Luján de Cuyo Wine Region
Luján de Cuyo
Argentina's first wine appellation, home to top estates such as Catena Zapata. It is the “first region” for Malbec.
Luján de Cuyo lies just south of Mendoza city along the Mendoza River valley, at an elevation of about 900–1,100 meters. In 1989 it became Argentina's first legally designated wine appellation (DOC), and together with Maipú it is known as the “Primera Zona” (First Zone), regarded as the core region for Malbec. Many renowned wineries are located here. The pyramid-shaped Catena Zapata winery pioneered high-altitude Malbec in Argentina. Norton, Achaval Ferrer, Ruca Malén, Séptima and others offer tours, tastings and pairing lunches (almuerzo maridaje), where you eat five or six courses with wine while looking out at the Andes across the vineyards. This is Mendoza's most classic experience, priced at about 50–150 US dollars. The town of Chacras de Coria in Luján is shaded by trees and has several boutique inns and restaurants, making it a good place to stay one or two nights. Getting there: It's about 20–30 minutes by car from the city center. You can hire a car or join a tour. The cycling route is also an option, but roads are busier than in Maipú, so a hired car is better. Popular wineries often require reservations several weeks in advance, especially during the March harvest festival. Coordinates are taken from the town of Luján de Cuyo.
Opening hours
Most wineries open Mon–Sat, approx. 09:00–17:00 (reservation required)
Nearby sights
- Chacras de Coria
- Avenida Arístides Villanueva
- General San Martín Park & Cerro de la Gloria
- Plaza España, Mendoza
- Plaza Independencia, Mendoza
- Mendoza Central Market
- Foundational Area Museum & San Francisco Ruins
- Maipú Wine Region