Uco Valley Wine Tours: The High-Altitude Vanguard
Sitting at the foot of the snow-capped Andes (900m to 1,500m), the Uco Valley is the world capital of modern terroir-driven Malbec, iconic architecture, and multi-course vineyard lunches.
Book an All-Inclusive Uco Valley Wine Day
Experience 2 to 3 world-class wineries, a gourmet multi-course lunch paired with reserve wines, and private hotel pickup and drop-off from Mendoza city.
Why Visit the Uco Valley?
If Luján de Cuyo is the historic soul of Argentine wine, the Uco Valley (Valle de Uco) is its bold, high-altitude future. Stretching across three sub-regions — Tupungato, Tunuyán, and San Carlos — vineyards here climb up to 1,500 meters above sea level. This extreme elevation delivers intense ultraviolet sunlight, cool mountain nights, and alluvial soils packed with limestone and calcium carbonate, creating Malbecs and Cabernet Francs of breathtaking freshness, mineral tension, and aromatic complexity.
Top Wineries to Visit in Uco Valley
1. Zuccardi Valle de Uco (Paraje Altamira)
Voted World's Best Vineyard three consecutive times. Constructed entirely with local stone, sand, and water from the Tunuyán river, this architectural wonder crafts 100% concrete-aged terroir wines. Don't miss lunch at Piedra Infinita Cocina.
2. Bodegas Salentein (Los Árboles, Tunuyán)
The pioneer of the modern Uco Valley. Salentein features a magnificent subterranean cellar shaped like a Greek cross/cathedral where barrels age to classical music, alongside the renowned Killka Art Gallery.
3. SuperUco (Los Chacayes)
Created by the Michelini brothers, SuperUco is a circular, biodynamic estate producing cutting-edge, low-intervention wines that showcase the raw wildness of high-altitude gravel soils.
How to Plan Your Day in Uco Valley
- Travel Time: Expect a 75 to 90-minute drive each way from downtown Mendoza.
- Pace: Book a maximum of two winery visits (one tasting in the morning, followed by a relaxed 4 to 6-course wine pairing lunch).
- Transport: Renting a car is possible, but booking a private driver or guided tour is strongly recommended due to strict zero-tolerance alcohol driving laws in Argentina.
Explore related guides: Best Wineries in Mendoza · Uco Valley vs Luján de Cuyo Comparison · Asado & Wine Pairing
Common Questions about Uco Valley
How far is the Uco Valley from Mendoza city?
The Uco Valley is located approximately 80 to 120 kilometers (50 to 75 miles) south of Mendoza city, taking about 75 to 90 minutes by car or private tour along Route 40.
What are the must-visit wineries in the Uco Valley?
The top wineries include Zuccardi Valle de Uco (World's Best Vineyard #1), Bodegas Salentein (famous cathedral cellar & art gallery), SuperUco (biodynamic icon), and Clos de los Siete estates like DiamAndes and Monteviejo.
Do I need to book Uco Valley wine tours in advance?
Yes, booking 1 to 3 months in advance is essential for premium wineries like Zuccardi, especially during high season and harvest (February to May).