Uco Valley
Mendoza, Mendoza
Argentina’s answer to Napa Valley, Mendoza ranks as the largest winemaking region in Latin America, with more than 800 wineries. Some of the best wines come from Uco Valley, an area with 250 annual days of sun, little rain, and a cool microclimate that's known for malbec, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and tempranillo grape varieties.
The Basics
Visit Uco Valley as part of an Argentina Wine Route tour. The valley—made pretty by the meandering Tunuyan River and surrounding snow-capped peaks—produces the highest altitude (900-1,200 meters) wines in the province. Wine tasting tours through the valley take many forms: Spend the day cycling from winery to winery, join a small-group tour, or opt for a private excursion. Do more than just taste wine; the area is known for trout fly fishing and dining.
Things to Know Before You Go
A visit to the Uco Valley is a must for wine lovers and foodies.
If you’d like to stay overnight, your best bet is Tunuyan, the main town in Uco Valley.
Most day trips to the Uco Valley from Mendoza last from five to nine hours.
Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
How to Get There
To get to the valley, you can either drive the approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the city of Mendoza (about an hour's drive); alternatively, many Argentina Wine Route tours include stops at Uco Valley’s renowned vineyards.
When to Get There
One of the best times to visit Mendoza and the Uco Valley is in autumn (March to April) when temperatures are warm, fall color is at its best, and the grape harvest is in full swing. Spring (October and November) is also a good option.
Argentina’s Best Wine Regions
While the Uco Valley ranks as Argentina’s best known wine region, it’s not the only one worth visiting. Visit Salta in the northwest reaches of the country to find some of Argentina’s most extreme terrain and fastest up-and-coming wine scenes. If you prefer to get off the beaten path, then Catamarca is for you. Or, head to Cordoba, where the region’s first vineyards were planted in the 16th century.
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