Traveling to the wine capital? Make sure to check out these wineries in Mendoza!
Mendoza Wineries are a top choice for enotourism, with over 1200 active wineries, and more than 100 open to visitors.
Mendoza is the central point of the Wine Route in Argentina. Situated near the Andes mountain range with an average altitude of 746 meters, it boasts an arid climate and soil perfect for wine production, contributing over 70% of Argentina’s wine output.
We have chosen the top 13 Mendoza wineries for you to visit during your trip to the region known for its sun and excellent wine. Check them out among the over 100 options available.
In this article you will find:
- Mendoza’s wine-producing areas
- How to tour the wineries in Mendoza?
- Which vineyards should I visit in Mendoza?
- Arrange your schedule for visiting wineries in Mendoza.
- Where should you stay when visiting wineries in Mendoza?
- When is the best time to visit the wineries in Mendoza?
- What other activities can be done in Mendoza apart from visiting the wineries? Agriculture products in Mendoza
- Mendoza’s agricultural items
- Mendoza sightseeing tours and tickets
- Mendoza travel safety
- Mendoza mobile chip
- Mendoza’s agricultural goods
Mendoza’s wine-producing areas
Mendoza wineries are categorized by areas. The primary ones include:
- Lujan de Cuyo Region is located around 16 km from the city center and is home to the majority of Mendoza’s wineries.
- Maipú Region, located near Mendoza, is approximately 12 km away from the city and home to the most state-of-the-art wineries.
- Valle de Uco Region is located approximately an hour away from Mendoza.
Visiting the wineries in Mendoza: What is the process?
Most wineries in Mendoza provide guided tours, including explanations of the production process and, of course, wine tasting.
Wineries in Argentina, known as bodegas, provide various tour options that may include wine tastings. These tours can be booked through travel agencies, the wineries themselves, or sometimes even at the hotel.
Prices can vary. Some tour packages include a set lunch, while others offer more luxurious tastings. There are numerous options available. I finalized the tour package at $1 per person for each region – this is the average price for a package that includes visits to three wineries and lunch.
The tour is beneficial because it provides transportation. You can also choose to hire a Remis (a hired driver for a set price and duration). While taxi or Uber are alternatives, it may be challenging to find a driver nearby. I advise against driving yourself, especially because you will be consuming a lot of wine, and drinking and driving do not mix well!
What wineries should I visit in Mendoza?
Mendoza is renowned for its production of the world’s finest Malbec wines. Additionally, the region is highly regarded for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Bonarda, and Syrah varieties.
We chose some of the finest Mendoza wineries, organized by area, for you to create your itinerary. Take a look!
Luján de Cuyo Script
Luján de Cuyo is the leading area for producing premium wines, boasting a higher number of wineries to explore. If you have extra time in Mendoza, revisiting this region to discover new options is worthwhile.
Additional choices include Bodega Norton, Terraza de los Andes, and Luigi Bosca.
Zapata Chain
Catena Zapata played a crucial role in the advancement of wine making in Argentina. The winery started operations in 1902, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it truly flourished, particularly with the cultivation of Malbec grapes. Utilizing this grape type, they craft numerous acclaimed wines, elevating the reputation of Mendoza wines globally.
It is a highly popular winery for tours and tastings. Tours are available at various times, and a highlight is the view from the Mayan-style pyramid. I have not had the opportunity to visit yet, but it is considered one of the must-see tours in Mendoza’s wineries!
Vistalba
In Vistalba, I experienced a personalized tour with a very welcoming guide who communicated in clear and easy-to-follow Spanish. The location offers stunning views and features a more artisanal production process. Apart from wine, they also create olive oils and beauty items using the same oil.
The underground winery tasting room has a natural climate. The wall is a literal cut in the earth, allowing us to see the soil layers. I sampled three wines and a sparkling wine there, and purchased a Vistalba Corte B wine from the shop (a favorite of mine).
In wine sales apps, the Corte B bottle is priced at approximately R$ 360. Purchasing at Vistalba, I spent R$ 146 for two bottles, including travel-safe packaging. Great deal!
Cobos Vineyard
The winery Viña Cobos has a bigger production scale and a more industrial style. The facilities are more organized and modern, and the guides are knowledgeable about wine and fluent in Portuguese. They produce high-quality wines, including the awarded and highly scored Corte B.
The wine making class was the most enjoyable one I experienced at all the wineries I visited. The wine tastings were outstanding. There are various types of tours available for visitors to choose from, with different prices and a variety of wines to sample.
