Outings and excursions · Mendoza
Mendoza: the wine roads across the Andes
Photos: David / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, home of Argentine Malbec, one Andes crossing from Santiago.
Across the Andes from Santiago, Mendoza is Argentina's great wine province. Its vineyards, at the foot of the mountains, are the home of the Malbec that made Argentine wine famous worldwide.
Three areas
- Maipú: historic wineries, close to the city.
- Luján de Cuyo: the classic Malbec area, with large and small wineries.
- Uco Valley: high-altitude vineyards with mountain views and complex wines.
The Vendimia
In the first weeks of March, the National Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the harvest with parades, the election of the queen and a great central show.
Getting there from Chile
From Santiago, cross via the Los Libertadores Pass (Cristo Redentor), with its international tunnel; it may close in winter because of snow.
Tips
- Book winery visits in advance.
- If you are tasting, hire transport.
- Check the pass conditions before setting off.
