I am excited to share my ultimate guide to Mendoza, Argentina today! I recently got back from a trip to this amazing wine country and loved every second of it. Argentina only reopened in November 2021 from the pandemic and it showed. I expected it to be super busy as we visited in the prime harvest season, but the crowds were relatively small. Lucky us!
If you are thinking of planning a trip to Mendoza, now is a great time. Get started below with my tips for everything to see and do in beautiful Mendoza!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- How to Get to Mendoza, Argentina
- How do you Get Around in Mendoza?
- When to Visit Mendoza, Argentina
- Where to Stay in Mendoza, Argentina
- What to Do in Mendoza, Argentina
- Best Wineries in Mendoza, Argentina
- Where to Eat in Mendoza, Argentina
- Weather in Mendoza
- What to Wear in Mendoza, Argentina
- Map of Mendoza
How to Get to Mendoza, Argentina
Getting to Mendoza is easy as you will fly into Mendoza International Airport (MDZ) which is located only 10 minutes from downtown Mendoza. From there you are another 10 minutes to the Maipu region which is great for biking to wineries, 20 minutes from Lujan de Cuyo and an hour from Uco Valley.
You can either route from Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina on your way to MDZ. I recommend starting in Buenos Aires for a few days to simplify country hopping and customs. Of course, there are some direct flights to Mendoza from the US.
How Do You Get Around in Mendoza?
My best advice to get around in Mendoza is to either rent a car or hire a driver. The wineries and regions are a bit spread out so you will do a lot of driving. We hired a driver through our hotel and they provided our airport transfers and took us to each winery.
Leisurely Tip: It’s nice to have a local with you as police in Mendoza may pull you over for any reason. Our driver mentioned that they will pull people over looking for you to pay them off. Something to think about!
When to Visit Mendoza
In my opinion, the very best time of year to visit Mendoza, Argentina is March when harvest season begins! You will be able to see the vines full of grapes and even get to try some straight off the vine.
Mendoza has 300 days of sun per year so you can’t go wrong visiting year round. Typically the best months to visit Mendoza are October – April.
Where to Stay in Mendoza
The Vines Resort and Spa
We chose to stay in the exclusive Uco Valley at The Vines Resort and Spa. The Vines is a 5-star hotel and the ultimate luxury retreat for your stay in wine country. Located on a vineyard at the base of the Andes Mountains, you’ll love this magical backdrop it provides to your adventures. With only 22 spacious private villas, this intimate paradise is the perfect spot to call home in Mendoza.
The Villas
The rooms at The Vines Resort and Spa are all private villas with either one or two bedrooms overlooking the lake, the Andes, or the garden. The rooms are super spacious ranging from 1000-2700 square feet with full kitchen, living area, patio with fire pit and jacuzzi, and some rooms have a rooftop terrace – perfect for stargazing!
Dining
The restaurant featured on property is Siete Fuegos led by acclaimed Argentinian chef, Francis Mallman. If you have not seen his Chef’s Table episode, I highly recommend it before you visit Argentina. It’s available on Netflix.
Siete Fuegos refers to the open flame cooking style (7 fires) and they serve seasonal dishes including salmon, grilled fruits and vegetables, empanadas, and of course, steak. I suggest booking a reservation on Saturday for their special experience menu where you will sit at the outdoor kitchen in a family style table setting.
Amenities
Pool
We loved relaxing at the pool and cabanas after a busy day of wine tasting. There is also a hot tub overlooking the vineyards.
Wine Tasting
Be sure to try their wines on site at The Vines To Go. If you don’t have a chance, you can try their wines at dinner or have a bottle in your room.
Spa and Fitness Center
We did not visit the spa on our trip, but it sounds heavenly! The fitness center overlooks the vast landscape with stunning views of the Andes. The large windows all open so it feels like you are outside running toward the Andes.
Casa de Uco Vineyards and Wine Resort
Case de Uco Vineyards and Wine Resort is an upscale 4-star resort with picturesque views of the Andes Mountains. The facilities blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings and the rooms offer panoramic views over the vineyard and mountains. There are several different rooms, suites, and villas to choose what works best for your needs and budget.
Park Hyatt Mendoza
We considered staying in downtown Mendoza and looked at the Park Hyatt Mendoza. It is a 5-star hotel housed in a 20th century French neoclassical facade. Located in the main downtown it is easy to see everything throughout Mendoza with this as your home base. The property also includes a spa and casino.
What to Do in Mendoza, Argentina
Wine Tasting
Obviously if you come to Mendoza, you have wine tasting in mind. Mendoza is known for their malbec, but there are so many other fabulous wines and bubbles to try, too! See my full list of the best wineries below.
Culinary Scene
The culinary scene in Mendoza is top notch. People come from all over the world to visit and the food is world renowned. Try some great restaurants and local dishes like empanadas!
