The province of Mendoza accounts for over 70% of Argentina's wine production. Visiting it without exploring its vineyards is to miss the essence of this Cuyo oasis. The wineries are architectural complexes that integrate precision agriculture, art, haute cuisine, and landscapes framed by the Andes Mountains .
When planning your trip, understanding the geography of wine is essential. The province is divided into three main wine-producing oases (Primera Zona, Valle de Uco , and Oasis Sur). Visiting the latter two regions requires extensive and often expensive travel if your accommodation is in the city. Therefore, organizing a winery tour near Mendoza City is ideal if you want to optimize your time without long journeys.
Below, we detail the routes, varietals, and the most comprehensive guided tours to explore the wineries of Mendoza .
Are there wineries in the city of Mendoza?
Looking for vineyards in the city center is a common mistake for tourists. The truth is, very few wineries in Mendoza city still maintain their original production structure. And the few that remain aren't characterized by the typical vineyard landscape overlooking the Andes Mountains. The city's growth has shifted the vineyards to the suburbs , which also boast ideal climatic conditions for their development and production.
However, there are two exceptions of very high historical and heritage value that persist in the urban fabric.
Los Toneles Winery in Mendoza is the prime example. Founded in 1922, this establishment is located on the eastern edge of the city (just five minutes from the city center) and has been declared a Cultural Heritage site. The winery has been restored for tourism and offers a glimpse into the industrial architecture of the era. It also boasts Abrasado , its multi-Michelin-award-winning restaurant specializing in dry-aged meats paired with its own wines .
Another urban option is the Escorihuela Mendoza Winery , located in the Godoy Cruz district, just a few minutes south of the city center. Founded in 1884, it is the oldest operating winery in the city. Its guided tour includes visits to century-old cellars and the famous "Centennial Barrel" (an immense oak barrel with a capacity of over 64,000 liters).
Wine routes: wineries near Mendoza City
If the goal of the trip is to stroll through vineyards under the sun, you should leave the metropolitan area and venture into the First Wine Region, comprised of the departments of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo . This is where the wineries near Mendoza City are concentrated , at distances of between 15 and 30 kilometers (about a 30 to 45 minute drive).
Wine route in Maipú: Argentina's wine-growing cradle
Maipú is considered the historical heart of Argentine winemaking . In this department of Mendoza, centuries-old wineries operate, preserving underground cellars and wine museums. Wine production shares the territory with a strong presence of olive oil, also driven by the characteristics of the arid climate.
To explore this region without the hassle of driving, the ideal option is a winery tour with tastings and lunch in Maipú . This guided tour includes hotel pickup and visits to two traditional wineries in the region (such as Trapiche, Zuccardi, or Sin Fin) . At each winery, you'll learn about the winemaking process and sample some of their most unique wines. The tour also includes a visit to an olive oil mill to learn about cold extraction, culminating in a regional lunch.
Wineries in Luján de Cuyo: the land of Malbec
Located southwest of the capital, at the foot of the pre-Andean mountain range, Luján de Cuyo boasts the first Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) for Malbec in the Americas . It is the area of large export wineries and cutting-edge architecture.
The Premium Wine Tour focuses on this oasis. It's a full-day tour designed for discerning palates. The excursion visits two high-end wineries (such as Catena Zapata, Norton, or Chandon) and centers on tastings of reserve and gran reserva wines. Each tasting is guided by sommeliers who delve into the concept of terroir and oak barrel aging techniques.
For those who wish to combine oenology with gastronomy, there are two exceptional alternatives for visiting wineries in Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza.
The Wine Tasting and Lunch in Luján de Cuyo offers a morning tour of two representative vineyards, followed by lunch at one of the wineries' restaurants (such as Ruca Malen or Lagarde ). The menu features courses prepared with local ingredients, designed to enhance the tasting notes of each glass served.
On the other hand, the 3 Wineries of Luján de Cuyo tour with tasting and gourmet lunch broadens the scope. It visits three wineries in a single day , allowing you to compare winemaking styles from boutique producers to industrial wineries. The day concludes with a fine dining lunch overlooking the vineyards.
If you're looking for a more active alternative that puts you in direct contact with the rural environment, the Wine Route by Bike offers a different experience. The activity takes place on the trails of Vistalba, allowing you to pedal at your own pace along tree-lined paths. The itinerary includes visits to family-run wineries, artisanal wineries, and olive groves , combining gentle exercise with relaxed tastings.
Exclusive visits: Luigi Bosca Winery
Within Luján de Cuyo, there are experiences that warrant a dedicated tour. A visit to the Luigi Bosca winery, including lunch and a tasting, is a complete experience at one of Argentina's most prestigious wineries, founded in 1901 by the Arizu family.
The private tour explores the family's history and the historic cellars where their wines age. Finally, a guided tasting of their finest wines is offered, accompanied by a lunch designed for perfect pairing .
Connecting routes: Maipú and Luján de Cuyo
If your stay is short and you'd like to explore both regions of the First Zone in a single day , the winery tour in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú: guided visit with lunch is the perfect plan for you. This excursion crosses the departmental border to contrast the centuries-old tradition of Maipú with the innovation of Luján de Cuyo.
Two wineries selected for their historical contrast are visited and a multi-course paired lunch is included , guaranteeing a complete overview of Mendoza's wine industry near the capital.
What wines are produced in Mendoza?
Malbec is the undisputed star. Originally from southwest France, it found in Mendoza the ideal arid climate and temperature range to develop grapes with thick skins. These conditions are the foundation of wines with deep color, rounded tannins, and aromas of plum and violets .
However, at wine tastings near the city of Mendoza you will discover that the province produces much more than Malbec:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: a red wine with a firm structure and spicy notes, ideal for aging.
- Cabernet Franc: a strain that has gained great popularity in recent years, bringing freshness and herbaceous aromas.
- Syrah and Bonarda: fruitier and spicier options.
- Chardonnay and Torrontés: the predominant white wines; the former stands out for its elegance and vanilla notes (if it has been aged in oak barrels), and the latter for its floral aromatic explosion.
Furthermore, a growing number of wineries are certifying organic and biodynamic vineyards , which are cultivated without pesticides and respecting natural cycles. Tastings of natural wines and "orange" wines—white wines made using red wine techniques—are also becoming more common.
Tips for a winery tour
To enjoy the tastings and avoid physical exhaustion, keep these basic rules of wine tourism in mind:
- Avoid perfumes: Do not use perfumes, strong lotions, or intensely scented creams before the tour. These smells interfere with your sense of smell, preventing you from perceiving the subtle aromas of the wine.
- Nutrition and hydration: Do not participate in tastings on an empty stomach. Drink plenty of water between glasses to stay hydrated (alcohol dehydrates quickly in dry climates).
- Using a spittoon: In professional tastings or tours that include many wineries, it is perfectly normal and accepted to taste the wine and then spit it into the designated containers. It is not mandatory to swallow everything served.
- Zero alcohol driving: Traffic laws in Mendoza are extremely strict regarding alcohol consumption while driving. Booking guided tours with included transportation is not just a matter of convenience, but also of safety and legal compliance.