Mendoza, located in the heart of the Cuyo region of Argentina, became the eighth wine capital of the world due to the quality of its grapes. The province produces almost 10 million hectoliters per year, making it the most important wine growing region in South America.

There are more than 1,200 wineries, many of which open their doors to visitors. Along the Mendoza wine route you will find small and large companies offering guided tours, wine tasting courses, tastings and the chance to reap during harvest time. In addition, some of the largest rural estates have opened exclusive hotels in their vineyards, offering wine therapy, wine museums, sparkling wine tastings paired with art exhibitions, picnics with wine experts, horseback riding, mountain biking and dinners between oak barrels. The López winery is a classic example located in General Gutiérrez in the state of Maipú, and is always ready to provide travelers with the best service. The basic tour is free and includes a reception with an institutional video that shares the story of this company which has been in the same family for more than 100 years. The tour also includes a visit to different facilities such as the pressing and milling areas, huge stainless steel tanks for fermentation, aging and cutting presses and is topped off with a small wine tasting. The winery is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm and Saturdays and holidays from 9:30am – 12:30 pm.

The Norton winery, located 14.6 miles from RP 15 in the state of Luján de Cuyo, owns almost 700 hectares of cultivated land. Visits to this winery include folklore classes and seasonal activities.

Valentín Bianchi, located in San Rafael, offers free tours every half hour Monday through Saturday and includes wine tastings and product sales.

Navarro Correas, located 6 miles from the capital city, welcomes travelers in a warm and modern location with showrooms and a wine bar.

Trapiche, located inCoquimbito, Maipú, is among the first exemplary wineries founded in 1912. Surprisingly, it utilizes one of the most ecological farming practices known as biodynamics, which uses only plant and animal waste from its own farm as fertilizer. The completely renovated building is open Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10am – 3pm.

The Salentein winery, located in the picturesque region of the Uco Vally, gives its visitors the possibility of touring the traditional wine routes, as well as visiting the gastronomic and cultural center of Killka. Guests can stay at the exclusive Posada Salentein which offers 16 rooms and personalized service. Here you can enjoy delicious meals prepared in clay ovens, grilled or barbecued meats and fresh local fruits and vegetables. There are several activities offered to guests such as architecture and art tours, horseback riding on the estate and the ability to cook alongside the chef.

Among the most luxurious lodges is Algodón Wine Estates, where in addition to the production of excellent wines, there is a golf course, a gourmet restaurant and an elegant rural-style lodge with wood burning stoves, a library and a pool with solarium. Located in San Rafael, it is home to organic vineyards hydrated by melted ice water. Courtesy visits are available Tuesday through Sunday between 10am – 4pm. There are also options that allow you to develop special blends.

Tips:

• It is recommended that you make reservations before visiting wineries in order to book the best tours, in the pertinent languages and in small groups.
• You can tour the wine routes on your own or with a guided tour. If you decide to tour on your own, make sure that you have a designated driver since most tours require driving.
• Any time of year is good for visiting wineries. However, harvest time in Argentina is during the summer months between January and March or April, according to the region.

Offer: Wine colors in Mendoza

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