Mendoza's Wine Regions
Mendoza is Argentina's undisputed wine capital, with several different sub regions. Here are the three most important ones – each with its own personality, altitude, and world-famous Malbec expressions.
Luján de Cuyo
Drive time from Mendoza City: 20–30 minutes.
Altitude: 850–1,070 meters (2,800–3,500 ft).
Known for: Argentina's most famous Malbecs and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What to expect: A mix of large, historic wineries and smaller boutique producers, plus great views of the Andes.
Uco Valley (Valle de Uco)
Drive time from Mendoza City: 90–120 minutes.
Altitude: 1,100–1,500 meters (3,600–5,000 ft).
Known for: Fresh, high-altitude Malbec, excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
What to expect: Modern wineries, beautiful mountain scenery, and usually a full-day trip.
Maipú
Drive time from Mendoza City: 15–20 minutes.
Altitude: 700–850 meters (2,300–2,800 ft).
Known for: Classic Malbec, jammier wines due to warmer climate and lower thermal amplitude.
What to expect: Family-owned wineries, wine museums, olive groves, and the popular bike-tour routes.
A Quick Reality Check on Logistics
Almost every winery in Mendoza works by appointment only—even for a simple tasting. Arriving without a reservation usually means waiting (or being turned away). Distances and driving times, sometimes on rocky dirt roads, can add up quickly and be difficult to estimate. In short, Mendoza is not like Napa or Sonoma, where you can just show up at the tasting rooms, a lot more planning is required.
One day or multi-day itineraries
Whether you want us to tailor a full day to your needs, or are interested in a multi-day plan, we can help. See below for two examples.
2 day private and semi private itinerary
Malbec Magic and Uco Valley Experience
Mix it up with one private tour that is all about Malbec, Argentina's star varietal, and one small group tour to the Uco Valley.
Arrival in Mendoza on your own. Pickup for the tours from Mendoza city or Chacras de Coria.
Day 1: A private tour discovering the different styles of Malbec in the Luján de Cuyo region, complete with an exclusive wine pairing lunch.
Day 2: Explore wineries in the Uco Valley, with tastings at 2 wineries and a lunch with the backdrop of the Andes mountains at the third winery. Small group tour, max 6-7 people.
Departure from Mendoza independently.
Includes: All wine tastings and winery lunches, transport, English expert guide.
Not included: Accommodation and airport transfers. See recommended places to stay in Mendoza city and Chacras de Coria.
Price: $560 per person (based on 2 people).
5 day private deluxe itinerary
Best of Luján and Uco Valley
A well thought out itinerary showcasing the very best of Mendoza, with two nights spent in Mendoza city, and two nights amongst vineyards in the Uco Valley.
Day 1: Transfer from airport to Mendoza city. Optional city tour.
Day 2: Deluxe Wine Tour of the Luján de Cuyo region, including iconic wineries and a Michelin star wine pairing lunch.
Day 3: After a private wine tasting in the morning in the historical Maipú region we continue to lunch in the Uco Valley, before dropping you off at your Uco Valley getaway.
Day 4: Pick up from your lodge, Uco Valley wine tour and winery lunch, return to Uco Valley lodge.
Day 5: Transfer from the Uco Valley to Mendoza airport.
Includes: 3 private wine tour days with transport, English expert guide, wine tasting at Mendoza's most iconic wineries, wine pairing lunches. Transfers to and from the airport.
Not included: Accommodation. See recommended places.
Price: $1500 per person (based on 2 people).