MENDOZA CITY & WINE VALLEYS
Mendoza is the heart of Argentinian winemaking, a high-altitude region where the Andes Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards. It is world-renowned for its Malbec and offers a blend of urban elegance and rustic viticultural heritage.
This region is a haven for wine lovers and adventurers alike, combining the vibrant cultural life of a modern city with the serene, sun-drenched beauty of the surrounding wine valleys.
Most Popular Attractions
Mendoza City Core:
Plaza Independencia: The main, beautiful central square of Mendoza, surrounded by theaters and the provincial government palace.
Peatonal Sarmiento: The central pedestrian street, lined with cafés, shops, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a stroll.
Museo Histórico General San Martín: A museum dedicated to the life and campaigns of General José de San Martín, Argentina’s liberator.
Área Fundacional & Museo: The historical birthplace of the city, featuring the ruins of the original city, including the Jesuit church and the foundational square.
Basílica de San Francisco: A beautiful basilica housing the banner of the Andes Army and the remains of General San Martín’s daughter.
Mercado Central: A bustling indoor market offering local produce, meats, spices, and casual dining experiences.
Avenida Aristides Villanueva: A popular street known for its vibrant nightlife, bars, and diverse restaurants.
Plazas del Microcentro: The four smaller surrounding squares—Plaza Chile, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Italia, and Plaza España—each with a distinct theme and charm.
Museo del Pasado Cuyano: Housed in a historic mansion, this museum showcases the region’s history, culture, and social life.
Parque General San Martín:
Portones del Parque: The impressive, ornate main gates of the park, imported from Scotland.
Cerro de la Gloria: A hill within the park topped by a grand monument celebrating the Army of the Andes’ liberation campaign.
El Rosedal: A beautiful rose garden within the park, featuring an ornamental lake and extensive flower beds.
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas: The main football stadium, which hosted matches during the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
Mendoza Wine Valleys & Andean Foothills:
Maipú Wine Region: The historical “first zone” for Malbec, easily accessible from the city.
Trapiche Winery: A historic winery with a focus on traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
Bodega La Rural & Wine Museum: Features a comprehensive museum showcasing winemaking tools and history.
Luján de Cuyo Wine Region: Known for producing high-quality, high-altitude Malbec.
Catena Zapata: An iconic, pyramid-shaped winery offering premium tastings and tours.
Achaval Ferrer: A boutique winery known for its single-vineyard Malbecs.
Uco Valley (Valle de Uco) Wine Region: The premier, high-altitude wine area producing some of Argentina’s finest wines.
Salentein: A stunning, modern winery known for its architecture, art gallery, and concert hall.
Clos de los Siete: A unique project featuring seven independent wineries under one concept, including Bodega DiamAndes.
Andeluna Cellars: A winery known for its cooking classes and views of the Andes.
Villavicencio Nature Reserve: A protected natural area in the foothills of the Andes, known for its scenic serpentine road and historic hotel.
Puente del Inca: A stunning natural arch bridge over the Las Cuevas River, colored by mineral deposits.
Aconcagua Provincial Park: Home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, offering excellent hiking and views.
High Mountain Route (Ruta de Alta Montaña): A scenic drive offering incredible views, passing through small Andean villages and leading to the Chilean border.
Activities & Experiences
Go on a Premium Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the prestigious Luján de Cuyo and Maipú wine regions, sampling high-end Malbecs and other varietals at historic and modern bodegas.
Cycle Through Vineyards in Maipú: Rent a bicycle and spend the day independently exploring the more accessible vineyards of the Maipú region, often with self-guided tastings and lunch options.
Hike and Climb in the Aconcagua Provincial Park: Take a day trip to the park for a challenging hike with stunning views of the Andes, including the colossal Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of Asia.
Take a Traditional Argentinian Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic dishes like authentic empanadas mendocinas (oven-baked), asado (Argentinian barbecue), and dulce de leche desserts.
Experience a Wine Pairing Lunch (Maridaje): Indulge in a multi-course gourmet meal at a top winery, where each plate is meticulously paired with a different local wine.
