Valle de Uco is the most exciting wine region in Argentina and an obligatory destination for any wine lover visiting Mendoza. Located about 100 km south of the capital city, this valley extends at the foot of the Tupungato volcano and the Andes mountain range, with vineyards reaching altitudes between 900 and 1,700 meters above sea level -- among the highest in the world for quality wine production.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8300 km | 11 h + 2 h layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 10200 km | 13 h + 2 h layover | — | — |
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1050 km | 1 h 45 | 14 h | 11 h |
| Santiago (SCL) | 370 km | 55 min | 6–8 h | 5 h |
| Córdoba | 670 km | 1 h 10 | 9 h | 7 h |
| San Juan | 170 km | — | 2 h 30 | 2 h |
| Bariloche (BRC) | 1140 km | 1 h 50 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18° / 33°C | 25 mm | Hot & dry summer | |
| Feb | 17° / 31°C | 30 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 28°C | 20 mm | Harvest season | |
| Apr | 10° / 23°C | 15 mm | ||
| May | 5° / 18°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 2° / 14°C | 5 mm | ||
| Jul | 2° / 14°C | 8 mm | Ski Las Leñas | |
| Aug | 4° / 17°C | 8 mm | ||
| Sep | 7° / 21°C | 12 mm | Vineyard bloom | |
| Oct | 11° / 25°C | 15 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 20 mm | ||
| Dec | 17° / 31°C | 25 mm |
What makes Valle de Uco special is not just the altitude but the combination of stony alluvial soil, extreme temperature variation (up to 25 degrees Celsius difference between day and night), intense solar radiation and irrigation with Andean snowmelt water. These extreme conditions produce grapes with thick skins, deep colors and a concentration of flavors that is impossible to replicate in other regions. The result is wines of extraordinary complexity that have put Argentina on the map of the world's finest producers.
Quick Facts: Valle de Uco
- Location: 100 km south of Mendoza city
- Vineyard altitude: 900-1,700 m above sea level
- Main sub-regions: Tupungato, Tunuyan, San Carlos
- Top wineries: Zuccardi, Salentein, Andeluna, Domaine Bousquet, The Vines of Mendoza
- Best time: March-May (harvest) and September-November (spring)
- Average annual temperature: 14C (57F)
- Star varieties: Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- Getting there: 1.5 hours by car from Mendoza
The Sub-Regions of Valle de Uco
Tupungato
Tupungato is the highest and most premium sub-region of Valle de Uco. Here you find the vineyards at the greatest altitudes, including those at the Gualtallary estate (up to 1,500 m), considered by many winemakers to be the most exciting terroir in Argentina. Wineries like Zuccardi Piedra Infinita, Catena Alta and Durigutti produce their finest wines with grapes from this area. The Gualtallary district has gained a reputation comparable to famous Old World appellations, with its unique combination of limestone subsoils and extreme altitude producing wines of remarkable minerality and freshness.
Tunuyan
Tunuyan is the wine tourism hub of Valle de Uco, with the highest concentration of wineries open to the public. This is where you find Salentein, Andeluna, Domaine Bousquet and dozens of boutique projects. The Vista Flores area is particularly interesting, with altitudes between 1,000 and 1,200 meters. Tunuyan is also the starting point for excursions to the Manzano Historico, the historic site where General San Martin organized the crossing of the Andes during the wars of independence. The town itself has a growing number of restaurants and accommodation options.
San Carlos
San Carlos is the southernmost sub-region and the one with the longest agricultural tradition. While it has fewer tourist-oriented wineries than Tunuyan, it stands out for its Malbec wines with a softer fruity character and its aromatic white wines. The La Consulta district within San Carlos produces some of the most elegant Malbecs in Valle de Uco, with a typicity that distinguishes them from wines further north in the valley. For visitors who want a more authentic, less commercialized wine experience, San Carlos delivers.
Best Wineries to Visit in Valle de Uco
Zuccardi Piedra Infinita
Named the best winery in the world by World's Best Vineyards in 2019, 2020 and 2021 (then inducted into the Hall of Fame), Zuccardi offers experiences ranging from the standard tasting (USD 25) to the 7-course lunch at the Piedra Infinita restaurant (USD 80+). The winery's architecture is breathtaking: built from local stone, it integrates into the landscape as if it had emerged from the soil itself. The single-parcel wines from the Piedra Infinita project are considered among the purest expressions of Malbec in the world. Book at least 2 weeks in advance for the restaurant.
Bodega Salentein
Salentein combines wine, art and nature in a unique way. Beyond the winery visit and tasting (from USD 20), do not miss the Killka contemporary art space and the gardens with views of the Andes. The Dutch-owned winery features an impressive cross-shaped barrel room and vineyards stretching from 1,050 to 1,700 meters altitude. Their Numina Malbec and Primus blend are regional benchmarks. If your budget allows, the Posada Salentein offers luxury accommodation among the vines.
Bodega Andeluna
The sunset dinner experience at Andeluna (USD 148 per person via Civitatis) is one of the most memorable in Valle de Uco. Located at the foot of the Andes, the winery offers an exquisite selection of dishes paired with their wines, with the mountain range as a backdrop as the sun sets. They also offer more accessible daytime tastings. The 10/10 rating on Civitatis speaks for itself.
Domaine Bousquet
For those seeking organic wines, Domaine Bousquet is an essential visit. This French-owned winery produces 100% organic and biodynamic wines. The visit includes a vineyard tour and tasting of 5 wines (USD 22 via Civitatis). It is an educational experience that provides insight into sustainable viticulture at high altitude, and their organic Malbec regularly earns international awards.
