Uco Valley: Private Wine Tour & Gourmet Lunch with Andes Views

Summary

Malbec tastings, vineyard lunches and mountain air in Uco Valley

You’ll ride from Mendoza into Uco Valley’s vineyards with a private driver, taste organic Malbecs at wineries like Domaine Bousquet, enjoy a relaxed multi-course lunch paired with local wines (dogs might join), and soak up mountain views all day long. Expect laughter, real stories from locals, and that feeling you get when sunlight lingers on your skin after a perfect meal.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color of the sky—somehow sharper blue than anywhere else, stretched over the Uco Valley vineyards like a giant silk scarf. Our driver, Martín, picked us up right on time in Mendoza (I was still fumbling with my coffee) and we headed south along Route 40. The city faded fast; soon it was just us, rows of grapevines, and the Andes looming so close you could almost touch them. I kept rolling down the window for those first chilly breaths—dusty, fresh, with that faint mineral smell you only get at altitude.

We stopped at Domaine Bousquet first. I’d read about their organic wines but didn’t expect to see actual llamas wandering by the vines (Martín just grinned—apparently they’re regulars). The tasting room felt relaxed, not fussy. There was this moment when I tried to swirl my glass like I knew what I was doing and spilled a little on my shirt—nobody cared. The Malbec tasted dark and peppery; I could feel the sun in it somehow. Our guide Lucía explained how the altitude changes everything here—cool nights, big flavors. She talked about her family picking grapes as kids. It made me think about how much work goes into every bottle.

Lunch at La Azul was honestly my favorite part. Wooden tables outside, dogs napping underfoot, plates of empanadas steaming in the breeze. Each course came with a different wine—I lost track after the third glass but remember laughing when Lucía tried to teach us “salud” with an Argentine accent (I did not nail it). The food wasn’t fancy but every bite tasted like someone’s grandmother had cooked it just for us. By then the sun was warm enough that we lingered way too long before heading to Salentein for one last tasting—their cellar really does look like a cathedral inside, all echoing stone and cool shadows.

I still think about that drive back toward Mendoza—the light turning gold across the valley floor, everyone quiet in that sleepy way you get after good wine and better company. If you’re looking for a day trip to Uco Valley from Mendoza with a private driver and real local flavor… well, this is it. Just don’t wear white if you’re clumsy like me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Uco Valley wineries and wine tasting

• Pick up at accommodation
• Drive south via Route 40
• Turn west to Uco Valley
• Visit Domaine Bousquet winery
• Visit Andeluna Cellars winery
• Enjoy gourmet lunch with wine at third winery
• Visit third winery for tasting and lunch
• Drive back to Mendoza city
• Arrive in Mendoza at 5:30 pm

Top questions

How long is the drive from Mendoza to Uco Valley?

It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Mendoza city to reach Uco Valley.

Which wineries are usually included on this private wine tour?

The tour typically visits Domaine Bousquet, Andeluna or Salentein, and La Azul for lunch; other small wineries can be requested based on availability.

Is lunch included during the Uco Valley wine tour?

A gourmet multi-course lunch paired with wines is included at one of the wineries—often La Azul or Andeluna depending on availability.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

If you book the “all inclusive” option, tastings are included; otherwise you pay tasting fees directly at each winery.

What time does pickup start in Mendoza?

Pickup usually starts around 9:10 am from your accommodation in Mendoza city.

When do we return to Mendoza after visiting Uco Valley?

The tour leaves Uco Valley around 4 pm and returns to Mendoza by approximately 5:30 pm.

Can I customize which wineries we visit?

Yes—the itinerary can be customized based on your interests and winery availability; just let your guide know your preferences.

Is this private wine tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels as transportation is provided between locations.

Are children or pets allowed on this tour?

No—babies and pets are not permitted on this private wine tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Mendoza by private driver, comfortable air-conditioned transport through Route 40 into Uco Valley’s vineyards, bottled water along the way, guided visits at two wineries with tastings of four to five wines each (like Malbecs), plus a leisurely multi-course gourmet lunch paired with local wines before returning to Mendoza in the early evening.