Go Whitewater Rafting on the Mendoza River: Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience navigating the rapids of the Mendoza River, with difficulty levels suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
Explore the High Mountain Route (Alta Montaña): Take a scenic drive or guided tour through the Andes, stopping at key historical sites like the Puente del Inca (a natural arch bridge) and the Christ the Redeemer statue pass (seasonal).
Attend a Malbec Harvest Festival (Seasonal): If visiting in late February or March, experience the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, a world-class celebration of the grape harvest with parades, music, and cultural events.
Visit the Central Market (Mercado Central): Explore this bustling local market in Mendoza City to sample regional produce, olives, cheeses, and buy local artisanal products.
Relax in the General San Martín Park: Spend an afternoon in the city’s vast, beautiful central park. Rent a paddleboat, visit the zoological park, or simply relax by the lake.
Go Horseback Riding in the Uco Valley: Enjoy a traditional gaucho experience by exploring the high-altitude landscapes of the Uco Valley on horseback, often concluding with a traditional asado.
Local Tips & Transport
Driving is Key for Wine Valleys: While Mendoza City is walkable, a rental car or a hired driver is highly recommended to explore the bodegas in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Taxis/remises for day trips can be arranged, but prices can be high.
Public Transport (City): Mendoza City has a reliable public transport system, including buses and the Metrotranvía (tram system). You must purchase a rechargeable SUBE card at kiosks or the main ticket office to use them. Cash is not accepted on board.
Wine Shuttle/Bus Vitivinícola: This is a popular and economical option for reaching select wineries in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú without a rental car. It offers hop-on/hop-off services between bodegas.
From the Airport: The El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) is close to the city center. Taxis and private remises (pre-booked cars) are the most common and convenient options, with a fixed or metered rate to the city.
Reservations are Essential: Do not show up unannounced at wineries, especially for tastings and lunches. The best and most exclusive bodegas require reservations, often several weeks in advance, especially during high season (Spring/Autumn).
The Power of the Siesta: The afternoon siesta is respected in Mendoza, particularly in the summer. Many small businesses, local shops, and bodegas close between 1 PM and 4 PM. Plan your activities around this.
Dining Times: Argentinians eat late. Lunch is usually between 1 PM and 3 PM, and dinner often starts after 9 PM, peaking around 10 PM. If you dine too early, you may be the only customers!
Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary in restaurants and for tour guides. A standard tip in restaurants is 10% of the bill, paid in cash. Tipping your guía (guide) and arriero (horse handler) on mountain excursions is also appreciated.
The Mate Ritual: Keep an eye out for people drinking mate (pronounced MAH-tay), a traditional caffeine-rich infused drink. It’s a social ritual, and sharing it from the same gourd is a sign of friendship. Feel honored if a local offers you one!
Hidden Gems:
- Paseo Alameda: A beautiful, less-touristed avenue lined with old trees, cafes, and historical monuments, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
- Cerro de la Gloria: Located inside General San Martín Park, this hilltop monument offers the best panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset, and is dedicated to the Army of the Andes.
- The Olive Oil Route: While known for wine, Mendoza also produces excellent olive oil. Look for oliovícola tours in the Maipú area for a delicious alternative to wine tasting.
- The Ruins of San Francisco: Located in the city center, these are the remains of an 18th-century Jesuit church, providing a dramatic backdrop for photos and a quiet moment of history.
Currency: The official currency is the Argentinian Peso (ARS). While credit cards are widely accepted in the city and larger wineries, many smaller shops, markets, and local services prefer cash. Always check the current exchange rates and options before your trip.
Top Restaurants
Don Mario [$20-$35] – Highly recommended by locals, this is a quintessential Argentine parrilla (steakhouse) located about 20 minutes outside of the Mendoza city center, known for its excellent grilled meats.
Fuente y Fonda [$15-$25] – Situated right on Plaza Italia in Mendoza City, this casual eatery prides itself on hearty, family-style portions of traditional Argentine dishes, often inspired by Italian nonna’s recipes.
