Argentina's Mendoza province is the country's – and Latin America's – largest and most important wine-producing region.
Mendoza is reminiscent of Napa Valley – were you to swap Napa's rolling hills for Argentina's towering Andean peaks, dial down the pretension, and reduce the on-the-ground costs by at least 50%. Perhaps, then, Mendoza bears little resemblance to its Northern California counterpart. It is rustic, laid-back and uncrowded – but still plays host to world-class wineries, incredible hotels and restaurants, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
The city of Mendoza, the provincial capital, lies to the north of the bulk of the region's vineyards and wine producers.
From the city, a mere 30-minute drive south on Route 40 takes you to Luján de Cuyo, a small town surrounded by many of the region's best-known vineyards.
Another hour's drive south brings you to the Uco Valley, a more rustic and significantly less crowded area with equally impressive wines and more spectacular views.
You can expect to visit 2-3 wineries plus a stop for lunch per day in either of these areas. You will need a car – or better yet, a driver – to cover lots of ground. Be aware that the region has very little tolerance for driving under the influence: drivers will pass through many highway checkpoints performing random stops. Local police also strictly enforce a headlight law; make sure to drive with your headlights on at all times to avoid being stopped.
Alternatively, you can travel by bicycle, which allows to you fully enjoy the Andean views but limits the ground you can cover.
Finca Ogawa, set on a large plot of land in a remote part of the Uco Valley, offers a bit of everything: short term stays via its Airbnb listing, monthly rentals, and even property sales. The owner, John, is welcoming and helpful in making local recommendations. Airbnb guests have access to a grill (for the requisite asado), a swimming pool, and free bikes to visit the area's wineries.
Located one mile down a rocky road from its associated restaurant and winer, Bodega la Azul, Casa de Huespedes Finca La Azul, is a standout small hotel. Surrounded on all sides by vineyards, the hotel is impossibly relaxing: its backyard features a large swimming pool, plenty of lounge seating, and a communal dining table. The family-run hotel serves communal asado dinners to its guests on some nights; the combination of the quality of the food and the warmth of owners will make it a meal to remember.
In Luján de Cuyo, luxury wine hotel Entre Cielos is located in the hotel's own vineyard at the base of the Andean foothills. One room, inside a sort of shipping container, is set back from the rest of the hotel and opens directly into the vineyard. The hotel also produces its own line of Malbecs, for which guests may help collect grapes during the harvest season.
