Why Go to Mendoza
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Mendoza is wine country with a mountain view like no other. Named one of the Great Wine Capitals of the world, this Argentine province sits right at the foot of the Andes, where snowcapped Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, fills the western sky.
Malbec is the star here, and tasting your way through the region is the main event. Start in the city, with its leafy plazas and lively cafes, then head out to the rolling vineyards of the Uco Valley for long lunches and tastings with the mountains as a backdrop. For adventure, the Andes are right there. Afterward, soak sore muscles in the high-altitude thermal baths of Cacheuta.
To get there, fly into Buenos Aires or Santiago, then take a short domestic flight of about 90 minutes. Grab a window seat, because the first sight of the Andes towering over the vineyard plains is unforgettable. I'll plan the wineries, drivers and stays so you can taste freely and leave the details to me.
BEST FOR
Wine lovers, foodies, couples, adventure travelers and cyclists
BEST MONTHS
March to May
EXPLORE
- City Center: Plazas, restaurants and hotels.
- Luján de Cuyo: Malbec wineries close to the city.
- Maipú: Wineries, olive oil producers and bike tours.
- Uco Valley: High-altitude vineyards and luxury lodges.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Mendoza
South America › Andean Heights › Argentina › Mendoza Province
Malbec vineyards beneath the Andes and the gateway to Aconcagua.
Mountain & Alpine
Vineyards
Adventure
Culinary
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book winery visits and lunches in advance, especially in the Uco Valley; many bodegas only take reservations, and long lunches are the highlight.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Hire a driver or join a tour so everyone can enjoy the tastings.
Luján de Cuyo Wineries
Known as the land of Malbec, Luján de Cuyo is home to many of Argentina's top wineries.
Plan a long lunch at a winery restaurant.
Uco Valley
A high-altitude wine region about 90 minutes south, with modern bodegas and spectacular Andes views.
Start early and wear sunscreen.
Biking Through Maipú
Rent a bike and pedal between wineries, olive oil producers and chocolate makers.
Bring warm clothes; it's cold at the top, even in summer.
Aconcagua Provincial Park
Home to the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, with hiking trails and the Horcones Lagoon viewpoint.
Climb Cerro de la Gloria for city views.
Parque General San Martín
A huge park with lakes, gardens and the Cerro de la Gloria monument.
A grand hotel on Plaza Independencia with a spa, pool and a wine-focused restaurant.
Park Hyatt Mendoza
City Center
Hotel Tags
A luxury resort among vineyards with villas, a spa and the acclaimed Siete Fuegos restaurant.
The Vines Resort & Spa
Uco Valley
Hotel Tags
An intimate lodge with private rooftop terraces and plunge pools among the vines.
Cavas Wine Lodge
Luján de Cuyo
Hotel Tags
A wine hotel with a hammam spa, vineyard views and modern design.
Entre Cielos
Luján de Cuyo
Hotel Tags
A comfortable city hotel with a rooftop pool and easy access to restaurants.
Sheraton Mendoza Hotel
City Center
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Mendoza
High 84°F · Low 57°F · Rain 0.9 in
Warm, sunny days return, and the summer season begins.
The best time to visit Mendoza is March through May, during the grape harvest and autumn, when vineyards turn golden. Spring (September to November) is also lovely. Summers are hot and sunny, and winters are cool and dry, with snow in the mountains.
Best Times to Visit Mendoza
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Mendoza's dining revolves around grilled meats, local produce and, of course, wine.
- Winery lunches: Many bodegas offer multi-course tasting menus paired with their wines.
- Asado: Argentina's famous barbecue is a must, with beef, sausages and grilled vegetables.
- Must-try: Malbec, empanadas, provoleta, chimichurri and dulce de leche desserts.
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Walking
Mendoza's tree-lined city center is easy to explore on foot.
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Bikes
Bike rentals are popular in Maipú for winery tours.
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Rental Cars
A rental car is useful for exploring the Uco Valley and Andes, but plan a designated driver for wine tastings.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshare apps are available in the city.
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Wine Tours
Many travelers join guided wine tours or hire a private driver for winery visits.
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Flying In
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) is about 20 minutes from the city, with flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago.
Most travelers fly into Mendoza from Buenos Aires or Santiago. Once you're here, the city center is walkable, while wine tours, private drivers and rental cars are the best way to explore the vineyards and mountains.
Getting Around Mendoza