Mendoza | A Travel Guide to Argentina’s Wine Capital

Wine lovers are flocking to Mendoza for a taste of the region’s new world wines of the moment. The unbelievable value of Argentine Malbec made it among the first regular bottles in our amateur wine aficionado repertoire. So we were giddy when we first arrived. Visions of sipping away the day with the snow-capped Andes glistening beyond row after row of vines. And it didn’t disappoint.

Mendoza, the capital of the province with the same name, is a bustling, beautiful city with lush greenery throughout. Wisened trees rise from sides of wide avenues to shade the street with an enchanting canopy of leaves. Spacious sidewalks make way for quaint café tables, and wine tasting stands. The grid-like layout of the central city seems to have every street leading to a square or park with locals reading on benches and children playing. An afternoon stroll had us comparing the city to Chicago for its similarly thoughtful (and clean) city planning.

Beyond access to world-class wine, there’s a lot to enjoy about the city. This Mendoza travel guide will help you navigate where to stay, where to eat and what to do in the city. But since you’re obviously here for the wine, we’ll start with an overview of the regions close to the city.

The Ultimate Mendoza Travel Guide

Mendoza’s Wine Regions: A quick overview of the three major regions
Enjoy Wine from Mendoza City: Stay in the city and sample wine close to home
Top things to See + Do in Mendoza City: Other than wine
Where to eat: Our favourite restaurants in Mendoza
When do visit Mendoza: Find the right season for you
Where to stay in Mendoza city: Recommended areas + accommodation styles
Getting to Mendoza: From Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Salta or Chile
Where to Next? Inspiration for your travel plans

Mendoza’s Wine Regions

First things first: to clear up any confusion, Mendoza is a province in Argentina. It’s also the capital city of that province. You’ll commonly see ‘Mendoza’ on wine lists and labels of exported Malbec. The wine regions themselves, while accessible from the city, sit slightly farther South, blissfully sheltered by the snow-capped Andes.

With 150+ wineries open for tastings and dining, there’s a lot to explore in the three major regions:

Maipu Valley

The closest and most accessible wine region to the city is also home to big names like Trapiche. Thanks to its successful approach to tourism and close proximity of many wineries, the region is one of the easiest, most affordable and most fun to explore. The best way to get around Maipu is to rent a bike for the day.

Related // Mendoza travel: A guide to discovering Maipu wine region by bike

Luján de Cuyo

Farther South still is the region of Luján de Cuyo. Still easily accessible by city bus, or Uber, it’s closer to the mountains and thus more picturesque. Luján de Cuyo is long and sprawling so while you can visit a portion of the region by bike, it’s a little harder to get to some wineries like the iconic Catena Zapata. This was the winery at the top of the list for us, and part of why we visited Argentina in the first place so our Luján visit was centred around getting there. Preferably without a pricey and restricting tour.

Related // Mendoza travel: A guide to enjoy Lujan de Cuyo without a tour

Valle de Uco

The farthest from the city, the closest to the Andes, and alas, the one region we didn’t make it to during our stay. Valle de Uco is roughly the same size as Napa and is known for its variety of appellations and unique soil composition with nutrient rich rocks that has made it a desirable growing region synonymous with quality wine. Many of the country’s large wineries have vineyards here even if their tasting rooms are elsewhere. And there are countless lesser known wine makers waiting to be discovered.

Head to SuperUco to discover a boutique biodynamic winery that focuses on highlighting the terroir. Or check out the architecturally stunning Monteviejo for a larger winery experience with incredible views of the surroundings. It’s also known for it’s world-class restaurant. But the number one winery we’d check out in Uco Valley is Laureano Gomez’s Bodega Garage. With over two decades of experience in the regions top wineries, Laureno Gomez started his own small production out of his garage. They’ve since upgraded to a small building but this boutique winery still serves up some of the best in the region with a truly unique experience for visitors. Please report back, we’re dying to go!

How to Enjoy Wine from Mendoza City Centre

Taste the Region with a Flight of Wine

If you want to sample the region’s best without leaving the city you’re in luck. Naoki Wine Garden is an old house that was originally a wine cellar and is now open for public purchase and tastings. With over 400 bottles to take home or enjoy in the back garden it can easily overwhelm. Luckily they also offer flights from a smaller selection of open bottles. Ask lots of questions and select three (or six) wines and some tapas on the side.

Wine Not offers a little more education with guided tastings and a Sommelier at your service. You can choose between an introduction to the basics or a deep dive into the region’s reds. The price is a bit steep but the experience is catered to your group and comes with food pairings. Booking ahead is essential. They also offer a bike tour of the city followed by a tasting if you want an all-in-one experience.

