The Best Lujan de Cuyo Wineries - Valentina's Destinations (2024)

These are the best Lujan de Cuyo Wineries in Mendoza Argentina. We’ll tell you what makes each one special, unique and unforgettable. We’ve also included helpful booking and tour information, so you can easily plan the ultimate Lujan de Cuyo Winery experience.

Lujan de Cuyo Wineries

Introduction to Lujan de Cuyo

Lujan de Cuyo is a region within Argentina’s larger Mendoza area. It’s located about30 minutes driving from Mendoza downtownor the Mendoza airport.

In Lujan de Cuyo, the most important varietal is Malbec.Not surprisinglybecauseMalbec is King in Mendoza.

In other regions of the world, Malbec grapes are used for blending. In Mendoza, Malbec shines.Mendoza is considered the best place in the entire world to grow the Malbec grapes.

Other varietals grown in Lujan de Cuyo include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Torrontes.

Lujan de Cuyo is also one of themost beautiful wine regions in Argentinabecause it’s bordered by the magical Andes Mountains. The elevation of Lujan de Cuyo is over 3,600 ft or 3,600 meters above sea-level.Higher altitudes help wines develop thicker, tougher grape skins which result in wines with vivid colors and stronger tannin flavors.

Check out this top-rated wine tour of Lujan de Cuyo.

Overall, the climate in Lujan de Cuyo is arid. Therocky, sandy, soils add concentrated mineralityto Lujan de Cuyo wines.

Grapes were planted in Lujan de Cuyo over a hundred yearsago by Spanish and Italian immigrants. The age of some of Lujan de Cuyo’s vineyards also contributes to their quality and prestige.

If you love wine, but hate planning… Consider this excellent, private, tour of Lujan de Cuyo.

For the full Mendoza wine experience, you’ve got to stay at a winery hotel! There’s nothing more memorable than waking up to sunrise over rows, and rows, of beautiful vineyards. No matter what your budget is, there’s a Lujan de Cuyo winery hotel for you.

Budget

Book a room at Villa Trinidad Guesthouse. This charming property has all the cozy touches that you’ll ever need! Including functional elements like a kitchenette, spacious rooms and an ideal location.

Mid-Range

Check out Villa Mansa wine lodge. At Villa Mansa, authentic and rustic meets modern and comfortable. You’ll love the warm & friendly staff. Enjoy meals at the hotel restaurant.
We stayed here on our most recent trip to Mendoza, and we loved it!

See more photos of Lares De Chacras. This Lujan de Cuyo accommodation has traditional style elements & makes incredible Argentinean Asado. At Lares De Chacras, you can even reserve a dinner with the property’s winemaker. How cool?

Affordable Luxury

This place is, just, WOW!This hotel is famous for being the first Argentinean hotel to create a Turkish style bath (or hamam). It’s one of the finest boutique resorts in Lujan de Cuyo.

Ultimate Luxury

Stay at Cavas Wine Lodge. This gorgeous property has all the luxurious elements you would expect. From the comfort of this resort, you’ll enjoy bike rides, cooking classes and fine dining experiences.

Check out this comprehensive guide on Mendoza Winery Hotels.

You may also consider visiting Uco Valley Wineries& Maipu Wineries.

Bodega Norton

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tasting
• Winery Tour
• Lunch at La Vid Restaurant
• Picnic lunch
• Wine blending activity
• Wine harvesting activity

CONTACT INFO:
Email: T@norton.com.arinfolavid@norton.com.ar (for restaurant reservations)
Phone: +54 261 490 9700 Int. 9760

Bodega Norton is one of the best wineries in Lujan de Cuyo. Their vineyard sits squarely at the base of the Andes mountains. Some of thevines at Bodega Norton are over 80 years old!

Although, this winery is probably most famous because it’sowned by Austrian businessman Gernot Langes-Swarovski(yes, that’s the owner of Swarovski Crystals)! Inside the winery, you’ll find small reminders of this —includingprestige vintages studded with Swarovski crystals!

This was our favorite Lujan de Cuyo wine tour!Make sure to snap photos while you’re in their stunning tasting room(at the beginning of your tour) becauseyou won’t get the opportunity to go back there.

Bodega Norton also offers some of the most unique wine experiences in Lujan de Cuyo. In Norton’s “Winemaker for a day,” you canblend your own wine, all while learning about textures and aromas.

In their seasonal “Working my Land” activity, guests will get tojoin the harvestand participate in every step of production. Bodega Norton also offers conventional wine tastings and winery tours.