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is pretty popular in Mendoza with the Andes located nearby providing many mountain streams to catch trout and other fish. We really wanted to fish, but didn’t have enough days here to do it all.
Ride Horseback
Many vineyards and resorts offer horseback riding experiences. It is a huge part of the gaucho culture of Argentina and a great way to experience the diverse landscapes of the country.
Best Wineries in Mendoza
There are three main regions for wineries in Mendoza: Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, and Uco Valley. Maipu is closest to downtown, then Lujan de Cuyo is about 20 minutes further and the Uco Valley is over an hour south.
The wineries across the region range from small batch, family owned and cozy, to super modern in their architectural design. I recommend trying a little of everything to gain a true understanding of what makes Mendoza special.
When planning your days, you will want to focus on one region per day. I suggest 2-3 wineries a day to have a leisurely and enjoyable experience. 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 Bodega Norton. Be sure to make reservations in advance as most require it for entry.
Lujan De Cuyo
Lujan De Cuyo is known for having the BEST malbec grapes and wines. Here are a few bodegas to visit!
Bodega Norton
We started our Mendoza experience at Bodega Norton and they set the bar super high! 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.
This is a large scale winery with 5 vineyards and immaculate grounds. We did the bike tour and then we walked through the production area and got to taste wine in the cellar! The malbec here was my favorite! Our guide Cyntia is the best! I could have spent all day at Bodega Norton relaxing at the picnic tables, eating and drinking.
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. 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. 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. There is a short, but super informative 15 minute tour before you leave.
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.
Uco Valley
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 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 another great winery to have lunch in their trendy restaurant.
Domaine Bousquet
Domaine Bousquet is known for their organic, French wines and is 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 or have lunch at Gaia Restaurant.
Maipu
The Maipu region is the perfect place to bike from one winery to the next 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” or the Birthplace of Wine. Stop by for lunch and a free self guided tour of the vineyard.
Bodega Santa Julia
Bodega Santa Julia is a part of the Zuccardi family of wines. It is named for the only daughter of Jose Zuccardi and offers organic wines. They have everything from rosé to canned wine. In addition to tours and tastings, you can bike, picnic, or dine at their restaurant.
Where to Eat in Mendoza
Nothing goes better with wine than amazing food. You will finds tons of great restaurants in Mendoza and the ultimate culinary experiences. Sharing a few of our favorite places to eat in Mendoza!
Uco Valley Best Restaurants
Cundo Altamira
Cundo Altamira was our absolute FAVORITE experience in Mendoza, Argentina. It is a boutique tasting “room” with the best food and the kindest people. The owner, Carla, grew up in Buenos Aires and spent summers at her family’s vineyard in Mendoza. It was her dream to open a restaurant on the vineyard and provide an opportunity to showcase wine from all over Mendoza. Named for Carla’s son and grandfather, Cundo is the best restaurant in Mendoza and you MUST visit if you are in the Uco Valley.
Siete Fuegos
I mentioned Siete Fuegos earlier as it is the main restaurant at The Vines Resort. It is led by acclaimed Argentinian chef, Francis Mallman and refers to the open flame cooking style (7 fires). Expect seasonal dishes including salmon, grilled fruits and vegetables, empanadas, and of course, steak. I suggest booking a reservation on Saturday for their special experience menu where you will sit at the outdoor kitchen in a family style table setting.
El Paisano
El Paisano is one of the most authentic experiences in Argentina. It is located on a private family property where they will cook for you! Expect Argentinian steak, local fish, empanadas and more. The menu changes with the season and is 5 courses (set menu) for $45 USD/person. Contact them on whatsapp for reservations.
Downtown Mendoza Best Restaurants
Francis Mallman 1884
I have mentioned Francis Mallman already, but his Downtown Mendoza restaurant is Francis Mallman 1884. It is located in a former winery serving traditional Argentinian food with his inventive fire-based culinary techniques.
Anna Bistro
Anna Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Mendoza for healthy and vegetarian options. Definitely sit at the outdoor terrace and enjoy the fresh air.
Weather in Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina is located in a valley with 300 days of sun! It is super warm in the day (80s) and cooler at night (50-60s) most of the year.
Keep in mind, this is the southern hemisphere so their seasons are opposite of ours in the USA. The coldest month is July at an average low of 37F and high of 58F. If you are going in the winter season, it could snow, however, that is not super common.
What to Wear in Mendoza, Argentina
I visited in March and loved to wear flowy sundresses to look nice while also staying comfortable in the heat. Most women were dressed the same – you want to look a little dressed up when touring a winery!
The elevation is high so sunscreen is an absolute must regardless of the season. I definitely got a little burnt sitting at lunch one day.
You will need a light jacket in the evening as the valley can get a little cooler.
Here are few outfits to spark your inspiration!
Google Map of Mendoza
See this map to learn about the different regions and the many wineries of Mendoza. I have everything pinned so you can see distances!
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