Mendoza Wine Country

Written by Viator, November 2010

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Tip - Suggested Itineraries, Tip - What to See & Do, Winery

Mendoza is the home of quality Malbec red wines – in fact, Mendoza Malbec wines are so fine, they’re beating French Malbec hands down!

Argentine wines date back to the Spanish conquistadors, and the tradition lived on through missionaries and the country’s 19th-century aristocratic landowners who imported French vines. The home of the majority of these wines is Mendoza, where the soil, climate and altitude have combined to create perfect wine-growing conditions.

While Malbec is declining in France, in Mendoza the variety thrives and doesn’t succumb to the mold, insects and frosts that have decimated the European grapes.

Along with Malbec, the region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah reds, plus Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Semillon whites. Traditionally, Mendoza wines were made from pink-skinned cereza and criolla grande grapes.

If you like robust, rich reds, you’ll love Mendoza’s Malbec wines, like a cross between a Cab Sav and Merlot with notes of cherry, chocolate, plum and leather. The wine is best enjoyed with the city’s famous grilled steak and meat dishes.

To sample wines from various vineyards, take a wine-tasting tour of the cellar doors, focusing on the two main winegrowing regions: Lujan and Maipu, less than 20km (12.5 miles) from Mendoza.

You can visit vineyards going back more than a century at Santa Ana and Escorihuela, and drop into the National Wine Museum in Gutierrez.

Head to the historic village of Maipu, 17km (10.5 miles) southeast of Mendoza, to visit the winemaking museum and La Rural winery.

Taste the results of high-altitude winegrowing in the Uco Valley, or the established appellations of Lujan de Cuyo. Many wineries broaden the focus to include Argentine cuisine, and delve into the fine art of food and wine pairing during laid-back lunches.

Join an organized wine tour, ride a bicycle, or hire a car and driver to get from winery to winery with your purchased wines in tow.

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Reply by Viator, November 2012
Doing what: Mendoza Wine Tour with Optional Lunch

The 3 wineries were great. English speaking guides at each place. Wine was lovely. No whites though. No lengthy drives between wineries. The lunch was sensational with endless wine included. Definitely do the lunch. You should then go to The Vines Wine Tasting Room in Mendoza afterwards.

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Small-Group Bike Tour in Mendoza Wine Country