At a glance
- Best for
- Wine, food, mountain views and outdoor adventure
- Gateway
- Mendoza airport (MDZ)
- Time needed
- Three to four days
- Best season
- March to April for harvest, October to November for spring
- Wine regions
- Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and the Uco Valley
- Getting around
- Wine tours, private guides or bike tours
The three wine regions
- **Luján de Cuyo** is closest to the city and home to many of the historic and big name wineries, including Catena Zapata with its pyramid shaped winery. It is easy to reach for a half day.
- **Maipú** is flat and close to town, with family wineries, olive oil makers and liqueur producers. It is the classic place to rent a bicycle and pedal between tastings.
- **The Uco Valley** lies about an hour and a half south, high under the Andes. It is the most spectacular area, with striking modern wineries such as Zuccardi Valle de Uco and Salentein, and some of the country's best restaurants among the vines.
Most wineries require a booking, even for a simple tasting, and many close on Sundays and public holidays. Plan two or three visits a day at most, with lunch at one of them. Because you should not drive after tastings, most visitors join a tour, hire a private guide with a driver or use bike tours in Maipú.
Beyond wine
The road west to Chile climbs through the Andes past Potrerillos reservoir, Uspallata and the Puente del Inca natural rock bridge to Aconcagua Provincial Park, where short walks give views of the mountain. In summer you can raft on the Mendoza River, ride horses in the foothills, paraglide or soak in the thermal pools at Cacheuta. Climbing Aconcagua itself is a serious expedition that needs a permit and weeks of preparation.
The city
Mendoza city is laid out around Plaza Independencia and four smaller squares, rebuilt with wide streets after the earthquake of 1861. Walk up to Cerro de la Gloria in Parque General San Martín, browse the Mercado Central, and spend an evening on Avenida Arístides Villanueva, the bar street. Siesta is still common: many shops close in the afternoon and reopen into the evening.
Food
Mendoza's restaurants make the most of local produce: grilled meats, goat, olive oil, tomatoes and stone fruit. Long winery lunches with several courses and matching wines are a speciality, so book ahead. In the city, try empanadas, tomaticán and wood fired asado.
When to go
The harvest season from late February to April is the most festive, with the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia in early March. Spring brings blossom and mild days. Summers are hot and dry, and winter is cool and clear, with snow in the mountains and ski areas such as Las Leñas a few hours south. The road to Chile can close in winter storms.
Fitting it into your trip
Mendoza is a short flight from Buenos Aires, and buses run overnight. It pairs well with Santiago de Chile over the Andes. Compare other regions on our destinations page, and use the free trip planner to fit wine days around the rest of your route.
Questions about Mendoza
Do I need to book winery visits?
Yes. Most wineries require a reservation, especially in the Uco Valley and for lunches. Many close on Sundays and holidays.
Can I visit wineries without a tour?
You can, but do not drive after tastings. Bike rental in Maipú, a private guide with a driver, or ride apps for nearby wineries are the usual options.
Can I see Aconcagua on a day trip?
Yes. A full day trip along the Andes road reaches the park entrance and the Laguna de Horcones viewpoint. Check that the road is open in winter.
When is the harvest festival?
The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia is usually held in late February and early March, with the main show in the city's amphitheatre.
Is Mendoza good for non drinkers?
Yes. The mountains offer rafting, riding, hiking and hot springs, and the winery restaurants and olive oil farms are enjoyable either way.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
