Five Unmissable Wineries in Mendoza

Although you can find great wine all over Argentina, Mendoza is renowned for being the wine capital of the country, with a number of tourists choosing this destination primarily to visit its excellent bodegas. As there is so much choice, it can be a bit overwhelming, so for this reason we've compiled a list of five of the best wineries in Mendoza based on their location, the quality of their wines and their tours.

1. Alta Vista

This winery can be found in Chacras de Coria, 15km south of Mendoza city. It was established over a hundred years ago and fully restored in 2003, with all the cutting-edge vine-growing technology, making it one of the best for wine tourism in Mendoza. Its small tanks enable the production of high-quality wines, its cellars are quite simply magnificent and its tasting room has been stylishly designed using old oak and barrel bands. After the restoration, Alta Vista was rebuilt in brick, preserving the charm of the original winery.

[caption id="attachment_6939" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bodega Alta vista: one of the best for wine tourism in Mendoza / source[/caption]  

2. Kaiken

Kaiken’s fine wines are the result of both the exceptional harvesting conditions in Mendoza and hard work carried out by talented professionals. Not only can you sample seriously fine wines here, but you will also be exposed to some stunning views and have the chance to explore the vineyards, accompanied by a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. Their Kaiken Corte is featured prominently in Wine Enthusiast's "Argentina's All-Price Bonanza" article in which the editor states, "Argentina is among the best in the world at delivering quality across all price points…my favorite among these Best Buys is Kaiken's 2009 Corte, a blend of Malbec and lesser amounts of Bonarda and Petit Verdot".

[caption id="attachment_6940" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Enjoy beautiful views from Bodega Kaiken / source[/caption]  

3. Mendel

Mendel is an old winery run by Roberto de la Mota - one of Argentina’s most respected and experienced winemakers – and his family, who produce approximately 80,000 bottles of wine a year. Their combination of passion, experience and attention to detail is their secret to producing remarkable wines and creating an ideal environment for tourists.

[caption id="attachment_6941" align="aligncenter" width="640"] At Mendel, roughly 80,000 bottles of wine are produced each year / source[/caption]  

4. Pulenta Estate

This austere winery is often considered to be the best of all the wineries in Mendoza, due to the quality of the tours, its aesthetically appealing setting and, of course, the wines themselves. Standing at 980 metres above sea level, Pulenta Estate offers excellent climate conditions and incredible views over Mendoza. However, it is most renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, a light, refreshing and fruity wine which can be tasted in the winery’s concrete underground cellar.

[caption id="attachment_6942" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Be sure to try the delicious Sauvignon Blanc at Pulenta Estate / source[/caption]  

5. Ruca Malen

Founded just fifteen years ago, Ruca Malen is a fairly new, forward-thinking winery situated in the picturesque foothills of the Andes Mountains, providing fantastic views of the snowy peaks to accompany the delicious food and wine. It is equipped with all the latest technology, including a temperature and humidity controlled cellar, with the capacity for seven-hundred barrels. Not only does the tour include an informative circuit of the winery with a tasting, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about and practice blending wines with a sommelier in their unique tasting room.

[caption id="attachment_1928" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Ruca Malen is a relatively new, forward-thinking winery / source[/caption]  

For more information about wineries in Mendoza, or to book a wine tour, visit our website.

By: Milly Day – English Content Manager For: Argentina4u