Los Rodeas [$20-$35] – A long-standing local favorite in the Mendoza city center, specializing in traditional Argentine cuisine, with a focus on their delicious grilled meats and a good regional wine list.
El Palenque Aristides [$15-$25] – Capturing the essence of a traditional pulperia (tavern), this charming spot on Aristides Villanueva in Mendoza City is a great place for locals to gather and enjoy house wine and lively conversation.
Francesco Ristorante [$25-$40] – An institution in Mendoza City known for its exceptional and authentic Italian and Argentinean cuisine, with a focus on house-made pastas and quality ingredients.
La Marchigiana Centro [$20-$35] – An iconic restaurant in the Mendoza city center that has been serving authentic Italian cuisine, including a wide selection of homemade pastas, since 1950.
Cundo Altamira [$30-$50] – A truly unique and authentic experience in the Uco Valley, this boutique tasting room on a family vineyard offers a special fixed-menu experience with food cooked by the family and wine from all over Mendoza.
Posada del Manzano [$25-$40] – Found in the historic Manzano Histórico area of the Uco Valley, this is a family-run, more rustic spot that offers a simple, traditional, and authentic Argentine meal.
El Paisano [$20-$35] – An unforgettable, authentic experience located on a private family property in the Uco Valley, where you can enjoy a rustic outdoor meal cooked just for you next to a running stream.
La Juntada Pulperia [$20-$35] – A rustic pulperia in the Uco Valley, known for its traditional asados (barbecued meats) and a classic, unpretentious atmosphere.
La Posada Del Jamon [$20-$35] – A simple, rustic spot in Vista Flores (Uco Valley) specializing in delicious, homemade asados and other traditional comfort foods.
Ramos Generales [$25-$45] – A casual, lively spot in the Mendoza city center where you can enjoy the famous live-fire cooking of Francis Mallmann, offering a more relaxed encounter with his techniques.
Renacer [$35-$55] – This airy winery restaurant in Luján de Cuyo focuses on Mendocino cuisine, including Uco Valley trout, house-made pasta, and rib-eye steak in a Malbec demi-glace.
La Vid – Bodega Norton [$35-$60] – Located at Bodega Norton in Luján de Cuyo, this restaurant offers a gourmet experience with classic dishes and breathtaking views of the historic vineyards and surrounding gardens.
Anna Bistró [$30-$50] – A charming and hip urban spot in the heart of Mendoza City, established in 2006, offering a delightful fusion of French, Mediterranean, European, and Argentine cuisine.
Centauro Restaurante [$35-$55] – Housed in a beautifully renovated traditional building in the city center, this top dining choice is run by a dynamic and youthful team, offering a tour of the province via different ingredients and flavors.
Ituzaingo Cocina y Vino [$30-$50] – Located in a bohemian district of the Mendoza city center, this is a small, intimate loft-restaurant where you can interact with the chef, enjoy a personal wine collection, and dine on ethnic dishes blending South American and contemporary cuisine.
Magnolia Restó [$30-$50] – Located in the Mendoza city center, this spot is known for its inventive and exquisitely prepared food, offering a memorable dinner experience with dishes like grilled avocado.
Auténtico [$25-$40] – A charming restaurant in the Mendoza city center that lives up to its name, offering an authentic and original dining experience with an inviting and intimate interior.
Carolino Cocina de estación [$35-$55] – A charming restaurant in the Mendoza city center that cares deeply about seasonal products and provides an unforgettable dining experience with exquisite food and wine.
Cocina Gardenia [$25-$40] – This bright-white, casual restaurant in the Mendoza city center is the domain of chef Ginella Mazzocca, who offers a fresh and well-executed contemporary menu.
La Central Vermutería [$15-$30] – A trendy and lively spot in the Mendoza city center, ideal for friends to gather and enjoy vermouth alongside a variety of tapas-style plates.
The Rabbit Lounge [$20-$35] – A trendy, lively spot in the Mendoza city center with a great atmosphere, perfect for hanging out with friends and enjoying excellent vermouth and tapas-sized plates.
