Mendoza's Uco Valley High Altitude

Climb to the world's highest vineyards in the shadow of the Andes.

Climb to the world's highest vineyards in the shadow of the Andes. Extreme altitude, dramatic scenery, and Malbec that has no equal.

A Wine Memories curated trail · winememories.fi

4 experiences 🇦🇷 Argentina moderate 2 days

Map

Loading map...

Curated by Wine Memories

Insider tip. Book an asado (barbecue) lunch at one of the wineries - it's the quintessential Argentine wine experience.

Car required: Yes
Parking: All bodegas have ample free parking. Roads to Uco Valley are good but require attention.
Nearest airport: Mendoza (MDZ) - 20 min to Luján de Cuyo, 1.5 hr to Uco Valley
Drinking and driving: Almost everyone uses drivers/tours - it's expected and affordable. Argentine wine portions are generous.
Other airports: Buenos Aires (EZE) - 1 hr flight to Mendoza, or 13 hr drive
Without a car: Wine tours with driver very common and affordable (USD $80-150/day). Most hotels arrange tours. Public transport essentially non-existent to wineries.

Base yourself in: Mendoza city or Chacras de Coria
Why there: Mendoza city has nightlife and restaurants. Chacras de Coria (15 min) is wine-country charming. For Uco Valley days, consider one night in Valle de Uco.
Booking tip: Harvest (Feb-Apr) is busy but exciting. Book 1+ month ahead. Winter (Jun-Aug) is quiet and cold.
Nightly range: ARS $40,000-200,000/night (USD $40-200)

Budget: Diplomatic Hotel (USD $60) - Central Mendoza, pool, wine bar
Luxury: The Vines Resort (USD $500+) - Private vineyard villas, own label, Uco Valley
Mid-range: Entre Cielos (USD $200) - Vineyard hotel, Hammam spa, Luján de Cuyo
Vineyard stays: Cavas Wine Lodge (USD $350) - Adobe casitas, vineyard views, pool

Includes: 3 nights accommodation, driver/tours, 5-6 bodega visits, meals
Meals: USD $15-30 lunch, USD $40-80 dinner
Per person: USD $600-2,000
Ways to spend less: Argentina offers incredible value for world-class wine experiences
Asado lunches at bodegas are generous - no dinner needed
Buy wine here - prices are 30-50% less than export markets
Shared tours are budget-friendly (USD $50-80/day) and sociable
Tasting fees: USD $15-40 per bodega (often include food pairings)

Lead time: 1-2 weeks for most bodegas, 2-4 weeks for Zuccardi and top names
Closed days: Most open daily. Some closed Monday.
Peak season: Harvest festival (late Feb-Mar): book 1+ month ahead. Easter and long weekends busy.
Best time of day: Book asado lunches for the full experience. Morning visits for cooler weather.
Group size: Most bodegas accommodate any size. Premium experiences need advance booking.

Lunch: Zuccardi Piedra Infinita Restaurant - World-class, Andes views, USD $80+
Casa Vigil (El Enemigo) - Chef Alejandro Vigil, wine pairings, USD $100+
Siete Fuegos at The Vines - Francis Mallmann's fire cooking, USD $150+
Ruca Malen - Wine pairing lunch with stunning views, USD $60
Dinner: Azafran (Mendoza) - Best in the city, USD $50-70
Anna Bistró (Chacras de Coria) - Neighborhood gem, USD $40-60
Osadía de Crear (Chacras) - Creative Argentine, USD $50-80
La Marchigiana (Mendoza) - Classic pasta and wine, USD $30-50
Winery restaurants: Zuccardi - World-class dining experience
Casa Vigil - Intimate, exceptional wine pairings
Bodega Salentein - Multiple dining options

Do not miss: Mendoza Fiesta de la Vendimia
Uco Valley High-Altitude Malbec
If you only have one day: Uco Valley High-Altitude Malbec
If it rains: Extended Catena Zapata cellar tour, or Killka art gallery at Salentein
Skip if time is short: Luján de Cuyo Classic Bodegas

Don't underestimate the altitude - Uco Valley is 1,000-1,500m, drink water
Don't skip the asado experience - it's quintessentially Argentine
Don't drive yourself if you want to properly taste
Don't exchange money at the airport - use Western Union or Wise for better rates
Don't expect credit cards everywhere - bring cash (USD or ARS)
Don't book everything in Uco Valley for one day - distances are significant