The Uco Valley has become the most talked-about wine region in Argentina. Vineyards planted between roughly 900 and more than 1,500 meters of altitude, stony soils and the Andes as a wall to the west produce fresh, intense wines — and some of the most striking winery architecture in South America. This guide to Uco Valley wineries covers the estates worth visiting and how to plan your days.
Understanding the Uco Valley
The valley lies about 1.5 hours south of Mendoza city and is divided into three departments:
- Tupungato: in the north, home to Gualtallary, one of the highest and most prestigious areas for Malbec and Chardonnay.
- Tunuyán: in the center, with Los Chacayes and Vista Flores, known for structured reds.
- San Carlos: in the south, with Paraje Altamira and La Consulta, famous for elegant, mineral Malbecs.
Many of these names now appear on labels as geographical indications, so visiting them helps you understand what you drink.
The Best Uco Valley Wineries to Visit
Zuccardi Valle de Uco
The benchmark of the region. Located in Paraje Altamira, Zuccardi was named the world’s best vineyard in the World’s Best Vineyards ranking several years in a row. The building, made of stone and concrete, blends into the landscape, and the visit explores the different soils of the estate and how they shape the wines.
Salentein
One of the pioneers of the valley, in San Pablo, Tunuyán. The visit includes an impressive underground barrel cellar with a cross-shaped design, an art space and a restaurant, which makes it easy to spend a full day there.
Clos de los Siete
A project led by renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland in Vista Flores, Tunuyán, where several wineries share a large estate. The wines are polished and international in style, and the visits are relaxed.
Gimenez Riili
A small family winery with a warm, personal approach. Its Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are favorites among local wine lovers, and the visit feels very different from the large estates.
Andeluna
In Gualtallary, Tupungato, with one of the most beautiful views of the cordillera in the valley. A classic stop in the north of the valley, with tastings and a restaurant.
Domaine Bousquet
A French-founded winery in Gualtallary known for its organic approach and high-altitude vineyards.
Other estates such as Alfa Crux, Corazon del Sol and many small producers complete the map. The best selection depends on your interests: architecture, organic wines, family wineries, gastronomy or specific grapes.
What Makes Uco Valley Wines Different
Altitude is the key. At more than 1,000 meters, the sun is intense during the day, but nights are cold, and that big difference in temperature helps the grapes keep their natural acidity. The result is wines with deep color and concentration but also freshness and tension. Uco Valley Malbec tends to show violet and red fruit aromas, firm tannins and a long finish, while Chardonnay and other whites from the highest vineyards are crisp and mineral.
Soils also play a role: much of the valley sits on alluvial deposits from the Andes, with stones, sand and limestone in different proportions. Many wineries now separate their vineyards into small plots according to soil type, and tasting wines from different parcels side by side is one of the most interesting experiences of a visit.
How Many Wineries per Day?
Distances in the Uco Valley are longer than in Luján de Cuyo. Two visits plus a winery lunch is the ideal rhythm. Trying to do more means spending the day in the car instead of among the vineyards.
Day Trip or Overnight?
A day trip from Mendoza is perfectly possible, but staying one or two nights at a lodge in the valley makes the experience much more relaxed: you avoid three hours of driving per day and can enjoy sunset and sunrise over the Andes.
Best Time to Visit
- Harvest (February–April): the most active and festive moment.
- Autumn (April–May): golden vineyards and mild days.
- Winter (June–August): snowy mountains, clear skies and fewer visitors.
- Spring (September–November): green vineyards and pleasant temperatures.
The valley is higher than the city, so nights are cool all year. Bring a layer even in summer.
Practical Tips
- Almost all wineries require advance reservations.
- Some close on Sundays or holidays; check before planning.
- There is no public transport between estates. A private driver is the best way to visit.
- The sun is strong at altitude: sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Uco Valley from Mendoza?
About 1.5 hours by car from the city, depending on the area of the valley you visit.
Which Uco Valley winery is the most famous?
Zuccardi Valle de Uco is the most internationally recognized, but Salentein, Andeluna and Clos de los Siete are also very popular.
Is it better to visit the Uco Valley or Luján de Cuyo?
They are complementary. Luján de Cuyo is closer and more traditional; the Uco Valley is higher, more scenic and more modern. If you have time, visit both.
Want to explore the region with a private driver and a selection designed for you? Discover our Uco Valley wine tour or write to us.