Mendoza: Luján de Cuyo & Uco Valley (Days 4–8)
Five days in the Malbec heartland: Old-vine heritage in Luján, avant-garde architecture in the Uco Valley, and iconic multi-course vineyard lunches.
The Heart of the Argentine Wine Journey
Mendoza produces nearly 75% of Argentina’s wine, but it is far from monolithic. Over these five days, you will experience the dramatic contrast between the historic, tree-lined terroirs of Luján de Cuyo (900–1,050m) and the raw, high-altitude limestone slopes of the Uco Valley (1,100–1,600m).
Days 4 & 5: Luján de Cuyo & First-Growth Malbec Terroirs
Base yourself in Chacras de Coria or Alto Agrelo (e.g. at Cavas Wine Lodge or SB Winemaker's House).
- Morning Visit: The Mayan-pyramid estate of Catena Zapata in Agrelo. Taste the groundbreaking single-parcel Adrianna Vineyard and Nicasia Malbecs.
- Vineyard Lunch: A 5-course pairing lunch overlooking the vines at Ruca Malen, Lagarde (Fogón), or Finca Decero.
- Afternoon Legend: Visit Achaval Ferrer or Viña Cobos to taste ungrafted centenarian Malbec from 1910 and 1928 ungrafted rootstocks.
Days 6 & 7: The Uco Valley High-Altitude Revolution
Transfer 90 minutes south to Tunuyán/Tupungato. Base yourself in the mountains at The Vines of Mendoza or Casa de Uco.
- Day 6 (Gualtallary & Tupungato): Tour Domaine Bousquet (organic pioneers) and Passionate Wine / Matías Riccitelli in Gualtallary, tasting chalky, mineral Malbec and high-altitude Cabernet Franc.
- Icon Lunch: Dine at Piedra Infinita Cocina at Zuccardi Valle de Uco (World's Best Vineyard winner) with panoramic views of the Andes.
- Day 7 (Los Chacayes & Altamira): Morning tasting at Bodegas Salentein and its subterranean "Cathedral of Wine", followed by Francis Mallmann’s Siete Fuegos dinner under the stars.
Day 8: Maipú Historic Roots & Casa Vigil (El Enemigo)
Before flying north, spend your last Mendoza afternoon visiting Alejandro Vigil’s Dante-inspired winery and Michelin-starred restaurant, Casa Vigil (El Enemigo) in Chachingo, Maipú. Celebrate with their 100-point Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc.
Driver Recommendation
Mendoza's 0.0% Alcohol Driving Law
Never drink and drive in Mendoza. Police checkpoints are frequent in both Luján and Uco. For multi-course winery pairings, book a private chauffeur (remís) or guided wine tour. If you plan to rent a car for non-drinking transit days, read our Mendoza Car Rental Guide.