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One Grape, Two Altitudes: A Mendoza Wine Journey
Five nights across Mendoza's two wine frontiers, from historic Luján de Cuyo to the high-altitude Uco Valley. Private wineries, one grape, two altitudes.Rate valid for travel between May 1 and August 31, 2026.
WHO THIS IS FOR
For travelers with a real interest in wine, not just an appreciation for it, who want to taste the same grape at two altitudes and actually understand why it isn't the same wine. For anyone curious about the contrast between Argentina's oldest wine region and the one still being written, and willing to slow down long enough to taste that difference rather than be told about it.
This journey rewards curiosity. It's built for people who ask their guide a second question, not just people who enjoy a glass with lunch.
THE IDEA BEHIND THIS JOURNEY
Mendoza has three wine-producing zones. Luján de Cuyo and Maipú share the historic core, together the birthplace of Argentine Malbec. The Uco Valley, higher and younger, is where a newer generation of winemakers is finding out what altitude can do to the same grape.
This journey spends real time in the two zones that contrast the most, Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. They sit far enough apart that moving between them in a single day would mean losing most of it to the road. Staying overnight in each means the time goes into the place instead, and waking up in the middle of the Uco Valley, vineyards and the Andes right outside, is reason enough to spend the night there.
THE JOURNEY — DAY BY DAY
This is a guide, not a contract. The pace and the order adapt to you.
Day 1 — Arrival & Check-In: Luján de Cuyo
Included: Private transfer • welcome drink
Day 2 — Private Wine Tour: Luján de Cuyo or Maipú
Included: Private transfer • artisanal snack and mineral water • tastings at two wineries • gourmet paired lunch
Day 3 — Transfer to Casa de Uco
Included: Breakfast • private transfer
Optional: Andeluna winery visit and tasting
Day 4 — Tasting in Northern Uco Valley
Included: Private transfer • snack of handmade products in biodegradable packaging and mineral water • visit and tasting at two wineries • paired lunch at the third
Day 5 — Horseback Riding at Estancia La Carrera
Included: Private transfer • artisanal snack and mineral water • riding equipment • regional asado lunch
Day 6 — Departure
THE BASES
La Maria Hotel Boutique — Luján de Cuyo
Chacras de Coria, Luján de Cuyo • 2 nights • Boutique hotel
A design-forward retreat in Chacras de Coria, each of its seven suites named after a famous writer and fully automated, voice-controlled lighting, climate, and blackout shades in rooms that also hide their own plunge pool or jacuzzi and a private sauna. Breakfast is ordered the night before and arrives made to order in the morning, a small ritual that sets the tone for the rest of the stay.
Andeluna Winery Lodge — Casa de Uco
Gualtallary, Tupungato • 3 nights • Winery lodge
A cluster of private villas built directly into Andeluna's own vineyard in Gualtallary, over 1,300 meters up, where the Barale family has run the estate since 2013. Every villa opens onto its own deck facing the Andes, close enough to walk to a tasting, far enough to feel like you have the mountain to yourself.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| 2 nights at La Maria Hotel Boutique + 3 nights at Andeluna Winery Lodge (breakfast daily) Private transfers throughout Bilingual guide Two full-day wine tastings with gourmet lunch Full horseback riding experience and regional asado Two 30-minute massages per guest at La Maria |
International flights Travel insurance Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Tips and personal expenses |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The vineyards at their most alive, with the Vendimia grape harvest underway across both regions.
The vines bud, the weather is mild, and the Andes are typically at their clearest for the drive between the two valleys.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Altitude, mostly. Luján de Cuyo sits lower and produces the richer, more classic Malbec Argentina became known for. The Uco Valley sits close to a thousand meters higher, and the cooler nights give the wine more structure and tension. Tasting both back to back is the fastest way to actually understand it.
About an hour and a half by private transfer, included in the journey.
No. The horses at Estancia La Carrera are calm and well suited to beginners, and a baqueano guide rides with you throughout.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Five nights is enough to taste the difference between two centuries of Mendoza wine. If you're not sure whether this journey is right for you — that's exactly what the free call is for.
Free 30-minute call • No commitment • We start by listening
- Code: #10
- Duration: 6 Days 5 Nights
