Mendoza produces over 70% of Argentina’s wine — and it does so from one of the most dramatic settings on Earth: a high-altitude desert at the foot of the Andes, where the Malbec grape has found its greatest expression anywhere in the world.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your Mendoza wine trip in 2026: the best winery tours, which wine regions to visit, how to get around, and what to do beyond the vineyards.
Why Mendoza is the World’s Best Wine Tourism Destination
Mendoza sits at 750 metres above sea level with vineyards climbing to 1,500m in Luján de Cuyo and over 1,000m in the Uco Valley. The combination of high altitude, intense sun, cold nights, and glacial meltwater irrigation produces Malbecs with extraordinary depth and complexity.
Unlike Bordeaux or Napa Valley, Mendoza wineries are genuinely accessible — many welcome walk-ins, prices are reasonable, and the scenery (snowcapped Andes visible from every vineyard) is unmatched anywhere in the wine world.
The Best Wine Tours in Mendoza (2026)
Winery Tours & Tastings
Wine Tasting and Winery Tour — from $43/person
Visit two premium wineries in Mendoza’s finest wine-growing areas and enjoy a tasting of Argentinian wines. Rated 8.90/10 by 970 reviews — 11,154 travellers. 6 hours. The most popular winery tour in Mendoza.
Malbec Tour of the Luján de Cuyo Wine Region — from $32.98/person
Travel through one of the main wine-producing areas of Mendoza by tour bus. Luján de Cuyo is the “First Designation of Origin” for Malbec. Rated 8.90/10 by 17 reviews. 5–10.5 hours.
North Uco Valley Wine Region Tour — $47.87/person
The Uco Valley is Mendoza’s most exciting emerging wine region — higher altitude, cooler temperatures, more complex wines. Rated 8.70/10 by 12 reviews. 11 hours.
Camino del Vino El Sol Wine Region Tour — from $32.98/person
One of the best wine tourism routes in Mendoza province. 4.25–10.5 hours. Rated 7.80/10 by 9 reviews.
Luján de Cuyo Wineries Private Tour + Sparkling Wine Tasting — from $465/group
Visit Cruzat, Chandon, and Rosell Boher wineries on an exclusive private tour with sparkling wine tasting. Rated 9.10/10 by 11 reviews. The premium option for serious wine lovers.
Bike Your Way Through the Vineyards
Maipú Bike Rental — $9.74/person
The classic Mendoza experience — rent a bike and spend the day cycling between wineries, olive oil farms, and artisan chocolate shops in Maipú. Rated 8.40/10 by 9 reviews. 1–8 hours of freedom.
Beyond Wine: Andes Adventures from Mendoza
Andes Day Trips
Andes High Mountain Day Trip — from $63.90/person (10% off)
Marvel at Aconcagua — the Americas’ tallest mountain at 6,961m — on this high-mountain bus tour. Rated 8.80/10 by 1,014 reviews — 10,050 travellers. Described as “the best thing I’ve done in Argentina” by multiple reviewers. 10–12 hours.
Aconcagua Provincial Park Trip — from $180.42/person (7% off)
Deep into Aconcagua Provincial Park — see the rich wilderness between Argentina and Chile up close. Rated 10/10 by 11 reviews. 10 hours. For those who want more than a roadside view.
Atuel Canyon and San Rafael Trip — from $70.20/person (10% off)
One of Mendoza’s most stunning natural areas — colourful rock formations, a turquoise reservoir, and dramatic canyon landscapes. Rated 8.50/10 by 187 reviews. 14–16 hours.
Hot Springs & Nature
Cacheuta Thermal Springs Day Trip — from $40/person
Soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by Andean mountain scenery. Rated 7.80/10 by 274 reviews. 10.5 hours. Perfect after a day of wine tasting.
Potrerillos and Cacheuta Trip — from $47/person
Hanging bridges, crystal lagoons, and magnificent mountains. Rated 8.60/10 by 239 reviews. 5 hours.
Potrerillos Trekking Tour — from $79.33/person
Trek around Potrerillos with spectacular Andes views — choose between Devil’s Throat or Bayo Hill routes. Rated 9.30/10 by 3 reviews. 8 hours.
Adventure
Mendoza Paragliding — $125/person
Fly over Mendoza with extraordinary views of the Andean foothills and Cerro Arco. Rated 10/10 by 50 reviews. 3 hours. One of the top-rated experiences in Argentina.
Mendoza River White Water Rafting — from $84.89/person
Navigate the Andean rapids on the Mendoza River. Rated 7.60/10 by 10 reviews. 2–6 hours.
City Tours of Mendoza
Mendoza Free Walking Tour — FREE
Discover Mendoza’s history and architecture with this free 2-hour walking tour. Rated 9.10/10 by 507 reviews — 18,264 travellers. The best way to start your visit.
Mendoza New City Free Tour — FREE
History and architecture of the city rebuilt after the 1861 earthquake. Rated 9.50/10 by 4 reviews. 2 hours.
Mendoza & Cerro de la Gloria Tour — from $28/person
Independence Square, the Civic Quarter, and the Greek Theater on this panoramic city tour. Rated 9/10 by 135 reviews. 4 hours.
Mendoza Private Tour — from $222/group
Exclusive private guide for an in-depth city tour. Rated 8.50/10 by 11 reviews. 3 hours.
Mendoza Wine Regions Explained
Luján de Cuyo — The Classic
Argentina’s first Designated Appellation of Origin for Malbec. Altitude: 900–1,100m. Home to legendary wineries including Achaval Ferrer, Catena Zapata, and Zuccardi. This is where world-class Malbec was born.
Maipú — The Accessible
Just 15km from Mendoza city — the classic bike-and-wine day out. Lower altitude but excellent mid-range wineries. Perfect for first-time wine tourists.
Uco Valley — The Exciting
Altitude: 1,000–1,500m. The fastest-growing wine region in Argentina. Cooler temperatures produce wines with more acidity and complexity. Standout wineries: Zuccardi Valle de Uco, Clos de los Siete, Salentein.
San Rafael — The Hidden Gem
3.5 hours south of Mendoza. Less touristed, excellent Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Combine with the Atuel Canyon for an unforgettable day trip.
Practical Tips for Mendoza
Best Time to Visit
- March–April (Harvest): The most exciting time — grape harvest festivals, vendimia celebrations, vineyards at their most beautiful. Book accommodation well ahead.
- October–November (Spring): Warm days, snow still on the Andes, vineyards lush and green. Excellent conditions.
- December–February (Summer): Very hot (35°C+) but wineries are open and Andes day trips are at their best.
- June–August (Winter): Ski season at Las Leñas — combine wine and skiing for the ultimate Mendoza trip.
Getting to Mendoza
- By air: El Plumerillo Airport (MDZ) has direct flights from Buenos Aires (1.5 hours, $60–$150 return)
- By bus: 13–15 hour overnight from Buenos Aires. Comfortable cama beds ($30–$50)
- From Santiago, Chile: 6–7 hours by bus through the Andes — spectacular mountain scenery
Getting Around the Wine Regions
- Bike (Maipú): Rent from the city for $10–15/day — the most fun option
- Tour bus: Best for Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley — distances are too far to bike
- Remis (private taxi): Fixed-price taxis available for half or full-day winery tours
- Transfers: Book airport transfers here — from $6/car
Budget Guide
- Budget: Free walking tour + bike day in Maipú + one winery tasting = ~$50/day
- Mid-range: Guided winery tour + Andes day trip = ~$120/day
- Splurge: Private winery tour + paragliding + Aconcagua park = ~$350/day
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book through them, Uncover the Andes earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tours we genuinely believe in.
