Uco Valley
Discover Uco Valley, Argentina's premier wine region, where majestic Andes vistas meet exceptional Malbec and diverse terroirs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, stunning views
Uco Valley
Best Time
Mild weather, stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Uco Valley, Argentina's premier wine region, where majestic Andes vistas meet exceptional Malbec and diverse terroirs.
"The most magical place I’ve ever visited! The Andes sunrise was unforgettable."
🚗 Hire a Driver/Tour
Navigating wineries is easiest with a hired driver or organized tour. Many services offer personalized itineraries.
📸 Capture the Andes
The mountain views are incredible! Plan your visits for sunrise or sunset for the most magical light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vineyard Vistas
Throughout Uco Valley
Sip world-class Malbec with the majestic Andes Mountains as your backdrop. Unforgettable scenery awaits.
Bodega Salentein
Tunuyán
A pioneer in the region, known for its stunning architecture and exceptional wines. A must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Zuccardi Valle de Uco
Paraje Altamira
Experience innovative winemaking and a unique culinary journey amidst the serene calm of the valley.
High-Altitude Terroir
Paraje Altamira, Altamira
Discover how the valley's high altitude and diverse soils create distinctive, pure fruit flavors in wines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Wine Tours in Advance
Embrace the Andes Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Driver/Tour
Navigating wineries is easiest with a hired driver or organized tour. Many services offer personalized itineraries.
📸 Capture the Andes
The mountain views are incredible! Plan your visits for sunrise or sunset for the most magical light.
🍷 Book Tastings Ahead
Popular wineries fill up fast. Secure your spot for wine tastings and gourmet experiences in advance.
🍽️ Gourmet Pairings
Many wineries offer exquisite tasting menus. Don't miss the chance to pair local cuisine with their finest wines.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Driver/Tour
Navigating wineries is easiest with a hired driver or organized tour. Many services offer personalized itineraries.
📸 Capture the Andes
The mountain views are incredible! Plan your visits for sunrise or sunset for the most magical light.
🍷 Book Tastings Ahead
Popular wineries fill up fast. Secure your spot for wine tastings and gourmet experiences in advance.
🍽️ Gourmet Pairings
Many wineries offer exquisite tasting menus. Don't miss the chance to pair local cuisine with their finest wines.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The high altitude can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water, especially between wine tastings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Uco Valley for its breathtaking Andes scenery and world-class wines, particularly Malbec. The personalized service offered by tour operators and wineries is frequently highlighted, making for seamless and memorable experiences. Some visitors note that planning and booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
"Great experience and best in class service! Thank you for a memorable experience!!!!"
Daniel Fujita
"If you are wanting to tour the wine country of Valle de Uco, but not certain how to manage all of the details of making reservations at wineries and getting from one place to the next on time, then you must contact Visit Valle de Uco. I picked the places I wanted to visit and they made the reservations and put together the itinerary. It was perfect! The driver was friendly and always on time, and I was able to exchange information promptly with the service if I had a question. This is the answer to all your worries!"
Phillip DePriest
"Cynthia was great, helped us figure out our tour even outside of Uco valley. Made sure our driver was on time and helped us through the entire process of making a great day wine tasting! Can’t recommend enough!"
Elisabeth Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uco Valley is about an hour's drive south of Mendoza city. The most convenient way to explore is by hiring a private driver or joining a guided wine tour. Taxis are available but can be expensive for a full day.
Yes, absolutely! Many visitors opt for organized wine tours or hire private drivers for the day. This allows you to relax and enjoy the wine without worrying about navigation.
For a seamless experience, hiring a driver or booking a tour is highly recommended. This ensures you can visit multiple wineries comfortably and safely.
Public transport options are limited and not ideal for visiting multiple wineries efficiently. It's best to arrange private transport or join a tour for a comprehensive experience.
Uco Valley is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Mendoza International Airport (MDZ), depending on your specific destination within the valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking winery tours and tastings in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular bodegas. This guarantees your spot and allows wineries to prepare for your visit.
Costs vary widely, from around $15 USD for a basic tasting to $100+ USD for premium experiences with food pairings. It's best to check individual winery websites for current pricing.
There are no general entrance fees for the Uco Valley region. Fees are typically associated with specific winery tours, tastings, or restaurant experiences.
While some smaller wineries might accommodate walk-ins, it's not guaranteed. Booking ahead is the safest bet to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season.
You can plan your own itinerary by researching wineries that appeal to you, or use services like 'Visit Valle de Uco' which can help organize reservations and transportation.
🍽️ 🍷 Wine & Dining
Uco Valley is renowned for its Malbec, but also excels in Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The high altitude contributes to vibrant fruit and elegant structure.
Absolutely! Many wineries offer exceptional dining experiences with gourmet tasting menus that perfectly complement their wines. Zuccardi and Alfa Crux are notable examples.
Uco Valley's diverse microclimates, influenced by the Andes Mountains, create unique terroirs. This allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varietals with distinct characteristics.
Yes, many wineries offer combined wine tasting and lunch packages, providing a full sensory experience. Booking these packages in advance is recommended.
Traditional Argentine cuisine, such as grilled meats (asado), empanadas, and regional cheeses, are excellent pairings. Many wineries also offer international-inspired gourmet dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are the sweeping vineyard landscapes with the Andes Mountains in the background. Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most beautiful light for landscape and vineyard photography. Midday can be harsh.
Bodega Salentein is often praised for its stunning architecture and art installations, making it very photogenic. Zuccardi also offers beautiful modern designs and views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating vineyard details or mountain peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check with individual wineries and local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🥂 Wine Connoisseurs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Influence of the Andes on Uco Valley Wines
The Andes also influence the soil composition. The mountains contribute alluvial soils, which are well-draining and mineral-rich. This soil type prevents waterlogging and stresses the vines just enough to encourage the production of high-quality grapes with concentrated flavors. The diversity of these soils across different sub-regions within Uco Valley, such as Paraje Altamira, further contributes to the regionality of its wines, meaning the origin and specific terroir are often more defining than the grape varietal itself.
Winemakers in Uco Valley leverage these natural advantages to produce exceptional wines. The cooler climate is particularly beneficial for varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which can struggle in warmer regions. However, it's the Malbec that has truly put Uco Valley on the global wine map, showcasing a purity of fruit and an elegant structure that distinguishes it from Malbecs grown elsewhere in Argentina.
Planning Your Uco Valley Wine Tour
When selecting wineries, consider the diverse offerings. Bodega Salentein is a popular choice, known for its impressive architecture and art gallery, alongside its wines. Zuccardi Valle de Uco offers a unique culinary journey and a focus on terroir-driven wines. For those interested in specific varietals, wineries like Domaine Nico are noted for their Pinot Noir. Researching wineries that align with your taste preferences, whether it's for specific grape varietals, organic practices, or gourmet dining, will enhance your experience.
Booking tastings and tours in advance is essential, as many wineries have limited capacity and popular slots fill up quickly. This is especially true for wineries offering special tasting menus or vineyard lunches. Factor in travel time between wineries, as the Uco Valley is quite spread out. Many visitors suggest dedicating a full day, or even two, to truly appreciate the region's offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit