Mendoza's Uco Valley High Altitude

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 Effort: moderate 2 days

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