Ruca Malen
The Ruca Malen winery is located next to Viña Cobos. It was the final stop on my tour in Luján de Cuyo, so I had lunch there. This winery produces wines that are also available in Brazil. They are affordable and of good quality.
The dining experience is comprehensive, featuring dishes created by well-known chef Lucas Bustos. The restaurant was previously recognized in 2013 as the top bodega restaurant experience globally. The menu consists of six courses and is paired with beverages made by the winery. Some of the featured wine labels include Yauquén, Ruca Malen, and Kinién.
Chandon Winery
Part of LVMH, Bodega Chandon focuses on making sparkling wines. The well-known French brand has a modern building with baroque influences. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the main types of grape in the vineyard.
The tour stands out for its emphasis on the elaborate production process and unique grape varieties. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a paired lunch along with a tasting experience.
I couldn’t visit that place, but it’s on my list for the next trip to Mendoza. #ProTip: Since it’s popular, make sure to book ahead!
Valle de Uco Screenplay
The Valle de Uco is a secluded area in central Mendoza known for its wineries that cultivate grapes at elevated altitudes. Here are some pointers:
Salentein
The Salentein winery sits at an elevation of 1200 meters amidst the vineyards of Valle de Uco. A traditional Mendoza winery, it was built in a cross shape to aid in wine production, with underground chambers located approximately 9 meters beneath the surface.
Salentein features striking and balanced design, complete with gardens and stone decorations, as well as art pieces and sculptures. Tours typically run for slightly more than an hour and include insights into the wine-making process and tastings of wines made at the estate. Though I didn’t get to visit it, it comes highly recommended for those exploring Valle de Uco!
Andeluna
During my visit to Andeluna winery, I had the misfortune of it being election day in Argentina. The bodega was quiet, and the tour felt somewhat chaotic. Our guide took us on a brief and less informative tour. The scenery was stunning, featuring a lovely autumn backdrop with the mountains in the distance.
This winery offers a wide range of white and rosé wines, which are produced on-site and are of good quality despite being considered affordable and less refined compared to other options in the market. It is recommended to try the different varieties available.
Domaine Bousquet
The winery Domaine Bousquet was established by the French Bousquet family, known for their long history in winemaking. To create high-quality wines, they decided to invest in Mendoza. They employ organic methods and use underground tanks for efficient climate control.
The winery’s sustainability is detailed by an enthusiastic wine guide. An English tour is available but needs to be arranged in advance. This winery is located near Andeluna and shares the same scenic view, making it advisable to select only one for a visit.
The Blue
I selected bodega La Azul for the harmonized lunch during the Valle de Uco tour. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and offers a relaxed dining experience. Although they do not provide a tour with wine tasting, I highly recommend the harmonized lunch.
The menu provides tasty traditional meals like empanadas and choripan, all made in-house. The wines are excellent, with the Gran Reserva ones being available only at that location.
I purchased 4 bottles for R $ 67 each, a great deal. I discovered that specialized apps sell these exclusive wines at prices up to 4 times higher. Therefore, when traveling, take advantage of buying them at the winery!
Maipú Script
To make sure our readers have a complete tour, I researched and picked the top wineries to add to your Maipú itinerary. I didn’t have the chance to visit the area on my trip, but next time I visit the wineries in Mendoza, these are the ones I’ll be familiar with:
La Rural Winery
The La Rural winery has been around since 1885. Felipe Rutini, an Italian immigrant, established it and was a trailblazer in vine cultivation in the area. In the 1990s, the winery was modernized with new technologies while preserving its 19th-century architectural features.
The bodega has a Wine Museum in addition to the vineyards, where visitors can explore historical information about Mendoza wineries through around 4,500 exhibits. It is a must-see attraction in the Maipú area.
Zuccardi Family
Zuccardi wines have been created by the Zuccardi family for three generations. Sebastián Zuccardi is currently in charge of production. Since 2008, the winery has a research and development area to enhance beverage production, conducting studies on soil and other factors affecting grapes.
Sebastián aims to create wines that reflect the local identity of the Mendoza region. The winery’s leader describes them as wines with character, rather than flawless. Visitors can explore the vineyard and learn about Zuccardi wines during the visit.
Home El Enemigo (Aleanna Winery)
The winery is led by Alejandro Vigil, famous winemaker from Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, a historian. They co-founded the Aleanna winery with the goal of creating a beverage that combined history and tradition, resulting in the birth of El Enemigo wine, also the winery’s name.
The venue is adorned with a theme inspired by Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy”, featuring stone walls and decorative barrels. The areas are named Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, mirroring the sections of the poem. Adjacent to the Paradise Restaurant, overseen by chef Santiago Maestro, there is a staircase embellished with tiles.
