Uco Valley Wine Tour from Mendoza
Spend a full day in Argentina’s most celebrated high-altitude wine region. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, you’ll visit two boutique wineries at the foot of the Andes, taste Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay where they grow, and sit down to a long, wine-paired lunch at Tupungato Divino with the mountains in front of you.
Full day, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm · Private tour · 2 wineries + wine-paired lunch at a third · Hotel pickup · From USD 215 per person (minimum 2 guests)
Why Visit the Uco Valley
About an hour and a half south of Mendoza city, the Uco Valley is where Argentina’s wine scene has been most exciting over the last two decades. Vineyards were planted here in earnest in the early 2000s, at elevations of up to 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), and the region quickly became home to some of the country’s most acclaimed wineries.
Altitude is the secret. Sunny days, cold nights and poor, stony soils give Uco Valley wines deep color, bright acidity and a mineral freshness you won’t find in warmer parts of Mendoza. The valley spans three departments, Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos, and includes renowned areas such as Gualtallary, Los Chacayes and Paraje Altamira. It’s also simply beautiful: rows of vines running straight toward the snow-capped Andes.
If you only have one wine day in Mendoza and love elegant, terroir-driven wines, this is the tour we recommend.
Your Day in the Uco Valley
8:30 am: Hotel Pickup and the Los Cerrillos Route
We pick you up at your hotel in Mendoza city, Luján de Cuyo or Maipú. The drive south follows the scenic Los Cerrillos route, through rolling hills and the “productive corridor,” one of Argentina’s most fertile farming areas, known for premium fruit and vegetables. As you approach the valley, the Andes grow bigger with every mile.
10:00 am: First Winery
Your first stop is a boutique, family-run winery, where you’ll walk the vineyards, see how high-altitude wine is made and taste through the range, often with the winemaker or a member of the family.
11:30 am: Second Winery
A second winery shows you a different side of the valley, with a new style, a new terroir and another tasting.
1:30 pm: Wine-Paired Lunch at Tupungato Divino
Lunch is the highlight of any Mendoza wine day, and we take you to what we consider the best lunch in the Uco Valley right now: Tupungato Divino. For about two hours, you’ll enjoy a multi-course menu of local cuisine, each course paired with wine, looking straight at the Andes.
5:30 pm: Back to Your Hotel
After lunch we drive back to Mendoza, arriving at your hotel at around 5:30 pm, with time to rest before dinner.
Every tour is private, so the pace is yours. More time in the barrel room, an extra stop for photos or a smaller producer instead of a big name: just tell us.
The Wineries We Visit
We choose small, family-run and boutique wineries that offer intimate, authentic visits rather than crowded tasting rooms. Our usual favorites include Bianchi Winery, Piedra Negra by François Lurton and Zaina Family Winery, with lunch at Tupungato Divino.
Prefer something different? We can arrange visits to Domaine Bousquet, Salentein, Finca Adelma or almost any winery you’ve been longing to see. Let us know when you book. Some wineries may have an extra cost.
What’s Included
- Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off
- English-speaking guide (Spanish and Portuguese available)
- Visits and tastings at two wineries
- Wine-paired lunch at Tupungato Divino
- All winery visit fees
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Not included: gratuities, including at lunch. We recommend bringing some Argentine pesos in cash for tips.
What Our Guests Say
“We had a fantastic experience exploring the Uco Valley with Borravino Wine Tours. Our driver, Agustín, truly made the day special. He was very knowledgeable about the region, sharing insights that added so much depth to our visits.”
— Mary Kate H., Uco Valley Wine Tour
“They clearly have built relationships with a wide range of interesting wineries and get you to places you might not find on your own.”
— Suzanne I., Uco Valley Wine Tour
Tips for Your Uco Valley Wine Tour
- Dress in layers: mornings and evenings at altitude can be cool, even in summer.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. The sun is strong at 3,000 to 5,000 feet.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the vineyards.
- Pace yourself. It’s a long day with a lot of great wine.
- Bring cash for tips and for any bottles you want to buy at the wineries.
Fell in love with a wine and can’t fit it in your suitcase? Our sister company, We Ship Wines, can send Mendoza wines to your home in the United States.
Uco Valley Wine Tour FAQ
How far is the Uco Valley from Mendoza city?
About an hour and a half by car, depending on the area of the valley we visit. The drive is part of the experience, with views of the Andes most of the way.
How much does the Uco Valley wine tour cost?
From USD 215 per person, with a minimum of 2 guests. Solo travelers are welcome, with a supplement. Contact us for a quote.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. You’ll have your own vehicle, driver and guide. We never mix you with other groups.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Uco Valley?
Wineries are open year-round. Harvest season, from February to April, is the most festive time. Spring (September to November) brings green vineyards and mild days, and in winter (June to August) the Andes are covered in snow.
Can we choose the wineries?
Yes. Besides our usual favorites, we can include Domaine Bousquet, Salentein, Finca Adelma or other wineries on request. Some may have an extra cost and need to be booked well in advance.
Can we combine the Uco Valley with other Mendoza regions?
Yes. Our 3-Day Mendoza Wine Escape includes the Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, or you can add a Luján de Cuyo or Maipú wine tour on another day.
More Private Tours in Mendoza
- Luján de Cuyo Wine Tour, from USD 175 per person
- Maipú Wine Tour, from USD 175 per person
- Andes High Mountain Tour, from USD 172 per person
- 3-Day Mendoza Wine Escape, from USD 565 per person
Want to learn more first? Read why the Uco Valley produces Argentina’s best high-altitude wines.
Ready to Visit the Uco Valley?
Check availability and book online, or write to us with your dates and we’ll plan the perfect day.