If you’re dreaming of sipping world-class wine with the Andes as your backdrop, welcome to Mendoza—Argentina’s wine-soaked wonderland where every glass is a celebration and every sunset looks like it was filtered by Malbec.

This charming city in western Argentina is not just vineyards and vino (although… mostly yes), it’s also full of history, epic views, and the perfect dose of laid-back vibes. We spent two and a half amazing days here and we’re still dreaming of jamón sandwiches and sun-drenched vineyards. Here’s everything you shouldn’t miss in Mendoza.

A Little Sip of History

Founded in 1561, Mendoza has come a long way from being a small colonial outpost. Originally built on indigenous Huarpe land, the city has weathered earthquakes, revolutionaries, and wine shortages (gasp!). After a devastating quake in 1861, the entire city was rebuilt with wide boulevards and leafy parks, which is why today Mendoza feels so chill, so spacious, and so walkable. And also: so, so full of wine.

Day 1 – Welcome to Wine Country

After landing in Mendoza and sorting out our rental car (highly recommended for flexibility, we booked it in advance and the pickup was a breeze), it was time to kick off our tasting tour with a bang.

Pro-tip: Pay for full insurance coverage, no credit card pre-authorization needed!

Stop 1: Lunch & Wine at Tempus Alba Winery

Located in Maipú, this stunning, family-owned winery became our introduction to Mendoza’s wine scene. We enjoyed an al fresco lunch overlooking the vines, paired with a flight of elegant reds. If you want a relaxing, unpretentious start to your wine journey, Tempus Alba is it. Book your table here, the tour around the winery is self-guided.

Stop 2: Dessert Heaven at La Dolce

Just a short drive away, La Dolce in Maipú is a local gem known for heavenly gelato and pastries. Because wine tasting is best paired with sugar highs, right?

Stop 3: Guided Tour & Tasting at Bodega Domiciano

This one was a surprise hit! Bodega Domiciano is known for its night-harvested wines, and our guided tour taught us all about the unique production methods. The tasting room was beautiful, the wines fantastic, and the whole experience super personal. Book your tour in advance here 

Evening: Strolling Through Mendoza Town

As the sun began to set, we headed back to Mendoza and we took a stroll around Plaza Independencia, wandered down the Paseo Peatonal Sarmiento, and ended up on Arístides Villanueva, a lively boulevard lined with bars, restaurants, and happy Mendocinos enjoying their evening. Grab a beer or a cocktail and soak up the local buzz.

Day 2 – More Wine, More Views, and a Highway Sandwich

Stop 1: Morning Wine Tasting at Bodega Renacer

Hands down the highlight of our wine trip! The grounds of Renacer Winery were nothing short of breathtaking. Think sleek architecture, mirror-like water features, and perfectly trimmed vines backdropped by the Andes. The guided tasting was incredibly informative and the wines? Chef’s kiss. Book your tour in advance here 

Stop 2: Jamón Crudo Sandwich at the Most Random (but Great) Spot

Next up? A pit stop for lunch at a roadside canteen, Jamon Crudo Serrano Andes, literally at a highway intersection. Don’t let the location fool you. Their jamón crudo sandwiches were simple, crispy, salty perfection. Sometimes, the best bites are the least expected.

Stop 3: Coffee Break at Luján de Cuyo

Before diving back into the Malbec, we recharged with a solid espresso in the charming town of Luján de Cuyo. It’s a nice place to slow down, stretch your legs, and pretend you’re a local for 30 minutes.

Stop 4: Afternoon Tasting at Bodega Norton

We saved the big guns for last. Bodega Norton is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the region—and for good reason. Their tour was polished and professional, but still relaxed. The wines? Stellar. This is the kind of winery that makes you feel like you should quit your job and become a sommelier. Book your tour in advance here.

Evening: Back to Aristides for Dinner & Drinks

After a power nap (wine naps are the best naps), we headed back to Arístides Villanueva for dinner. The vibe was buzzing again, with locals and travelers hopping between wine bars, breweries, and parrillas. A perfect way to close out our day.

Day 3 – Spa, Steam, and Scenic Views

Before flying out, we squeezed in one last activity that completely elevated the Mendoza experience: a half-day at Termas de Cacheuta.

We had pre-booked our tickets here (highly recommended as it gets crowded) and even splurged on a bathrobe rental—fancy vibes only. The thermal pools, carved into natural rock and overlooking the Andes, were absolute heaven. It’s the kind of place where your wine-weary body thanks you with every hot soak.

Side Note: We visited the Thermal Water Park not the Spa as the price difference among the two were huge. Choose wisely what you book and also note that their location is different. The entrance for the Spa is before entering the village, on the contrary, the water park entrance is inside the village. 

Lunch at a Classic Parrilla Nearby sealed the deal: steak, salad, wine (of course), and fresh mountain air. A chef’s kiss end to a perfect Mendoza escape.

Bonus Tips

• Rent a car. Mendoza is spread out and public transport won’t get you to all the wineries.

• Pre-book tastings. Especially for big-name wineries like Norton and Renacer.

• Don’t rush. Leave plenty of time between appointments. Mendoza is best enjoyed slowly—with a glass in hand.

A Quick Guide to the Wine Regions of Mendoza:

Maipú, Luján de Cuyo & Uco Valley

If Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital, then its wine regions are the royal estates. Nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza is home to over 1,500 wineries (yes, you read that right!), producing more than 70% of the country’s wine. But where should you go first? Here’s a fun, no-nonsense guide to the key wine regions of Mendoza.

Maipú: Where Tradition Meets Tasting Rooms

Just 30 minutes from Mendoza City, Maipú is one of the oldest and most accessible wine regions in the province. This is where it all began—Maipú is home to some of Mendoza’s first wineries, many of which are still family-owned and charmingly rustic.

