Mendoza Wine Region

Vineyards with a view of the Andes Mountains—that’s the snow-capped spectacular offered by Mendoza, Argentina. Located in the center-west of the country, the region is synonymous with its most famous grape—Malbec—although many other red and white varieties thrive. Mendoza is home to 76% of the total vineyards in Argentina and about 1,250 registered wineries.

The province is named for its main city, Mendoza, which has 1.2 million residents. Celebrated wine regions such as Luján de Cuyo and Maipú are located a 20-minute drive from the city; the Uco Valley lies about an hour (50 miles) to the south.

History of Mendoza

Wine production in Mendoza began in the 16th century with the first Spanish colonizers, who brought wine grapes from their home country. Jesuit missionaries were instrumental in early vineyard cultivation, producing wine for communion. During the late 1800s, Argentina received nearly six million immigrants from Europe, largely from Spain and Italy. These new arrivals brought their winemaking cultures and grapes with them. During the 1990s, the production and export of Argentine wines boomed because of increased political stability and because the country’s economy became export focused. Today, Argentina is the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world.

Geography and Climate of Mendoza

Mendoza is home to the highest mountains in the Andes, including 22,832-foot Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas. The province is part of the Cuyo region. Cuyo means “desert country” in the language of the region’s native peoples. It’s an apt description: Mendoza gets less than 10 inches of rain annually.

Due to the hot, dry climate, vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 6,600 feet. Soils include clay, sand, gravel and limestone. Vineyards benefit from the abundant sunshine and water from mountain snowmelt. At higher elevations, the cooler weather coupled with wide diurnal temperature swings help maintain a balance of sugars, acids and phenolic compounds, giving fresher, brighter wines. Grapes mature slowly, enhancing complexity. 

Grape Varieties in Mendoza

Mendoza equals Malbec, according to most wine lovers. The grape accounts for nearly 85% of the plantings in the region. Originally from southwest France, it is also one of the varieties approved for Bordeaux (known there as Cot). First planted in the region in the 1850s, Malbec is known for its deep-dark color and intense fruit. 

The second-most-cultivated red variety after Malbec, Bonarda was introduced by European immigrants in the late 19th century. It descends from Corbeau Noir, a variety originally from Savoy in the French Alps. Suited to warmer climes, the deep-colored grape flourishes at lower elevations. Mendoza produces 84% of the Bonarda in Argentina. 

Meanwhile, a French influence in the region has contributed to the growth of Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.

Long renowned for its reds, Mendoza is fast becoming recognized for its white wines. Torrontés is the region’s signature white grape, derived from cuttings brought by Spanish conquistadors. Opening with floral aromas, it yields wines of fresh acidity. 

Wine Production in Mendoza

Mendoza has 363,000 acres of vineyards that hold 21% of the Malbec planted in Argentina. Red wines account for 63% of the production, whites are 15% and rosés are 22%. Today, winemakers are aiming to craft more elegant, expressive and complex Malbecs by fermenting and aging wines in concrete rather than small oak barrels. They are also planting vines at higher elevations to achieve more refined wines.

Famous Wines of Mendoza

Starting in the mid-1500s, Spanish colonizers brought Vitis vinifera from Europe, including Listán Prieto (a red grape), and Muscat of Alexandria, Mollar and Palomino (whites). Over the years, these vines hybridized, creating Argentina’s native varieties, which are called Criollas. Researchers have identified at least 18 different grapes. The most famous of the Criollas, Torrontés is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica (the same as California’s Mission grape).

Tourism in Mendoza

The heart of Argentine wine country, Mendoza abounds with luxury hotels, landmark wineries and gourmet experiences, including four Michelin one-star restaurants. It’s also a place of wild beauty that offers adventures such as hiking in Aconcagua Provincial Park, whitewater rafting on the Mendoza River and winter skiing at Las Leñas.

More than 200 wineries (“bodegas” in Spanish) are open to guests. At the Tuscan-style Renacer (Luján de Cuyo), visitors can pair wine tasting with a tango performance. Built of local sandstone, the stunningly modern Bodegas Salentein (Uco Valley) features an art gallery, chapel and underground cellar (30 feet down) that doubles as a concert hall. Set in a Mayan-pyramid-inspired complex in Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Catena Zapata (a 2021 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star winner) matches wine tastings with eclectic music.

La Fiesta de la Vendimia, Mendoza’s annual grape harvest, takes place in March, complete with a parade and music.