings. The coldest month is July with only an average high of 58F and it can snow in the winter months. Keep in mind their seasons are opposite of the USA – winter is May-August, spring is September – November, summer is December – February, and fall is March-April.
I recommend visiting in the fall since March is harvest season. As a result, you will be able to see the vines full of grapes and partake in harvest activities! Similarly, many people love the spring too for great weather.
Leisurely Tip: Since Mendoza is at a higher altitude, you need sunscreen year round. Being closer to the sun WILL cause sunburn. I could even feel it baking me through the car windows.
What to Wear to a Winery in Mendoza Argentina
You are probably wondering what to wear to the best wineries in Mendoza Argentina. You do not need to dress up, but you should look nice! So, I wore sundress with sandals and found that most females dressed the same. For nice dinners, I wore the same style, but would add a jean jacket and wedges. Here are a few ideas for you when visiting the best wineries in Mendoza Argentina. Also, check out my full guide on what to wear to a winery.
Map of Mendoza Wineries
Finally, here is a map with all of these laid out for you!
If You Go to Mendoza
Check out these related posts for where to stay, where to eat, and all the best things to do in Mendoza.
Leave a Reply