The Virgin of La Carrodilla is the patron saint of Mendoza vineyards. Each year, thousands of people pilgrimage to her sanctuary in Luján de Cuyo to ask for good harvests. One of the most rooted traditions of Argentine wine tourism.
In this guide we'll tell the history of this devotion, how to visit the sanctuary and why it's worth including in any tour through Luján de Cuyo.
History: the origin of the devotion
The Virgin of La Carrodilla is a Marian invocation of Spanish origin. Her name comes from Carrodilla, a town in Cádiz where the original sanctuary was built in the 17th century.
The image arrived in Argentina in the 18th century, brought by Miguel Bombal, a Mendoza merchant. It came in a cart pulled by oxen — hence the name. Bombal gave it to his daughter as protector of the family vineyards in Luján de Cuyo.
Over the years, the devotion extended to the entire wine region. The Virgin of La Carrodilla is today the official patron of Mendoza vineyards, and her sanctuary is a pilgrimage destination every year.
The Virgin of La Carrodilla Sanctuary
The current sanctuary is located in Luján de Cuyo, on Carrodilla street, in the heart of the wine zone. Built in the 19th century and declared National Historic Monument.
Characteristics:
- Neoclassical-style church with white front
- Image carved in wood, dressed with embroidered mantle
- Chapel with votive candles and ex-votos from victims and pilgrims
- Interior patio with view of surrounding vineyards
The Blessing of the Fruits: the main festival
The first weekend of March (near Vendimia), Mendoza celebrates the Festival of the Blessing of the Fruits. It's the most important celebration in honor of the Virgin of La Carrodilla.
The event includes:
- Procession with the image through the streets of Luján de Cuyo
- Mass at the sanctuary
- Symbolic blessing of the first harvest grapes
- Festival with folk music and regional foods
- Participation of local wineries with wines to taste
If you plan to travel to Mendoza during Vendimia (February–March), including the Blessing Festival is a unique experience. To understand the importance of Vendimia in general, we recommend reading our guide to wine tourism in Mendoza.
Visiting the sanctuary: how and when
Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
- Saturdays and Sundays: masses at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM
- Special events in Vendimia (February–March) and Holy Week
How to get there
The sanctuary is in Luján de Cuyo, 20–25 minutes from downtown Mendoza. Easily combinable with visits to nearby wineries like Casa Vigil, Vistalba or Bodega Norton. Private winery tours in Luján de Cuyo can include a sanctuary stop without additional cost.
What to see at the sanctuary
- The original image of the Virgin (18th century)
- The Baroque altar with gold leaf details
- The historic ex-votos (thanksgiving plaques for miracles)
- The patio with vineyard views
- The small museum with historic devotional objects
Other religious places related to wine
If you're interested in the link between religion and wine in Mendoza, other sites to visit:
- Vendimia Church (Maipú): built by Italian winemakers.
- Bodegas López Chapel (Maipú): small chapel in the historic helmet of the winery.
- Church of San Vicente Ferrer (Godoy Cruz): patron of wine workers.
The link between religion and viticulture
The relationship between wine and Catholic faith in Mendoza is deep. The first Argentine vines were brought by Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century, to produce mass wine. For 250 years, most Mendoza wine was produced for liturgical purposes.
The industry's modernization with Italian and French immigration of the 19th century changed the focus, but religious presence remained imprinted in many traditions: harvest blessing, religious image at winery entrance, family chapels at large estates. To deepen, we recommend the history of Mendoza wine.
Combining the sanctuary with winery tours
If you're interested in the combination of history / religion / wine, a proposal:
- Morning: Visit La Carrodilla Sanctuary + nearby winery (Vistalba or Casa Vigil)
- Lunch: at winery restaurant with premium wines
- Afternoon: Visit to another Luján de Cuyo winery (Catena Zapata or Achaval Ferrer)
It's a culturally rich day, where you understand how faith and wine were intertwined for 4 centuries in Mendoza.
Other Mendoza devotions
- Virgin of the Assumption: patron of Mendoza city.
- San Vicente Ferrer: patron of wine workers.
- Cristo Redentor of the Andes: monument to peace Argentina-Chile, on the border between the two countries (visitable during the High Mountain tour in summer).
Frequently asked questions
How long does the visit last?
30–45 minutes is enough to know the sanctuary, see the altar, take photos and pray if you want.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Visit is free. Voluntary donation accepted.
Can photos be taken?
Yes, in the patio and central nave. At the high altar and during masses, better not.
Is there a souvenir shop?
Yes, next to the sanctuary. Holy cards, rosaries and books about the devotion.
When is the Blessing of the Fruits Festival in 2026?
Generally first weekend of March. Verify exact dates on the Mendoza Archbishopric page.
If you want to organize a winery tour combining culture, religious history and wine tourism, contact us via WhatsApp. We build personalized thematic itineraries.
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