Uco Valley
Valle de Uco
A high-altitude wine valley at 900–1,500 meters, with modern wineries beneath snowy peaks and world-class winery restaurants. It is the essence of Mendoza.
Valle de Uco lies about 80–120 kilometers south of Mendoza city and consists of three districts: Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos. Its vineyards sit at roughly 900–1,500 meters, with large temperature swings between day and night and intense sunlight, producing Malbec with deep color, good acidity and concentrated aromas. Over the past 20 years, it has become the core region for high-end Argentine wine. The wineries here are known for striking modern architecture set against the Andes. Zuccardi Valle de Uco (Piedra Infinita) blends stone and concrete into the mountain landscape and has repeatedly ranked first in World's Best Vineyards. Salentein has a cross-shaped underground cellar and an art gallery. O. Fournier looks like a giant spaceship, and vineyard resorts such as The Vines let guests stay among the vines. Most visitors book a full-day car tour covering two or three wineries plus a pairing lunch. Alternatively, stay a night in the valley and watch the sunset turn the snowy peaks red. All wineries require advance reservations, and popular lunch slots should be booked several weeks ahead. Getting there: Drive or hire a car south along Route 40 for about 1.5 hours. Winter snow offers the best scenery, though some wineries close. Coordinates are taken from the central part of the valley (estimated).
Opening hours
Most wineries open Mon–Sat, approx. 10:00–17:00 (reservation required)
Nearby sights
- Zuccardi Valle de Uco
- Bodega Salentein
- Bodega Catena Zapata
- Termas de Cacheuta
- Potrerillos Reservoir
- Chacras de Coria
- Luján de Cuyo Wine Region
- Bodega Trapiche