South America
Mendoza Wine Region and Uco Valley
Argentina
Distance
180 km
Duration
2-3 days
Best Season
spring to autumn
A relaxed wine-country loop from Mendoza city through Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and the wide-open Uco Valley. Drive between olive groves, vineyard estates, and snow-backed Andes views, stopping for Malbec tastings, winery lunches, and sunset light over Tunuyán and Tupungato.
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Stops along the route
Departure
Mendoza
Start in the leafy provincial capital, where wine bars and mountain views set the tone.
Arrival
Mendoza
Loop back to Mendoza with a final load of tastings, vineyard photos, and relaxed evening energy.
Things to Do
Landmark
Bodega Trapiche
Historic winery in Maipú with classic architecture and a deep cellar full of Malbec tradition.
Landmark
Bodega Catena Zapata
Iconic pyramid-shaped winery in Agrelo, framed by vineyards and the Andes.
Landmark
Bodega Salentein
A dramatic Uco Valley winery with art, barrel halls, and big-sky vineyard scenery.
Nature
Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort
Wide-open vineyard landscape with sleek design and sunset views over the valley.
Landmark
Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco
Striking concrete winery in Paraje Altamira, known for precise wines and stark mountain light.
winery tasting
Wine tasting in Maipú
Spend a slow half-day sampling Malbec and olive oil around Maipú. It is one of the easiest ways to ease into the region.
winery tour
Bodega Catena Zapata tour
Tour the famous pyramid winery and learn how high-desert vineyards shape Mendoza wine. The setting is as photogenic as the bottles.
scenic drive
Uco Valley vineyard drive
Cruise past wide vineyard blocks with the Andes filling the horizon. Late afternoon gives the best light for photos.
winery and art
Bodega Salentein art and cellar visit
See the cellar, chapel, and art spaces at one of the valley's standout estates. It mixes wine, design, and landscape beautifully.
architecture and wine
Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco tour
Explore the sculptural winery in Paraje Altamira and taste wines shaped by stony soils. The building alone is worth the stop.
Where to Eat
Food & Drink
Bodega Séptima
A polished estate stop in Luján de Cuyo with terrace views and tasting-room calm.
Food & Drink
Bodega Andeluna
High-altitude vineyards and a refined tasting stop near Gualtallary's dramatic slopes.
Argentine wine-country
Restaurant at Bodega Séptima
Seasonal plates pair naturally with estate wines and open valley views. Book ahead for a long lunch.
Argentine fine dining
Restaurant at Catena Zapata
A polished winery meal in Agrelo with a strong focus on local produce and wine pairing. Ideal for a special stop.
Argentine wine-country
Restaurant at Bodega Salentein
Lunch comes with panoramic Uco Valley views and a calm estate setting. Expect regional dishes built for tasting menus.
market
Mercado Central
A good place in Mendoza city for empanadas, sandwiches, olives, and local snacks. Handy for a casual pre-drive bite.
Mediterranean Argentine
Anna Bistró
A well-liked Mendoza restaurant for relaxed meals and a broad wine list. Good for dinner before or after the loop.