The Mendoza Wine Route is not just one: there are several routes covering the wine regions of the province. Knowing which to choose and how to navigate it is the difference between a memorable trip and a rushed one.
In this guide we'll cover the different wine routes Mendoza offers, what wineries each includes, when's the best time to visit them and how to combine them with other experiences for a complete trip.
What is the Wine Route?
The Mendoza Wine Route is a system of tourist circuits connecting wineries open to the public in the different wine regions. Created in 1997 as an initiative to boost wine tourism, today it's one of the main attractions of the province.
It's not a single route as the French Champagne Route might be: in Mendoza we speak of three main routes, one for each wine region. To understand the differences between regions well, we recommend reading first our guide to Mendoza wine regions.
The three main routes
1. Maipú Wine Route
The most traditional. It covers the centuries-old wineries of eastern Mendoza, the first to produce wine on industrial scale. Ideal for those who value wine history and classic wines.
- Distance from Mendoza downtown: 25–30 minutes
- Type of wineries: traditional, century-old, some family-run
- Wine style: classic Malbec, Bonarda, traditional blends
- Featured wineries: López (1898), Trapiche, Familia Zuccardi, Norton, Rutini, Tempus Alba
To learn about the complete day in this zone, you have all details on the Maipú winery tour page.
2. Luján de Cuyo Wine Route
The premium Malbec route. Covers the "First Zone" of Argentine Malbec, with world-class boutique wineries and signature cuisine restaurants.
- Distance from Mendoza downtown: 30–40 minutes
- Type of wineries: boutique, premium, some historic
- Wine style: premium Malbec, Cabernet Franc, high-end blends
- Featured wineries: Catena Zapata, Viña Cobos, Achaval Ferrer, Susana Balbo, Casa Vigil, Luigi Bosca
If you want to explore this route, all details on the Luján de Cuyo private tour page.
3. Uco Valley Wine Route
The most modern and spectacular route. Covers high-altitude wineries with contemporary architecture and avant-garde wines. The landscape is impressive: vineyards at 1,000–1,500 meters with the Andes Mountains as backdrop.
- Distance from Mendoza downtown: 1h30–2h
- Type of wineries: modern boutique, architecturally impressive
- Wine style: high-altitude Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, biodynamic blends
- Featured wineries: Salentein, Andeluna, Domaine Bousquet, La Azul, Bodegas Bianchi, SuperUco
To organize your perfect day in this zone, visit the Uco Valley private tour page.
Other thematic routes
Olive Route
Mendoza also produces extra virgin olive oil of excellent quality. Some olive presses can be combined with winery visits in Maipú: Pasrai, Laur, Olivos del Sol. A perfect complementary experience for gastronomy lovers.
Vendimia Route
Between February and March, several wineries open their doors for harvest experiences: pick grapes, participate in production, see the press. The most vibrant time for wine tourism. The National Vendimia Festival in March is the most important tourist event of the year.
Craft Beer Route
For those seeking alternatives to wine, Mendoza has a growing craft beer scene. Lecker, Antares, Beerbarian are local references.
How to navigate the Wine Route
Option 1: Private or rental car
NOT recommended. Argentina has zero alcohol tolerance for driving. Fines are high and controls frequent. Plus, without a guide you'll miss much of each winery's value.
Option 2: Group minibus tour
Cheap but limited. You travel with 12–20 people on fixed schedule, no possibility to customize. The experience is more superficial and feels "touristy."
Option 3: Bicycle
Only recommended in Maipú, where distances between wineries are short. It's a fun experience but limited in kilometers and tastings (because you have to be able to pedal back).
Option 4: Private tour with driver and guide
The recommended option for those who want to maximize. Private tours allow building the itinerary to measure, going to wineries that don't appear in standard circuits and having personalized attention all day. For groups of 2 to 6 people, the cost per person is similar to a group tour but the experience is far superior.
When to navigate the route
Vendimia (February–March)
The most vibrant time. Active harvest, events at wineries, the National Vendimia Festival. There's more tourism and prices rise. Book 2–3 months in advance.
Autumn (April–May)
For many, the best time. Vineyards in red and golden colors, perfect temperatures (15–25°C), fewer tourists. Ideal for photographers and romantics.
Winter (June–August)
Low season. Some wineries close or reduce hours. Vines are dormant (without leaves) but there are proposals like tastings by the fire. Combinable with skiing in Penitentes or an excursion to the Andes Mountains with snowy landscapes.
Spring (September–November)
Budding and flowering of the vine. Ideal climate and moderate prices. An excellent option.
Suggested itineraries
1-day itinerary
One single region, 2 wineries + lunch. Recommendation: Luján de Cuyo.
2-day itinerary
- Day 1: Luján de Cuyo
- Day 2: Uco Valley
3-day itinerary
- Day 1: Luján de Cuyo
- Day 2: Excursion to the Andes Mountains
- Day 3: Uco Valley
5-day itinerary (recommended)
- Day 1: Arrival and city tour of Mendoza (private city tour)
- Day 2: Luján de Cuyo
- Day 3: Andes Mountains
- Day 4: Uco Valley
- Day 5: Maipú or special experience (cooking class, blending experience)
Combining the route with other experiences
The Wine Route is greatly enriched when combined with other Mendoza experiences:
- Cooking class: learn Argentine asado and Mendoza empanadas.
- Blending experience: create your own wine with a winemaker.
- 4x4 in the Andes: mountain adventure off the traditional routes.
- City tour: get to know Mendoza city and its culture.
Frequently asked questions
How many wineries can be visited in a day?
Ideal is 2 wineries + lunch. Maximum 3 if tastings are short. More than that saturates the palate.
Do wineries need to be reserved?
Yes, all wineries require advance booking. In high season, 30–60 days in advance.
Do wineries charge for the visit?
Yes, all wineries have a visit cost. Basic visits with tasting are the most accessible option, paired lunches represent a complete gastronomic experience, and premium experiences at iconic wineries are the highest investment.
Can wines be bought at the wineries?
Yes, almost all have public stores with better prices than in Buenos Aires. Some do international shipping.
What's the best age to do the Wine Route?
There's no age. The route is enjoyed from age 18 (legal drinking age in Argentina) to any age. Some wineries offer experiences for kids (vineyard tours without tasting).
If you want to build your Wine Route with a team that knows every winery and every winemaker, contact us via WhatsApp. Discovery Wine Mendoza has been building personalized itineraries since 2009 and knows the corners that don't appear in traditional guides.
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