The Deets – Mendoza City Wine Tastings

Naoki Wine Garden Hours – Mon-Thurs 3-10:30pm // Fri-Sat 3-11:30pm // Closed Sunday
Naoki Wine Garden Pricing – Flight of three wines for 300 ARS
Wine Not Hours – Appointment only
Wine Not Pricing – $50-70 USD for guided tasting

Related // If you like our Mendoza travel guide check out our tips on how to taste the best of Chilean wine across the border. There are great wineries in the Central Valley and Casablanca.

Book a hop-on hop-off Wine Tour

While Maipu is easily accessible from Mendoza city, the hop-on hop-off bus is great for exploring farther regions. The bus is easily accessible with multiple pick up and drop off points around the city. Each day of the week features a different region so be sure to check the schedule in advance. And keep in mind this isn’t a private tour with unlimited flexibility, you’ll only be able to visit certain wineries and will be on a schedule.

The Deets – Hop on Hop off wine tour from Mendoza City

Hours – Running Tuesday-Sunday // Closed Monday
Pricing – $39 USD per person
Reserve your seat – Be sure to book in advance here.

Hot Tip: If you prefer to visit wineries on your own, many require a reservation in advance. Be sure to check their website and call or email ahead.

Things to See + Do (other than drink wine) in Mendoza City

Get lost in Park San Martin

Constructed in the wake of a devastating earthquake as part of a plan to improve the city, Park General San Martin is at the top of our list of things to do in Mendoza. Made up of almost 1,000 acres of green space connected with a network of tangled pathways lined with palm trees, statues and monuments. The park contains a gorgeous rose garden, a lake with its own island, the city’s country club, tennis club, pool and much more. For a relaxing day pack some snacks and a bottle of wine for a picnic. Or for some leisurely exercise you could easily spend an entire day wandering around and getting lost.

Marvel at the View from atop Cerro de la Gloria

To get a view over the city and the surrounding area make the short 15-20 minute hike up Cerro de la Gloria. While there is a switchback road winding up the hill, your best bet is to take the path of stairs up from the city Zoo. 

Spend the Afternoon like a local in Park Indepencia

Continuing the theme of enjoying Mendoza’s amazing green spaces, Park Independencia is a more central and happening place for an afternoon stroll. The square makes up four blocks and is home to the city’s Museum of Modern Art. There’s a structure for kids to play on, an impressive fountain surrounded by benches and often rows of vendors selling local goods and street food. 

Take a Day Trip

Besides wine country, Mendoza has some incredible sights within driving distance. Naturally, the Andes are a common excursion for visitors to the city. You can drive yourself or book a tour for a drive up to magnificent mountain vistas. You can take a trip to the Cacheuta Hot Springs (30km from the city) for a relaxing afternoon soaking in the scenery. Or you can head south to the smaller town of San Rafael for lunch and a hike around Valle Grande for a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s dam-controlled water system.

Mendoza Travel Guide | Where to Eat

Indulge with brunch or lunch at Bröd

This humble, modern bakery in a beautiful garden setting is home to one of the best brunches in South America. Their baked goods are to-die-for and the rest of the menu is too, especially the multi-course brunch. From a delectable smoked salmon bagel to buttery croissants and thirst-quenching juices and Aperol spritzes. There’s nothing we didn’t like about Bröd. In fact, we liked it so much we went back a second time, which we rarely do.

Treat yourself to the tasting menu + wine pairing at Azafran

Azafran is one of our all-time favourite restaurants. Reservations are highly recommended, but we were lucky to wander in off the street as they opened for an early (7pm) dinner and were seated immediately. The small dining room’s walls are lined with regional wines and artisanal goods and the front of the restaurant has a glass-walled tasting room with a round table where pure magic is poured nightly.

If you have the funds the tasting menu and wine pairing are worth every penny. The menu was modern and sophisticated with a focus on local seasonal ingredients, from mussels in cream sauce to poached pears and roasted lamb. While the sommelier focused on a range of the region’s best wines beyond the commonly explored Malbec. It was authentic, heavenly, and we simply can’t express how necessary it is to go.

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Related // Wine tasting + 9 other must-have food experiences in Buenos Aires

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Enjoy a delectable dinner at Anna Bistro

A more casual yet still refined choice is the romantic Anna Bistro. The heated garden is the place to be no matter the season. Known for elevated Argentine dishes like lamb in red wine sauce and grilled steak, they also serve up beautifully conceived pastas. And, of course, an impressive wine list to accompany.

