The Malbec Capital of the World: Mendoza Province
A bottle of wine a day? Sure, if it’s in the Malbec Capital of The World!
Mendoza is Argentina's premier wine region and globally recognized for producing some of the best Malbec wines.
The region is famous for its beautiful vineyards, stunning landscapes, and a wide range of wineries that offer tours and tastings. It’s a must-visit destination for wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike!
Learn more about these popular regions to understand what Mendoza has to offer:
Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo, and Maipú
These subregions are home to renowned vineyards and wineries offering tastings and tours.
Mendoza's vineyards are located at altitudes ranging from 2,800 to 5,000 feet, which contributes to the unique flavor profile of its wines.
Tupungato
While the Tupungato volcano is a prominent feature of the landscape, the surrounding area is also ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking and horseback riding.
Andes Mountains
Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas making it a top destination for mountaineering and trekking.
Stunning mountain vistas surround the region, especially from spots like Potrerillos and Uspallata.
Ruta 40
This iconic highway runs through Mendoza and offers breathtaking views of vineyards, mountains, and desert landscapes.
Historic Sites
Places like Ruinas de San Francisco and Museo del Área Fundacional showcase the city’s colonial past.
Tours
Here’s our itinerary for one of the tours we did in Mendoza, Argentina
- Ruinas de Fader
Our first stop was the Ruinas de Fader, located just outside Mendoza.
These ruins are all that’s left of a historic mansion originally built in the early 20th century once owned by Fernando Fader, one of Argentina’s most famous painters.
- Puente Colgante Cacheuta
Next, we visited the Puente Colgante Cacheuta, a historic hanging bridge surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.
The bridge connects the small town of Cacheuta to nearby trails and is a popular spot for photos.
The bridge offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the Mendoza River below.
- Mirador Luján Potrerillos
For our third stop, we headed to the Mirador Luján in Potrerillos.
This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes and Potrerillos Lake, whose turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the rugged mountains.
Wine Tour in the Uco Valley
We also did a wine-tasting experience in the Uco Valley.
This region is home to some of Argentina’s most prestigious wineries.
We visited Bodega Atamisque, where we sampled incredible wines like Malbec, Chardonnay, and more.
You can also opt for tours with lunch overlooking the vineyard.
Travel Tips
Here are some tips to make your trip smoother:
- Book Locally: Use a local agency like Operadores Mendoza Viajes for better prices and flexibility.We found it easier and much cheaper to book directly with a local agency once we arrived in Mendoza. The blue rate for cash payments makes it super affordable.
Operadores Mendoza Viajes - https://www.mendozaviajes.com/
- Carry Cash: Many stops and agencies prefer cash, and you’ll get better rates using the blue dollar exchange.
Note: Blue dollar rate system might have already changed after accepting cards
In September 2022 The Official rate was approximately 143.34 ARS per USD, and the blue rate was 206 ARG per USD.
https://www.exchangerates.org.uk/USD-ARS-spot-exchange-rates-history-2022.html
https://cuex.com/en/usd-ars_pa#google_vignette
The cheapest wine we could get in Mendoza when we visited was $2 USD.
And we’re talking world-class here, not the strong alcohol-flavored or too sweet $2 stuff.
It is truly a $2 - $5 price for a $15 - $50 quality wine you get anywhere else in the world.
For example, in a Latvian supermarket, a wine from Mendoza, Argentina, costs 12 Euros or around $15.
Our experience of trying different wines here is always hit and miss, but not if we stick to the Mendoza selection!
- Start Early: This tour covers a lot, so plan for a full day or two.
- Dress Comfortably: Bring layers for the cooler mountain air and wear good walking shoes.