Ruda [$40-$70] – Located in Gualtallary (Uco Valley), this non-winery restaurant is run by a dynamic chef who showcases expertise and a strong aesthetic in his dishes and wine pairings.
Criolla [$30-$50] – Located inside Mercado Planta Uno in Godoy Cruz (just outside Mendoza City), this informal yet high-quality spot focuses on traditional Argentine cuts cooked on a wood-fired barbecue, with emphasis on regional wine pairings.
The Nook [$15-$30] – With a branch in the Mendoza city center and another in Maipú, this spot offers a relaxed, street food-inspired concept with fresh food, including different lasagna and wrap creations.
Brindillas Restaurant [$70-$120] – Set in a former home in Luján de Cuyo, this leading light in the gastronomic scene was Mendoza’s first restaurant to offer a tasting menu, delivering exquisite food that more than makes up for the uninspired decor.
Casa Vigil (El Enemigo) [$80-$130] – The rustic-yet-refined winery restaurant of acclaimed winemaker Alejandro Vigil in Maipú, offering a sensory experience that blends the earth, wine, literature, and fire, with a Michelin star.
Angélica Cocina Maestra [$90-$150] – Located at the iconic Catena Zapata Winery, this Michelin-starred restaurant in Luján de Cuyo adopts a “Wine First” approach, designing dishes around the vineyard’s acclaimed wines.
Zonda Cocina de Paisaje [$80-$130] – Situated at Bodega Lagarde in Luján de Cuyo, this Michelin-starred restaurant features a country-chic dining room with a large parrilla, reinterpreting Cuyo’s culinary traditions with a contemporary sensibility.
Riccitelli Bistró [$70-$110] – This Michelin-starred restaurant at Bodega Matías Riccitelli Wines in Luján de Cuyo focuses on a dialogue with the terroir, featuring a vegetable-focused journey paired with the winery’s natural, unfiltered labels.
1884 Restaurant – Francis Mallmann [$60-$100] – Often described as one of the best restaurants in Mendoza, this city eatery is located in an old winery dating back to 1884, offering the celebrated chef’s signature open-fire cooking.
Azafrán [$60-$100] – Located in a historic building in the Mendoza city center, this sophisticated restaurant is renowned for its innovative cuisine, elegant atmosphere, and an impressive wine collection of over 500 labels.
Abrasado [$60-$90] – Located at Bodega Los Toneles in Guaymallén, this Michelin-selected restaurant is a haven for meat lovers, standing out for its extensive grilled meats and offering a high-quality, atmospheric dining experience.
5 Suelos – Cocina de Finca [$80-$120] – Situated at Durigutti Family Winemakers in Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo), this farm-to-table restaurant features a multi-course tasting menu that tells the story of the winemaking family and the region’s diverse terroir.
Fogón Cocina de Viñedo [$50-$80] – Located at Bodega Lagarde in Luján de Cuyo, this Michelin-recommended restaurant embraces the concept of fireside dining, infusing dishes with the warmth and essence of open flames amidst the vineyards.
Siete Fuegos [$90-$150] – The main restaurant at The Vines Resort in the Uco Valley, led by Francis Mallmann, which refers to the seven open-flame cooking techniques used to prepare their exceptional, traditional Argentine food.
Piedra Infinita [$90-$140] – At Bodega Zuccardi in the Uco Valley, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience that reflects the grandeur of its surroundings, with a focus on local ingredients and expertly paired Zuccardi wines.
Restaurante Abrasado [$60-$90] – Situated at Bodega Los Toneles, a beautiful historic building in Guaymallén, this Michelin-selected restaurant is celebrated for its dedication to the art of grilling the finest cuts of Argentine beef.
Soberana [$50-$80] – A Michelin-selected gem in the heart of the Mendoza city center, this restaurant emphasizes contemporary Argentine cuisine, positioning itself as a crown jewel of the city’s dining scene.
La Vida [$70-$110] – Located at the Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites in Luján de Cuyo, this culinary retreat focuses on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the vibrant flavors of Mendoza in a contemporary setting.
