Top 10 best wine cellars in Mendoza

We are sure you already know that Mendoza is one of the most important global destinations when it comes to wine. Not for nothing, the vineyards of this Argentine province receive a lot of tourists a year. However, there are so many, each of them with their characteristic charms, that it turns out difficult to choose which one to visit. Don’t worry, to simplify the process of choice, we bring you the top 10 wine cellars in Mendoza.

Believe it or not, the experience you live in each one can be quite different from the other. There are different types: large and famous, boutique and artisanal, with a unique architecture that catches you or with lunch/dinner options on site, even accommodation on the same grounds as the wineries.

Ready to get to know and taste the depths of Mendoza’s culture? Ready to learn about the importance of this drink in the local economy? See what the 10 best wine cellars in Mendoza offer you and consider the Wine Route, a fascinating excursion that is part of wine tourism.

1. SALENTEIN WINERY

Located in the Uco Valley, Bodega Salentein is one of the best options for a full-day experience among vineyards, movie landscapes and good wine.

It has three farms that are between 1050 and 1700 meters above sea level, just at the skirts of the Andes Mountains. From there their lands are watered with the thaw.

The tour in Salentein begins in the so-called “Chapel of Gratitude”, which has thick walls that generate the gloom necessary to store the wine parking barrels. In addition, this chapel is a religious center in which ceremonies are held, not only typical of the winery but also of the community.

After visiting the chapel, you visit the Killka space. It is an art gallery intended for the exhibition of works by local artists and national and international authors. Then, a tour of the winery that can accommodate 5,000 barrels is made. 

Finally, you can access the wine tasting and, if you wish, buy some of the products that are made there. You also have the option to have lunch at Killka Restaurant.

2. LUIGI BOSCA

Owned by the Arizu family, Bodega Luigi Bosca is one of the most famous in the country. Founded in 1901, it’s one of the must-haves for those in Luján de Cuyo.

The visit to this winery not only includes an interior tour, but also allows access to an activity guided by a representative of the place, who will share with visitors some of the secrets that make Luigi Bosca wines, one of the most recognized in the country. The activity ends with the respective tasting.

But, that’s not all. Another one of the most outstanding features of this place is the opportunity to travel along the wine crucis route. It is an artistic exhibition, in which 14 high reliefs by the artist Hugo Leytes are exhibited, explaining how immigrants came to the country and founded the local wine industry.

3. NORTON WINERY

This winery is one of the most traditional in the country, with more than 120 years of history and 5 farms, all of them between 800 and 1000 meters above sea level, which just justifies why it belongs to this top of the best 10 wine cellars in Mendoza.

Unlike others, Bodega Norton stands out for offering a wide variety of experiences to its visitors. For example, once in its wineries you can choose between three types of activities to be carried out with the guides: Malbec, Espumantes and La Alta Gama. Thus, you will be able to see and learn about the different types of processes that are used in each case.

4. BIANCHI WINERY

If you are near San Rafael, one of the best options is Bodega Bianchi; recognized for being one of the pioneers and visionaries after incorporating new technologies for wine production.

Currently managed by the fourth generation of the family, this winery offer the possibility to make a tour through its installations and either walk or bike in the property, always surrounded by its charming views. This way, you’ll discover everything about the making process, finalizing the tour with a taste of the best and most foamy wines of this place.

If you’re interested on visiting Bianchi, we recommend you to read our article about San Rafael to find more details about this magical places and the activities that you can do to mix with this experience!

 5. RUCA MALÉN

Another winery that offers a different experience is Ruca Malén on Route 7, at the height of Luján de Cuyo and with more than 20 years of history.

What makes this winery stand out the most is the gastronomic experience it has developed for its visitors, being awarded in the year as the best winery restaurant experience in the world.

Simply put, it is a winery-restaurant located next to the vineyard area and with a view that points directly to the Andes Mountains in which you can taste a 6-course menu accompanied by the line Ruca Malén or Ruca Malén Terroir series.

Furthermore, you can visit the depths of the winery with a guide who will tell you what the production process is like, its history and, of course, the activity finishes with the respective and by many expected, tasting.

6. BODEGA LA RURAL

Built in 1885 at the request of Felipe Rutini, this winery located in the Uco Valley was one of the pioneers in the vineyard plantations in that region of Mendoza.

Inside the property you can visit the Wine Museum, where around 4500 original pieces are exhibited such as machines, carriages, press, grinding pumps, oak vessels and bottles among other things.

Basically you’ll travel back in time and find out what the experience of producing wines was like in other times!

7. ZUCCARDI WINERY

Founded in 1963, the Zuccardi family winery is one of the most innovative and committed to the quality of the country’s wine. Not for nothing it was chosen in 2019 as the best vineyard in the world.

Those who visit this winery located in the Uco Valley will be able to know the different spaces of the winery, with the accompaniment of a guide that will enter with you in this magical place, with the secrets of each soil of the vineyard.

Beyond the tour of the incredible winery and offering of a strong wine tasting, there is the possibility of lunch in the restaurant Piedra Infinita that offers author cuisine. It has a capacity for 50 people and from its spaces you can enjoy a beautiful view of the vineyards and the mountains.

8. THE ANDES TERRACES

It is located in Luján de Cuyo and is one of the most beautiful estates in Mendoza, since its architecture is reminiscent of Spain and the more than 100 years old Terraza de los Andes, in the province.

During the tour, you will be able to know the different varieties of wines and also about the traditional Argentine cuisine. If you are a landscape lover, you will have the possibility to stay in Casa Terrazas, a beautiful and exclusive guest house located among trees that are over 100 years old, on the shores of a vineyard. It has only 6 rooms whose names are inspired by varietals of the winery: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Manseng and Torrontés.

Many reasons to integrate the list of the top 10 wine cellars in Mendoza!

9. BODEGA LÓPEZ

For more than 120 years, Bodega López has been a clear example of large-scale wine production, being one of the 5 largest producers in Mendoza.

The visit to this winery is precisely the ideal opportunity to know what a large-scale operation is like, since during the tour you can visit the fermentation tanks, the French oak barrels of more than 5000 liters capacity and a plant that bottles up to 10,000 liters per hour. 

In addition, you can complete the tour with a visit to the small local museum with the history of the winery and get to know El corner de López, a restaurant where you can take advantage to taste its wines.

10. TRAPICHE WINERY

With more than 130 years of experience in the wine industry, this winery is settled in Godoy Cruz, right in the area where a large share of the prestigious old vineyards are concentrated.

The Trapiche Winery is a pioneer in the introduction of French vines, varietal wine and the imports of oak barrels, which has led them to have interesting colored wines and varied perfumes.

In addition to visiting the winery, you can live a gastronomic experience by the renowned chef Lucas Bustos, with products originating from the winery’s garden and matched by the most exclusive wines of the place.

That said, it is important to note that, in 2014, The Trapiche Winery was awarded as the best experience in architecture and landscape, validated by those who already visited these wineries.

As you may have noticed, there are many options but these are the best 10 wine cellars in Mendoza. Choose the one that has caught your attention the most and do not forget to establish communication with our travel specialists, who can help you put together your itinerary without missing one of these places in your agenda. You can include several if you wish!