Splurge on world-renowned BBQ at 1884

Francis Mallmann is a luminary of Argentine and Patagonian cuisine. The celebrity chef, author and restaurateur brings his distinctive style of barbecue to 1884 in Mendoza where an open-concept kitchen invites you to witness the magic firsthand.

Sitting under the lemon tree in the garden is the place to be for a front row seat by the pit, clay oven and grill, all wood-fired and tended to by the talented 1884 team. Watching them transform simple ingredients with slights of heat and flame was a culinary masterclass. Charred cabbages hung around the fire, steaks were sliced to order, seasoned on the grill and finished in the oven, rings of thinly sliced potatoes sizzled over smouldering logs after being drizzled with butter and herbs. Though we sampled plenty of barbecue across the country, nothing was this considered, this artful. Every bite was succulent beyond compare. Yes, it’s a splurge. But no, you won’t regret it.

Located slightly outside the main city, most people arrive by cab. On foot you’ll find the entrance on the Southeast side through a gated parking lot. Make reservations. 

Take a wine break at Chachingo Brewery

While we were like kids in a candy store surrounded by the region’s wines, even we were itching for a (brief) interlude. Chachingo Cerveceria was just what we needed. The brewery makes craft beer on site in a wide assortment of inventive styles – there’s even red wine beer, appropriately enough. It’s the perfect place for a flight or happy hour pint on the sunny patio, or a mouth-watering brisket sandwich for lunch. Open until 3am daily, it’s also a great spot for late night eats.

Mendoza Travel Guide | When to Visit

The wonderful weather in Mendoza is one of the reasons grapes do so well there. The sun shines throughout the year and temperatures rarely sore or drop to an uncomfortable level. Wine lovers like to visit in the Fall (March-May) when grapes are abundant and harvest is kicking off. Budget travellers and tranquility seekers may prefer to visit during the shoulder seasons (June and September) when deals are easier to find and reservations are easier secured last minute.

Mendoza Travel Guide | Where to Stay

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in Mendoza city center but we found the best value was AirBNB. If you are in walking distance to Park Indepencia you’re in a great place. To the East you’ll have easier access to the Bus Station and Southern wine regions and to the West you’ll have a quick walk to Parque San Martin. Most of our favourite restaurants are just Southwest of this central square. 

Use this referral link to get a discount when you book through AirBNB.

Getting to Mendoza

From Buenos Aires to Mendoza | Most international flights land in Buenos Aires so the transit from the capital city Buenos Aires to Mendoza is quite common. Direct flights run frequently so if you book in advance you can pay as little as $1500 ARS ($25 USD at  time of writing). Or you can take the overnight bus for around $1,250 ARS. Buses run multiple times a day and you should be good to book the day prior to travel. For bus travel in South America we always use Busbud.

For the best price on domestic flights in Argentina check FlyBondi often as the rates change almost daily and often dip below the cost of bus travel. 

From Santiago to Mendoza | The journey through the Andes from Chile’s capital city of Santiago to Mendoza in Argentina is a sight to behold. Winding around snow-capped mountains, the picturesque 8+ hour route is best travelled during the day to catch the views out the window. Prices vary based on bus company but are around $1,500-$2,000 ARS.

Consider yourself warned: While Mendoza City is sunny all year round, the route over the mountains is frequently closed due to snowfall in the winter. If you’re traveling between June and August be sure to allow for delays or consider an alternate route.

From Salta to Mendoza | Coming from Northern Argentina you have similar options as Buenos Aires. However direct flights are less frequent and will cost more than the popular route from the capital. The bus is also a less popular route so though it’s roughly the same length (just under 20 hours) it will cost almost double at around $75 USD.

From Bariloche to Mendoza | The 18-20 hour overnight bus from Bariloche to Mendoza takes you through the heart of Argentina with views of the Andes, farms and country living. The trip will cost around 3,000 ARS ($50 USD) but is more comfortable than the bumpy road up from southern Patagonia. Flights from Bariloche to Mendoza tend to run through Buenos Aires so while possible, they aren’t the most direct or affordable route. 

Where to Next?

To continue sipping your way through South America head from Mendoza to Chile to explore the famous Central Valley or the rapidly growing Casablanca region.

Off to the nations capital? Be sure to check out our perfect four-day itinerary of Buenos Aires and our Complete City Guide for even more things to see + do as well as how to stay safe on your visit.

If the Andes Mountains are calling, travel South to Bariloche where you can explore lakes and mountains abound. Even farther South is our favourite town in Patagonia, El Chalten.

North you’ll discover the European and Argentine charm of Salta and some of the best empanadas you’ll ever have.

We hope our Mendoza travel guide helps you kick off an epic trip in wine country.