Osadía de Crear [$60-$90] – Located at Susana Balbo Wines in Luján de Cuyo, this restaurant lives up to its name (“Daring to Create”), offering bold and creative dishes that showcase the region’s diverse culinary influences.
Quimera Bistró [$50-$80] – Nestled within the Achaval Ferrer Winery in Luján de Cuyo, this restaurant’s menu reflects a “Chimera,” offering an imaginative and eclectic fusion of local and international flavors.
El Disparate [$40-$70] – A creative and modern restaurant in the trendy Alameda de Hércules in Mendoza City, blending bold flavors with a playful touch, popular with a younger, trendier crowd.
Mercado Central [$10-$25] – Not a single restaurant, but the bustling central market in Mendoza City with numerous food stalls and small, classic eateries, perfect for a casual, authentic local lunch.
La Casa del Contrabandista [$25-$40] – A unique spot in Mendoza City with a speakeasy vibe, known for its creative cocktails and a menu that blends different cuisines in an intriguing, hidden setting.
El Faro Bistró Mendoza [$30-$50] – A great spot for a casual rooftop dinner in the Mendoza city center, offering stunning city views and an extensive international menu.
Choquequirao Restaurant [$20-$35] – Located in the Mendoza city center, this is the place to go if you crave authentic Peruvian food during your stay, offering delicious ceviches and traditional dishes alongside a good wine list.
Montecatini [$25-$40] – An Italian-Argentine classic in the Mendoza city center, known for its traditional, hearty dishes and long history in the city.
Mumbai Masala [$20-$35] – A popular spot in Mendoza City offering authentic Indian cuisine, a unique and flavorful alternative to the traditional Argentine fare.
El Baqueano [$50-$80] – A well-regarded restaurant in the Mendoza city center focusing on native and regional ingredients, including non-traditional meats, offering a unique and high-quality culinary experience.
La Cantina [$15-$25] – A simple, classic bar located in a local market in the Mendoza city center, famous for its fresh, expertly fried fish and its lively, unpretentious atmosphere.
La Chacha [$20-$35] – A popular Mendoza City restaurant offering traditional Argentine dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere, known for its reliability and focus on local ingredients.
Barloa [$25-$40] – A trendy, modern spot in the Mendoza city center offering a mix of creative Argentine and international cuisine, great for a lively dinner or drinks.
Damajuana [$30-$50] – A popular restaurant in Mendoza City with a focus on regional cuisine and an excellent selection of local wines, providing a sophisticated take on classic flavors.
Bodega Gimenez Riili Restaurant [$35-$60] – Located in the Uco Valley, this beautiful winery offers a memorable 5-course lunch paired with their wines, set with stunning views of the mountains and vineyards.
Gaia Restaurant at Domaine Bousquet [$40-$70] – Located in Gualtallary (Uco Valley), this 100% organic winery restaurant offers a creative and attractive menu featuring organic ingredients, with innovative menus and stunning views.
Claroscuro Bodega de Arte [$35-$60] – A unique concept in the Uco Valley that combines a winery with an art gallery, offering a delicious lunch or dinner with wine pairings in a beautiful, cultured setting.
Restaurante Azafran [$60-$100] – This centrally located, sophisticated restaurant offers a modern take on Argentine cuisine with Mediterranean touches, boasting a massive wine cellar with over 500 labels.
Dantesco [$35-$60] – A restaurant in the Mendoza city center known for its elegant ambiance and refined take on traditional Argentine and international cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Garnish Bar: A benchmark in Mendoza’s premium cocktail scene, this sophisticated bar in the city center (Av. Colón) is known for its impeccable service, extensive whisky collection (over 180 labels), and meticulously crafted cocktail menu, ranging from classics to inventive signature drinks.
Gómez Rooftop Piso 10: Located in an iconic, historic building just a few feet from the city center, this speakeasy-style bar on the 10th floor offers unrivaled panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountains, making it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails.
Charco Andino: Blending Andean roots with a cutting-edge concept, this bar in Chacras de Coria (a suburb just outside the city) features a seasonal, signature cocktail menu guided by natural elements and a neo-Andean psychedelic architectural style.