Expect lush vineyards, olive farms, and easy bike routes that make hopping between wineries a laid-back adventure. Some favorites to check out:

• Tempus Alba – Great wine, great food, stunning views.

• Bodega Domiciano - A family-owned winery founded in 1919

• Trapiche – One of Argentina’s largest and most famous wineries with a beautiful historical building.

• Bodega La Rural (Museo del Vino) – Come for the tasting, stay for the wine museum.

Luján de Cuyo: The Heart of Malbec Country

Welcome to Malbec heaven! Luján de Cuyo, located just 20 km south of Mendoza, is the first officially recognized appellation in Argentina. This is where the iconic high-altitude Malbecs are born—bold, complex, and absolutely delicious.

The region is dotted with boutique wineries and elegant estates, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Highlights include:

• Bodega Renacer – Modern design, exceptional tastings, jaw-dropping views.

• Bodega Norton – One of the oldest and most established; their tour and wines never disappoint.

• Bodega Lagarde – A fantastic spot for lunch in a beautiful garden setting.

• Bodega Vistalba – A great stop for architecture lovers and wine nerds alike.

Uco Valley: The Rising Star (for Next Time!)

We didn’t make it to Valle de Uco this time, but it’s a must-mention. About 1.5 hours south of Mendoza, this is the new frontier of fine wine in Argentina. The altitude is even higher, the architecture ultra-modern, and the wines—especially Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc—are world-class.

Some star wineries here include:

• Salentein

• Domaine Bousquet

• Andeluna

• SuperUco

Where to Stay in Mendoza

You’ve got two main options when it comes to accommodation: city stay or vineyard stay. We opted for a stay in Mendoza City, which gave us flexibility, access to restaurants, and the buzzing vibe of Arístides Villanueva. There are plenty of cozy hotels, boutique guesthouses, and affordable Airbnb options.

BUT if you’re dreaming of waking up to vineyard views with the Andes on the horizon, consider a winery hotel in Maipú or Luján de Cuyo. Some of the most romantic stays include:

• Club Tapiz – A boutique hotel set in an old winery surrounded by olive groves.

• Entre Cielos – A luxury spa hotel with a futuristic design in Luján.

• Cavas Wine Lodge – The crème de la crème, if you’re ready to splurge.

How to Get to Mendoza

Mendoza is well-connected and easy to reach, whether you prefer to fly or travel overland.

Most international visitors arrive via Buenos Aires, Santiago or São Paulo, just like we did. From there, a short flight takes you to El Plumerillo Airport (MDZ), a small but efficient airport located only 15 minutes from downtown Mendoza.

If you’re in the mood for a road trip, the overland journey can be just as exciting. One of the most breathtaking options is driving from Santiago, Chile, across the Andes,  a route filled with dramatic mountain scenery. There are also comfortable long-distance buses running regularly from other Argentine cities like Buenos Aires and Córdoba.

For example, a bus ride from Buenos Aires, costs 51 euro and lasts 13-16 hours! You can book your tickets here

Whichever way you choose to arrive, stepping into Mendoza feels like the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

Alternative ways to visit Mendoza’s wineries without a car

Renting a car will make your life much easier. We chose CBA Rent A Car Mendoza. Our pick-up from the airport had been pre-arranged via what΄s app. They transferred us to their shop, which looks more like a car repair shop and after the necessary paperwork and after paying for full insurance, because we didn't have a credit card, we got our car!

If you’d rather skip renting a car, there are excellent alternatives to explore Mendoza’s wineries in a relaxed and hassle-free way:

• By bike in Maipú
  The Maipú region is flat and bike-friendly, making it perfect for a vineyard tour on two wheels. Maipú Bikes offers bike rentals, maps, and partnerships with wineries. You can enjoy a leisurely ride through the vineyards, stopping wherever you fancy a tasting. It’s a fun mix of wine, scenery, and a bit of exercise.

• With the Wine Pass
  For something more organized, the Wine Pass is a fantastic option. It bundles winery reservations, tastings, and meals with transportation, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics. Just sit back, sip, and savor Mendoza at its best.

How to stay connected in Mendoza

While most hotels, cafés, and restaurants in Mendoza offer Wi-Fi, the most convenient way to stay connected is by using an eSIM or a local SIM card. eSIMs are quick to set up and available through apps like Revolut (great if you’re already a user), Nomad (with Argentina and Latin America-wide plans), Airalo (the most popular, with affordable packages starting from just a few dollars), and GigSky or Holafly (perfect for larger or unlimited data bundles). If you prefer a physical SIM, you can easily purchase one from local providers such as Claro, Movistar, or Personal. These are available at mobile stores in the city center, in shopping malls, and even at the airport, making it simple to get connected as soon as you land.

Final Thoughts

Our trip to Mendoza was an unforgettable stop on our journey through Argentina and Brazil. The city itself is beautiful, clean, and full of life, with wide boulevards, charming squares, fountains, and a vibrant atmosphere. Getting around was incredibly easy with our rental car, as the road network was excellent and traffic was minimal. If you’re a wine and nature lover, you’ll fall in love with Mendoza just as we did. Endless vineyards stretch across the landscape, framed by the majestic Andes on the horizon, scenes that will stay with us forever. If we could change one thing, it would be to spend more days here and visit even more wineries. Until next time, Mendoza, see you again!

If you’ve ever dreamt of sipping world-class Malbec under the sun, with the snow-capped Andes in the distance and a dulce de leche dessert in hand, Mendoza is calling your name. Known as the wine capital of Argentina and the gateway to the Andes, Mendoza is the kind of place where time slows down, the wine flows endlessly, and the landscapes are postcard-perfect.

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The "model" in the photos, is my husband Fotis.