Bodega Norton’s restaurant is calledLa Vid. La Vid prides itself on itsseasonally crafted 8-course tasting menu. Paired,of course, with Bodega Norton’shigh-end wines.

Ruca Malen

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tasting
• Wine Tour
• Lunch at the winery restaurant

CONTACT INFO:
Email: Mendoza@bodegarucamalen.com
Phone: Mobile +54 9 261 454 1236

Ruca Malen isn’t just one of the top wineries, it’s alsoone of the best restaurants in Lujan de Cuyo.In 2013, Ruca Malan’s Winery restaurant was named ‘best experience’ at the Global Wine Tourism Awards.

Ruca Malen’s dynamicsix-course menuand wine pairing are one of the mostinnovative gastronomic experiencesin Lujan de Cuyo. The menu celebrates local, seasonal, herbs and vegetables while highlighting traditional Argentinean favorites.

A guided tour of Ruca Malen includes a tasting of three signature wines. You can also explore Ruca Malen’sgorgeous estate.Ruca Malen wines are made from grapes harvested in Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. They have awide selection of fine winesmade from several varietals.

Check out this amazing private wine tour. It includes a gourmet lunch with wine pairing.

Melipal

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tasting
• Winery Tour
• Lunch at Winery Restaurant
• Cooking Classes

CONTACT INFO:
Email: reservas@bodegamelipal.com

Phone: +54 261 636 8438 Int. 18 Mobile +54 9 261 368 9780

Achavel Ferrer acquired Melipal winery in 2019. Achaval Ferrer isone of Argentina’s most distinguished wine growers.Melipal has been famous for Lujan de Cuyo Malbec.

Achavel Ferrer is an excellent winery to support because of theircommitteemen to sustainable viticulture. Their business plans have always incorporated environmental considerations andsocial responsibility.

One of Achaval Ferrer’s esteemed lines of wines included the Finca Altamira. According to Wine Advocate, heirFinca Altamira has had one of the highest ratings among Argentinean wines in the last 10 years.

Melipal is a stunning winery to visit. It’sbeautifully landscapedwith mature trees, cacti, andendless vineyards. All this contrasts with the Andes Mountains. The estate is modern and elegant.

Wooden benches frame their large outdoor patio. The circular terrace looks out on to several reflection pools and gardens.

We loved tasting Finca Altamira wines in thisexclusive tasting roomoverlooking the production warehouse of Melipal. You can see the enormous steel tanks behind us.

Clos de Charcra

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tastings
• Winery Tour
• Lunch at Clos De Chacras Resto
• Dinner at Clos De Chacras Resto

CONTACT INFO:
Email: reservas@closdechacras.com.ar
Phone: 0261 476 8869, Int. 104 Mobile +54 9 261 5 792 706

Visiting Clos de Charcra is like walking through time. It’s one of the mosthistorically significant wineriesin Lujan de Cuyo Argentina.

The owners of Clos de Charcra are theGargantini family—a legendary Argentinean wine dynasty. Under the Gargantini family,Clos de Charcra was one of the largest wine producers in Argentina during the 20th Century.

Some of the vines on Clos de Charcra’s estate are over 80 years old! When you take their winery tour, you’ll be able to see the enormoushistoric concrete tanksthat were used in production.You’ll actually be able to walk through some of them!

Clos de Charcra today has transformed. Introducing the latest technology and all the modern amenities you might expect. Now, Clos de Charcra is aboutique winery. They focus on makingpremium winesfrom the Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot varietals.

We had dinner at Clos de Charcra on theiroutdoor patiooverlooking an enchantingKoi Pond.This isone of the few Lujan de Cuyo wineries that offer evening tastings and dinnerat their winery restaurant.

Cavas Wine Lodge

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tasting
• Accommodation
• Cooking Class
• Lunch in Restaurant
• Dinner in Restaurant
• Horseback Riding

CONTACT INFO:
Email: reservas@cavaswinelodge.com
Phone: +54 9 261 533 5205 Mobile +54 9 261 533 5203

Cavas Wine Lodge is one of the most memorable winery restaurants we visited in Mendoza. It’s aluxury 5-star wine hotelin Lujan de Cuyo.

We visited Cavas Wine Lodge for an unforgettable winery dinner. I remember beinggreeted warmly with a glass of wine.The service at Cavas Wine Lodge was stellar.

We arrived a bit early so that we could explore theremarkable property. It featured beautiful gardens, cozy outdoor spaces, and amazing views.

Elegant touchesare all around Cavas Wine Lodge. Our dinner was especially memorable. Itfeatured live piano music as entertainment. Cavas Wine Lodge was awardedWine Spectator’s “Best Award of Excellence”5 years in a row.