La Central Vermutería: Offering a relaxed and authentically Argentine experience near the bustling Aristides Avenue, this bar’s specialty is vermouth-based cocktails and an authentic gastronomic proposal of traditional Argentine tapas dishes.
Soberana Restó: Just steps from the central Plaza Independencia, this contemporary and elegant restaurant has an increasingly recognized cocktail bar featuring signature and classic cocktails that integrate local elements, like the Aperitivo Soberana.
Terracita Speakeasy: A well-known hidden gem on a rooftop near Plaza Italia, accessed through a secretive entrance (often a staircase leading to a ‘library’). It offers an intimate setting for classic and inventive cocktails, wine by the glass, and craft beer.
UNDER Wine Bar: Found in the center of Mendoza, this bar is notable for its unusual concept, hiding a captivating cellar with a focus on local wines and classic/bespoke cocktails beneath what appears to be a humble fast-food restaurant.
La Fuerza: Located in the city center, this bar is a temple for the local vermouth brand La Fuerza, offering all its varieties and cocktails made with vermouth, such as the La Fuerza Spritz, along with classic Argentine snacks.
La Sala de Maridajes: Situated in the city center, this spot perfectly combines the charm of a wine bar with the freshness of cocktails. The name translates to “The Pairing Room,” and it focuses on pairing its cocktail and mocktail list with a curated food menu.
William Morris Bar: A lively bar centrally located in the city of Mendoza, known for its craft cocktails, local wines, and vibrant atmosphere, often found among the top spots for nightlife enthusiasts.
Chirolas Bar: Known for its lively ambiance and delicious cocktails, this is a welcoming spot for tourists and locals to enjoy the city’s nightlife near the main arteries of the city center.
Uvas Bar: Experience the essence of Mendoza at this centrally located bar, where exquisite local wines meet a vibrant cocktail menu in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Long Play Bar: Located in the city center, this vibrant spot is known for delicious drinks and local delicacies, providing a lively atmosphere for Mendoza’s nightlife.
Gingger: A lively bar and grill in a popular area of Mendoza City, offering refreshing drinks, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere for socializing.
Antares Mendoza: While primarily a brewpub, this spot offers a lively atmosphere on Aristides Avenue, with a focus on local craft beers and a casual menu that’s perfect for a laid-back evening.
Rabbit Lounge: Located just a few meters from the bustling Aristides Avenue, this lounge is known for its focus on sparkling wines, house music, and an intimate patio, making it a stylish spot to end a night out with bubbles.
Beat Club Mendoza: Nestled in the vibrant Centro district of Mendoza, this spot is a cultural hub known for its fantastic live music performances, featuring local bands and artists that create an electric atmosphere.
Foxy Live Bar: Situated near the city center, this high-energy venue is known for its live music, featuring rock, pop, and various genres, making it a great alternative to electronic clubs.
Apeteco: Located in or around the downtown area, this is one of the weekend clubs mentioned for a night out closer to the city center, often featuring commercial music and a lively dance floor.
Iskra: Another club located in or around the downtown area, Iskra is a well-known name in the local nightlife scene, offering a vibrant atmosphere for dancing on the weekends.
Wabi Fun Club: A larger club often located in the outskirts (like the El Challao neighborhood), it’s known for playing electronic music and attracting a younger crowd looking for a high-energy party experience.
Paraphitecus (PPTH): Located on the popular Aristides Villanueva Avenue, this two-story venue features a long bar and a disco atmosphere, offering a quiet dinner space earlier in the evening and a full dancing spot after 1 AM.
Olimpo: A medium-sized club in the Mendoza area known for its focus on Reggae music, providing a distinct and laid-back musical vibe compared to the city’s commercial clubs.
SPARK Disco: A dedicated club venue located in the outskirts of Mendoza, offering a classic discoteca experience with a focus on dancing and a party atmosphere.
Aquelarre: Located further from the city center, this club is an option for those looking for a larger venue experience outside the main downtown nightlife strip.