Malbec Route in Mendoza: Wineries and Tours to Taste the Best Argentine Wines

Discover the Malbec Route in Mendoza

Mendoza is the heart of Argentine wine and a must-visit destination for wine tourism lovers. With vineyard landscapes at the foot of the Andes Mountains, this province offers some of the best tasting experiences in the world. The Malbec Route takes you through iconic wineries known for their wine quality and excellence in guided tours.

Why choose Mendoza for wine tasting?

Mendoza produces more than 70% of Argentina’s wine, and Malbec is its flagship grape variety. The combination of a dry climate, diverse soils, and high altitude results in wines with a unique identity. Additionally, many wineries blend tradition with innovation, offering wine tourism experiences that include high-end food pairings and exclusive tours.

Notable wineries along the Malbec Route

Along this route, you can visit wineries that have elevated Argentine wine to global excellence. Here are some of the best options:

Catena Zapata Winery

Located in Luján de Cuyo, this is one of Argentina’s most prestigious wineries. Its iconic Mayan pyramid and high-end wines, such as Estiba Reservada, make it a must-visit for Malbec lovers.

Norton Winery

This winery offers outdoor tastings with privileged views of the vineyards and the Andes Mountains. It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed experience with excellent Mendoza wines.

Ruca Malen

It combines wine with gastronomy through a tasting menu designed to highlight local flavors. A perfect option for those seeking a complete sensory experience.

Salentein Winery

Located in the Uco Valley, this winery offers more than just wine: it features a visitor center, a top-tier restaurant, and an art gallery, making it a destination in itself.

López Winery

Situated in Maipú, this historic winery is one of the oldest in Mendoza. Its classic wines and traditional approach make it an attraction for those interested in the history of Argentine wine.

Tierras Altas Winery

A family-run winery with a strong tradition in Malbec production. Its close interaction with visitors and personalized tastings make it ideal for those seeking a more intimate experience.

Pulenta Estate Winery

Located in Luján de Cuyo, this winery offers a tasting menu with carefully selected pairings. Its precisely crafted wines reflect the elegance of Mendoza’s Malbec.

Rosell Boher Lodge

Just 45 km from Mendoza city, this lodge was awarded the Best Winery Restaurant in the Best Of Wine Tourism 2019. It combines oenological excellence with an internationally renowned gastronomic proposal.

What are Mendoza’s wine regions?

Mendoza has several wine regions, each with unique characteristics that enhance the quality of Argentine wine and make the province a benchmark in the industry.

Luján de Cuyo

Known as the cradle of Argentine Malbec, this region is home to some of the country’s most prestigious wineries. Located about 20 km south of Mendoza city at an average altitude of 900 to 1,100 meters above sea level, it has a dry climate with more than 300 sunny days per year and significant temperature variations, which promote slow and balanced grape ripening. Its gravelly soils with good drainage contribute to producing wines with great structure, typically featuring black fruit and spice notes.

Uco Valley

Located 80 to 130 km south of Mendoza city, this region has gained prominence in recent years due to its vineyard altitudes, ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level. Its calcareous and stony soils provide natural acidity and distinctive minerality to the wines. The cool and dry climate, with cold nights and sunny days, allows for prolonged ripening, resulting in wines with great freshness, aromatic intensity, and elegance. It is the epicenter of innovative wineries and high-end wines such as Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay.

Maipú

Situated about 15 km east of Mendoza city, Maipú is one of the province’s most traditional wine regions. Its vineyards are at lower altitudes, between 650 and 850 meters above sea level. The deeper, clay-rich soils retain moisture better, allowing for the production of wines with great volume on the palate. This region has a warmer climate than Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, which causes grapes to ripen earlier, producing fruitier and rounder wines. The region is home to century-old wineries that combine history and oenological excellence, standing out for their Malbec, Bonarda, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mendoza: A Wine and Fine Dining Experience

Wine tourism in Mendoza is not only about wine but also about a top-tier gastronomic offering. Many winery restaurants have been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, offering exclusive pairings with local ingredients.

Espacio Trapiche

Located in a historic winery dating back to 1912, its five- or nine-course tasting menu offers a fusion of tradition and culinary innovation.

5 Suelos - Cocina de Finca

This restaurant, part of Durigutti Winery, presents a 14-course menu that narrates the evolution of wine in the Americas, featuring historical pairings and ancestral winemaking techniques.

Angélica Cocina Maestra

Inside the iconic Catena Zapata Winery, this restaurant offers tasting and signature gastronomy experiences in an impressive architectural setting.

Piedra Infinita

Located in the Uco Valley, Zuccardi Winery offers a nine-course menu with iconic wines such as Aluvional Paraje Altamira and Finca Piedra Infinita.

The Ideal Destination for Argentine Wine Lovers

The Malbec Route in Mendoza invites you to discover Argentina’s rich winemaking heritage in breathtaking natural settings. With renowned and cutting-edge wineries, exceptional wines, and high-end gastronomy, this is an essential destination for those seeking an unforgettable wine tourism experience with the best Argentine wines.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Book in advance: Many wineries require prior reservations, especially during peak season (during the Harvest Festival, from February to April).
• Group your visits: To optimize travel time, plan your itinerary to visit wineries within the same region per day (Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley, or Maipú).
• Prepare for the weather: If visiting in winter or planning to stay late at a winery, bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially in high-altitude areas. If visiting during the day in the summer, wear light and comfortable clothing.
• Ensure safe transportation: If you plan to participate in tastings, consider hiring a transportation service or choosing wineries with nearby lodging options.

May your journey along the Malbec Route be as enjoyable as the wines you will taste