Uco Valley
Great Products Argentina
Writes: Laura Litvin (@laulitvin)
About 100 kilometers south of the capital of Mendoza, the valley is a must for wine lovers. Designer wineries, country restaurants, luxurious hotels and an incredible landscape are the hallmarks of the most sophisticated wine-growing area in the Argentine province.
High altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley
Famous for its high altitude vineyards and cold climate, the Uco Valley is located at the foot of the Andes mountains, south of the city of Mendoza. Numerous streams of fresh thaw irrigate the fertile land, until joining the Tunuyán river. Some of the highest vineyards in the world are grown here: the cold climate and extreme temperature differences between day and night make strains like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon express themselves. But also Malbec wines with very floral notes, fresh and firm tannins. In this region you get wines with great natural acidity and very good aging potential.
The wines of Uco Valley became powerful draws for wine fanatics, but the distances are long, the better rent a car or hire an excursion. An alternative is the bus of the wine, that with different proposals modality of Hop On & Hop Off = Bodegueando = Subí and Baja, allows diverse options. Anyway, better have a panorama before touring the departments that make up this region. They are Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos, in the Center-West of Mendoza.
The way of wine
From north to south, it is advisable to start with tupungato, going down from Mendoza capital by the famous route 40 and then taking route 86, until reaching Atamisque Winery. Then continue visiting Passionate Wines, the creative project of winemaker Matías Michelini, one of the most prestigious in the Argentina. Further on, you have to take Route 89, which practically crosses the Vbeyond Uco from north to south and is known as "The way of wine".
The road slowly leaves the plain and enters the frontal mountain range, in a constant climb that offers incredible views. Around here you can put together another tour of wine houses, such as Domaine Bousquet, Andeluna, Finca Sophenia, Kilka and La Azul. Or also Infinity Stone, SuperUco, Clos de los 7, among other important. Some have interesting restaurants where you can make technical and tasty stops. Beyond is Casa Petrini and Salentein, two wineries They also offer hospitality services. With different possibilities of prices and activities in the vineyards. Of course, each one offers its labels and very successful wines.
Mendoza more than wine tourism
On the visit to Mendoza It is suggested to sleep one night in Uco Valley, there are beautiful hotels like The Vines Resort & Spa, among others. Of course, it is advisable to book in advance. Mendoza is a destination for the whole year, but without a doubt, in late summer and early fall, at harvest time, is when the province is boiling. In addition, the weather is pleasant and the mountains also offer activities for all tastes. For example, escalations, trekking, walks along scenic routes, Rafting and more.
