What to do in Mendoza: wines and wineries to visit (and try!)

It is a land of sunshine, good life, high-end tourism, a lot of history, thanks to the unforgettable legacy of José de San Martín, and above all this, wine. Among many other characteristics, this is the province of Mendoza, the main producer of wines in Argentina.

Read more: Argentine wines: unique experiences within everyone's reach

Before visiting Mendoza, tourists wonder what they can do in this beautiful province, located in front of the Andes Mountains. In this note we present their best wines and the wineries that you should not miss.

Wineries in Mendoza:

Piedra Infinita, a journey to space with Zuccardi

It is one of the top stars of the Uco Valley. For three years in a row (2019-2020-2021) Piedra Infinita has been chosen as the Best Vineyard in the World by the World's Best Vineyards.

The design of the winery –made almost entirely of stones that were found in the same area –is so incredible, that it feels like a galactic experience with –of course– the best glass of wine.

 Where is Piedra Infinita? Costa Canal Uco s/n – Paraje Altamira, San Carlos

Wine recommended? Aluvional (Malbec)

Catena Zapata, a classic from Mendoza

Since 1902, Catena Zapata has been a classic of Luján de Cuyo, the most traditional wine area of Mendoza. A multi-award-winning winery recognized worldwide, it is a must in these blessed lands of Cuyo. La Pirámide, as the winery is known, is synonymous with elegance and good taste.

Where is Catena Zapata? Cobos s/n - Luján de Cuyo (5509)

Wine recommended? Argentine Malbec

Trapiche, a tradition from Argentina

The Trapiche Winery is another great Mendoza classic. Its beginning dates back to 1883! Those who pass through Mendoza can NOT miss a glass of a good Trapiche and visit the winery museum. In 2019 it was chosen as the Best Winery in the New World at the Wine Star Awards.

Where is Trapiche? Nueva Mayorga s/n. M5513, Maipú

Wine recommended? Gran Medalla (Malbec)

Salentein, majestic in front of the Andes Mountains

It is both imperial and powerful. When you arrive in Salentein, you feel like a sovereign, a chosen one. The experience here can be perfectly paired by a 2- or 3-night stay at La Posada. Life is a dream in this incredible winery in the Uco Valley.

Where is Salentein? Ruta 89 s/n, km 14, M5563 Los Arboles, Valle de Uco

Recommended wine? Salentein Gran VU Blend

Finca El Paraíso Luigi Bosca

Its website says it is the oldest and largest estate with the greatest variety of implanted vines of Luigi Bosca winery. It is definitely unbeatable for the extreme quality of its wines. An important fact: the picnic they offer in the gardens of the house shouldn’t be missed for the world!

Where is Luigi Bosca? El Paraíso 1926, M5531, Maipú

Wine recommended? Luigi Bosca Riesling Las Compuertas

Susana Balbo, innovative spirit

Its founder, Susana, is the first female winemaker in Argentina. Here, everything revolves around innovation and quality of service. Susana Balbo represents excellence and the spirit of the good life of Mendoza.

Where is Susana Balbo? Cochabamba 7801, Luján de Cuyo

Wine recommended? Susana Balbo Signature Rosé (Malbec-Pinot Noire)

Toneles, culture of Mendoza

The Toneles winery has such an important value that it was declared Cultural Heritage of the province. It is, perhaps, the most urban of the selected wineries here, because it is located in the town of Guaymallén, in Greater Mendoza, ten minutes from the provincial capital.

Where is Toneles? Av. de Acceso Este, Guaymallén

Recommended wine? Sapo de otro pozo (Malbec, Syrah y Cabernet Franc)

Lagarde, nature and wine

It is surrounded by plenty of vegetation and old trees, which give a special touch to the visit. Lagarde not only invites you to drink a delicious glass of wine, but also to feel free in nature and to breathe the Mendoza air.

Where is Lagarde? San Martín 1745, Luján de Cuyo

Recommended wine? Primera Viñas (Cabernet Sauvignon)

Riccitelli Wines, avant-garde of Argentina

Matías Riccitelli Wines presents an avant-garde concept. The idea here is to show an experience completely different from the others, with wines that transmit new and authentic flavors.

Where is Riccitelli Wines? Callejón Nicolás de la Reta 750, Luján de Cuyo

Recommended wine? Riccitelli & Father (Malbec-Cabernet Franc)

Huentala Wines, a high-end experience

Huentala Wines is total luxury. An experience that exudes luxury tourism throughout its journey. Modern and supreme in every way. To visit again and again.

Where is Huentala? La Estancia, Valle de Uco

Recommended wine? Gran Sombrero (Cabernet Franc)

In addition to these wineries, you can find many more to visit and explore, since Mendoza has more than 300 wineries open to tourism.

Useful facts about Mendoza

Distance between Mendoza and Buenos Aires: one hour by plane. By land, going along National Route Nº 7, it takes between 10 and 12 hours approximately.

Best time to go to Mendoza: anytime, although from October to March (harvest months) it can be ideal since vineyards are in their splendor.

Direct international flights: From Brazil: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Gol Linhas Aéreas and Latam fly from São Paulo. From Chile: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Jetsmart, Latam and Sky Airlines fly from Santiago de Chile. From Panama: Copa flies from Panama City. From Peru: Latam flies from Lima.

In addition, Mendoza receives several flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Salta to enable connections within Argentina.

Districts that make up Uco Valley: Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos.

The best-known wines of Mendoza are...: Malbec is the most popular variety, but excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and Chenin, among others, are also produced.

Bear in mind: the distance to travel from the city of Mendoza to Uco Valley is just over an hour, whereas to Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, it takes no more than 30 minutes.

Lodging in Mendoza: many wineries have lodging, but in the provincial capital there are also hotels of excellent quality and varied offers. Glamping (in front of vineyards) has been one of the most chosen proposals lately.

Gastronomy in Mendoza: the imprint of the embers is always very present. At the end of 2023, the Michelin guide awarded a Michelin Star to Zonda, Landscape Cuisine; Casa Vigil; Brindillas and Azafrán. In addition, Casa Vigil; Zonda, Landscape Cuisine and Riccitelli Bistró obtained the Green Star for their sustainability.

Read more: 10 reasons to visit Mendoza, the capital of Argentine wine

What to do in Mendoza, apart from wine

Of course, every time we think about Mendoza, we immediately associate it with the wine world. But not everything is about a glass of wine (although we often believe it is). We can also do, among many things, the following:

Adventure Tourism in San Rafael: towards the center-south of the province, the second largest city is San Rafael, the provincial capital of adventure tourism. Incredible bike tours through the Atuel Canyon, rafting on the Atuel River or rappelling on the banks of Los Reyunos reservoir are just some of the best attractions.

Climbing Aconcagua: Year after year, hikers of nationalities of all over the world come to Mendoza for the great challenge of climbing Mount Aconcagua. With an altitude of 6962 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in America. Its base is 185 kilometers from the City of Mendoza.

Snow in Las Leñas: during the winter season (from June to September in Argentina), thousands of tourists come to the country's ski resorts. And one of the historic (and glamorous) centers is Las Leñas, where the snow sets the scene for unforgettable experiences. It is located more than 4 hours (by car) from Mendoza, going southwest.



Hot springs in Cacheuta: in case wine, adventure and snow were not enough, Mendoza also has hot springs for absolute relaxation. An hour from the provincial capital, this fantastic thermal center can restore your energy, something you will need after several days of intense activity.