Sugar mill
The Trapiche winery structure, constructed in 1912 in a Florentine architectural style, has been refurbished and rejuvenated to receive guests from around the globe. The guided tour pays homage to the key individuals responsible for establishing wine production in the city and to those who continue to support it.
In the winery, farming is sustainable and relies on biodynamic methods. The aim is to preserve ecological harmony, enhance soil bacteria activity, and biological variety. The vineyard is enclosed by 9 hectares of olive trees and vineyards.
Arrange your schedule for visiting wineries in Mendoza.
When planning your route to visit wineries in Mendoza, consider these suggestions:
- Explore one area daily: The vineyard regions are distant from each other, so attempting to visit multiple in a single day will consume much time traveling.
- Limit the number of wineries you visit each day to two or three at most to avoid overindulging and potentially ruining the tasting experience.
- Schedule a lunch: Wineries provide the opportunity for a paired lunch. It’s a great idea! You can enjoy a satisfying meal without the hassle of searching for restaurants nearby.
Schedule the initial winery visit in the late morning, enjoy a harmonized lunch at the next winery, and visit the third winery in the mid-afternoon. Another alternative is to begin the visits early and have lunch at the final winery.
Where should you stay when visiting wineries in Mendoza?
Many wineries in Mendoza provide on-site lodging, offering a distinctive and enjoyable experience. For a tranquil hotel stay away from the city center, consider the Entre Cielos Mendoza hotel as a great accommodation option.
In the central area, there are also excellent hotel choices in Mendoza for your accommodation. They may be located further from the vineyards but are conveniently close to the city’s points of interest.
I remained and tallied up all my encounters in the review article of Entre Cielos Mendoza.
What is the best time to visit the wineries in Mendoza?
The best time to visit wineries in Mendoza is from October to April. Another good time to go is early March when the Wine Festival is held.
National Grape Harvest Festival (Wine Festival)
The Vendimia Festival is a customary event that takes place on the initial Saturday of March. It stems from the practice of commemorating the fruits and wine production after the harvest season.
The festival includes notable events like the Blessing of the Fruits, the parade and crowning of the Vendimia Queen, the Harvest Carousel, and the main ceremony, which is the liveliest part featuring various performances and is held multiple times towards the end of the celebration. The conclusion of the festivities involves a bonfire on Cerro de la Gloria.
During the event, the city becomes more crowded, making it challenging to find diverse lodging choices. To join the celebration, it’s recommended to plan your trip ahead of time and reserve accommodations in advance.
What activities are there in Mendoza other than visiting wineries?
Anyone looking to venture beyond the wine route in Mendoza will find plenty of alternative things to do. Despite being known as Argentina’s wine capital, the city provides a variety of activities to suit everyone’s preferences.
Mendoza offers various experiences throughout the four seasons, with winter perfect for skiing and enjoying snow, while summer is ideal for exploring the perpetually frozen mountains.
Mendoza’s agricultural goods
Mendoza is where you can find some olive oil producers. One standout option for visiting and sampling olive groves is Olivícola Laur, which makes an award-winning olive oil known as Laur Gran Mendoza, considered the “Malbec” of Argentine oils.
The majority of olive plantations can be found in the Maipú area. Other notable sites include Olivícola Simone, Olivícola Pasrai, and Olivícola Maguay.
If your journey is extended or you have a passion for olive oil, this visit is highly recommended. It offers a unique and exceptional experience. I suggest attempting to pick an olive from the tree and savoring it – the sensation is truly distinctive! Share your thoughts with us in the comments section. 😉
chsyys/KaboomPics
Mendoza tours and tickets
Have you organized your Mendoza tours? Leave home prepared to avoid waiting in line for tickets and pay in up to 12 installments without IOF! Explore tour prices or view our top choices.
- Mendoza’s tour is free.
- Andes High Mountain Tour – $39
- Vineyard and winery tour costs $22.
- Potrerillos and Cacheuta Excursion – $23
- Atuel and San Rafael Canyon Excursion – $55
Explore additional fantastic tours for a complete experience in Mendoza.
Travel safely in Mendoza
Hiring Mendoza Travel Insurance provides peace of mind for your trip, ensuring a worry-free experience with necessary support and a discount coupon available.
Mendoza’s mobile chip.
Spend your entire season in Mendoza fully connected to the internet with the Mendoza mobile chip, available at affordable prices. Explore America Chip’s offers for internet access in Mendoza. Get a discount coupon now.
