Mendoza, Cuyo, central Andes · Argentina
Argentina's Malbec capital: vineyards beneath the Andes, tree-lined plazas, tasting rooms with snowy peaks behind them, and the highest mountain in the Americas nearby.
Photo: Beatrice Murch · CC BY-SA 2.0
Mendoza is the heart of Argentine wine. The province produces about 70% of the country's wine, most of it in vineyards at altitudes of 700 to 1,500 metres on the eastern slope of the Andes, where hot days, cool nights and irrigation from mountain snowmelt create ideal conditions for grapes. Malbec, a French variety that has found its best expression here, is the signature, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Torrontés and other varieties.
The city of Mendoza itself is calm and elegant, with wide streets shaded by plane trees, irrigation channels, or acequias, and five plazas, rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1861. Restaurants and wine bars fill its streets, and the cafés are lively on summer evenings. Around it, the main wine regions are Luján de Cuyo, the oldest area with historic bodegas, Maipú, close to the city and easy to visit by bicycle, and the high-altitude Uco Valley, an hour or more away, with modern wineries in front of the Andes.
Beyond wine, Mendoza is a base for adventure. Aconcagua, at 6,961 metres the highest mountain outside Asia, is about three hours away, and river rafting, horse riding, hiking and skiing are all available. It is a sociable, sunny and delicious destination, and most visitors stay three or four days.
Why visit
Mendoza is one of the world's great wine regions, with mountain scenery and a relaxed pace.
Tastings at hundreds of wineries, from small family bodegas to architectural showpieces.
Vineyards backed by snowy Andean peaks.
Wine-region restaurants offer superb multi-course lunches and asados.
Tree-lined streets, plazas and a lively café and restaurant culture.
Aconcagua, rafting, hiking and skiing.
Main attractions
Wineries, the city and the Andes make up the visit.
The birthplace of Argentine Malbec, with historic bodegas and modern wineries. Many offer tours, tastings and lunch.
Tip Book visits ahead, and choose three or four.
The closest wine region to Mendoza, with a mix of old and new wineries, olive oil producers and a flat landscape suited to cycling.
Tip Rent a bike, but do not overdo the tastings.
A high-altitude region about 1 to 1.5 hours away, with world-class wineries, striking architecture and views of the Andes.
Tip Go with a driver, and book lunch.
Plaza Independencia, the central square, is surrounded by four smaller plazas, Spain, Italy, Chile and San Martín, each with its own style.
Tip Go for a stroll in the evening.
The park around the highest peak in the Americas, with viewpoints and short walks at the Laguna Horcones trailhead.
Tip Go on a clear day.
A natural stone bridge over the Vacas River, stained yellow and orange by mineral springs, on the road to Chile.
Tip Combine with Aconcagua.
Things to do
Wine dominates, with adventure and views available too.
Visit three or four wineries, taste, and have lunch.
Tip Book a driver or a tour.
Ride between wineries and olive oil producers.
Tip Start early.
Rapids on the Mendoza River, near Potrerillos.
Tip Book from October to April.
A day trip along the Andean road to the highest peak.
Tip Start early, and bring layers.
Grilled meats and wine, in the vineyards.
Tip Book in advance.
Las Leñas and Penitentes are the resorts.
Tip Check the snow.
Local food
Mendoza's cuisine pairs beef and empanadas with olive oil, vegetables and wine.
Grilled meats, especially beef, served with Malbec.
Where to try it Bodegas and city restaurants.
Baked pastries with beef, onion, olives and hard-boiled egg.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Local producers make fine oil.
Where to try it Farms in Maipú.
The region's wines.
Where to try it Every winery.
Sweet treats.
Where to try it Shops.
Accommodation
Stay in the city for restaurants, or in a winery lodge for full immersion.
Transport
Mendoza is about 1,000 km west of Buenos Aires, at the foot of the Andes.
Taxis, tours and bicycles are the main ways to reach the wineries.
When to go
Mendoza has a sunny, dry climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
Hot, sunny and long days, with outdoor dining.
Harvest season, with warm days and golden vines. The Vendimia festival in late February and early March.
Cold, with snow in the mountains and skiing.
Mild, blooming and quieter.
Worth planning around: The hottest days in January and the busiest weekends during Vendimia.
Itinerary
Wineries, the city and the mountains.
Malbec country.
The high Andes.
More wine.
Travel tips
A few tips make wine touring easier.
FAQ
Three or four days for wineries, the city and the mountains.
March to April for the harvest, and October to December for mild weather.
Malbec is the signature, and Torrontés, Cabernet Franc and Bonarda are also worth trying.
Luján de Cuyo for history, Maipú for easy cycling and the Uco Valley for altitude and views.
Not from the city, but on a day trip on the Andean road.
Generally yes, with normal precautions.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Mendoza, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
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