There’s no better place in the world to sip world-class quality wine than Mendoza. In this article, I will tell you all about the best wineries in Mendoza, Argentina to visit. I've been to Mendoza on about six different occasions, and given the opportunity, I would go another 600 times.
Mendoza is a short airplane ride from the capital of Buenos Aires, Argentina. There’s even a local airport smack in the middle of the city, so it’s an extremely easy two-hour flight from the capital.
Mendoza, located in western Argentina, is a popular destination for wine lovers due to its unique combination of climate, soil, and geography. Some factors that make Mendoza special for visiting wineries include:
Overall, Mendoza's combination of high-altitude vineyards, ideal growing conditions, variety of grape varietals, and well-developed wine tourism infrastructure make it a special place to visit for wine enthusiasts.
One might wonder how or why I've been to Mendoza so many times, and the short answer is, I married an Argentine, and Buenos Aires is my adopted city, having lived there for about eight years. To say I know myself around a good Malbec is an understatement.
Malbec is the queen of all grape varieties in Argentina and is an obvious choice for the soil and climate type in Mendoza. The little amount of rain and vast temperature differences between day and night are all highly conducive to growing quality wine grapes.
So what exactly makes Mendoza so special? How about consistent clear blue skies, and mountain views, with the Andes lined up in the distance every which way you look, and again mighty queen Malbec.
Mendoza is the perfect destination to go with a group of girlfriends, or as a romantic getaway with your significant other. It vibes both ways. In this article, I will tell you all about the best wineries in Mendoza.
Valle De Uco is the area you have to visit and is about an hour's drive south of the city of Mendoza, it is truly one of the best wineries in Mendoza. The downtown area called Lujan de Cuyo is pretty, but I prefer heading deeper to the South, where it’s also more luxurious.
Valle de Uco is the southwest region of Mendoza, it’s situated along the Tunuyán River, and is widely considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza, and all of Argentina.
It’s also usually always sunny in this area or at least for about 250 days out of the year, so your Las Vegas betting odds are very good to see the sun and drink good wine.
When going to all of the tastings, bring sunglasses, wear sunblock, hydrate with lots of water in between tastings, and make sure to nibble on small bites as you sip—nobody likes a sloppy drunk. It’s recommended to do about three wineries per day.
You will need a reservation everywhere you go, so plan ahead and map it out. Mendoza is so spread out, so you will need to hire a driver to take you to all of the wineries.
This is parr for the course so just do a little research about car services and drivers, it’s super common and affordable to have somebody drive you around to each winery location.
If I wrote a book, I think I would call it "Me, Myself and Malbec" BUT my other bestie would be Torrontes. Torrontes is an emblematic white wine variety, the result of the genetic crossing of two varieties brought to the country in colonial times: the so-called “uva negra” and Muscat of Alexandria or “uva de Italia.”
The combination of temperature and humidity provides the ideal environment for the growth of the sweet and deep fruit flavor. Get on the Torrontes bandwagon and drink the Torrontes Kool-Aid —it’s so damn good!
Bodega DiamAndes is my personal favorite winery. What I love about this winery is yes, of course, the wine, but whilst sipping a Malbec aged from a french oak barrel you also get to soak up a lesson in architecture and design. The winery’s architecture is the work of Mendocinian Architects Mario Yanzón and Eliana Bórmida. One of the governing principles of the project is the essential connection existing between wine and nature.
Clos de los Siete- 2,100 acres of vines at the foot of the Andes Mountains. It’s four bodegas run by four passionate Bordeaux families. There is one single wine named “Clos de los Siete”, blended by Michel Rolland, the originator of the project. It’s one hell of a compound of grapes. The staff is super friendly, and who isn’t in a good mood after a glass or two of the really good stuff?!
La Azul – Located at the foot of Cordón del Plata. This a much smaller more intimate winery which I am a big fan of. Try the La Azul Gran Reserva, which has been aging for two years in French and American oak barrels.
Grab a bite to eat at La Azul Restó a great place to have a delicious Argentinean meal, paired with unique wines. They serve Criolla food, which is to say it’s authentic food from the region, a mix made of ancestral food from the Andes and Mediterranean ingredients with recipes and ingredients passed down from generation to generation. Think lots of escabeches, empanadas, asado, and they have a special bondiola braseada as well.
The Vines of Mendoza Tasting Room -This is the bougie treat-yourself option from all the other locations. Here you will experience some of the best quality wine, and food and the real gem is the resort spa, set amidst 1,500 acres of private vineyards. It’s basically heaven.
Cavas Wine Lodge - The wine is good, and the lodging is even better. First-class service, with so much attention to detail. But you better be prepared to open that wallet. The cheapest luxury room will run you around $750 USD a night. And the Grand Villa room which is really two bedrooms and a living area will cost you $3,200. On the upside, if you’re a foreigner you don’t pay the IVA tax of 21%.
Casa De Uco Vineyards and Wine Resorts
And lastly, my favorite spot to have an amazing lunch or dinner is Casa De Uco. When I ordered my dish, I actually saw the chef go into the back garden area to pick out some of the fresh ingredients he made to order. This scenery and ambiance are absolutely magical.
Mendoza, Argentina is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience. With its high-altitude vineyards, ideal growing conditions, and variety of grape varietals, the region produces some of the world's finest wines.
But it's not just the wine that makes Mendoza special. The stunning natural beauty of the Andes Mountains, combined with the region's rich culture and warm hospitality, creates a truly magical atmosphere. Whether you're exploring the wineries, hiking through the mountains, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, a trip to Mendoza is sure to leave a lasting impression.
I hope you enjoyed this article for your next trip to Argentina to visit the best wineries in Mendoza!
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