Cavas Wine Lodge is alsocommitted to sustainability. They go to great efforts to protect the natural environment by recycling, composting organic waste, utilizing solar energy and implementing greywater systems.

Book a luxurious stay at Cavas Wine Lodge.

Nieto Senetiner

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tasting
• Winery Tour
• Horseback Riding
• Lunch at Winery Restaurant

CONTACT INFO:
Email: turismo@nietosenetiner.com.ar
Phone: +54 261 496-9099

Nieto Senetiner’s winery can be found in ahistoric, colonial-style building.You’ll be able to see the old concrete tanks that were used in fermentation. Some of the vines owned by Nieto Senetiner are over 80 years old!

We visited Nieto Senetiner for a winery tour, tasting and lunch. Thefood was delicious! Service at Nieto Senetiner was excellent.

One unique vintageyou must tryat Nieto Senetiner is theirBonarda wine. The Bonarda is a varietal that’s often used for blending. Nieto Senetiner was the first winery to produce wine exclusively from this grape. It’s somethingyou won’t find in stores.It’s completely different than the Malbec.

Horseback ridingis one of the unique activities offered at Nieto Senetiner. Make sure tobook a few days in advance, because they don’t have horses on-site.

Bodega Vistalba

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine tasting
• Winery tour

CONTACT INFO:
Email: info@bodegavistalba.com
Phone: +54 261 498 9400

Bodega Vistalba is owned by Carlos Pulenta, a member ofone of Argentina’s most promi nent wine-making families. Pulenta also has connections to the Uco Valley’s Salentein winery.

Vistalbagrows mostly Malbec.After all, this is the birthplace of Argentina’s best Malbec wines.

Bodega Vistalba is a small property with anexceptionally beautiful tasting cellar. From the cellar, you can see a carved out portion of sediment. It’s easy to see how thisrocky soil results in mineral-rich flavor.

Vistalba is astate-of-the-art facility that utilizes custom-built technologyand modern practices to create, delightful,premium wines.

Bodega Cruzat

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tasting
• Winery Tour
• Make-Your-Own Sparkling Wine Experience
• Winery Picnic

CONTACT INFO:
Email: info@bodegacruzat.comliliana@bodegacruzat.com
Phone: Landline +54 261 562 0390 Cell +54 261 254 5171

Bistra and Nacevisited Bodega Cruzat. This wineryspecializes in sparkling wines. The winery was started in 2011 when two Argentinian winemakers (both with enormous experience in the production of sparkling wine) joined forces. Visiting this winery was the highlight of our day!

Not only do you learn about the traditional processes of winemaking, but you alsobecome part of the bottling process. While we walked around the vineyard theAndes Mountains in the background make for the perfect view.

Next, we toured the production area with its tanks and the underground cellar. We followed a specialist along as he demonstrated the process of bottling sparkling wine. We created a blend of 60/40 Pinot Noir to Chardonnay and Rosé Extra Brut from Pinot Noir. Ifelt the adrenalineas I attempted to put in the cork. Sticking on the label is an art on to itself!

Bodega Cruzat offers wine tastings, premium tastings, picnics with wine, bottling experiences, and creating labels with kids. Bodega Cruzat is also astop for the Mendoza Wine Busevery Tuesday.

Bodegas y Viñedos Doña Juanita

ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

• Wine Tasting
• Winery Tour
• Traditional Asado Lunch

CONTACT INFO:
Email: renzo.campos@megafeastperu.com
Phone: +54 965 90 8139

Bodegas y Viñedos Doña Juanita is one of thebest wineries in Mendoza. This gem of a place is located in Lujan de Cuyo, close to Mendoza.

Upon visitingyou really feel like you are walking into someone’s home– that’s how small the place it. It is astrictly family-run business, to the point that wine is only sold to people who visit the winery in person.

Small production, in turn, means excellent quality. Visitors can do awine tour – this time actually run by the owner, who doesn’t speak English and uses a friend as an interpreter. During the tour, you learn about the local grapes, the winemaking process, and get to try the wines.

It all feelsvery intimate. Guests can opt to stay along for an Asado – Argentine barbecue – at the end of the tour. It’s a proper family Asado, meaning not the kind of thing and service you would get at a restaurant, but the real way locals would eat.

• Be persistent!

There were several wineries that I had to contact many times before I got a response. Try email, message their Facebook page, text them on WhatsApp. Call if you have to. Expect responses to be delayed or inconsistent.

• Ask your hotel for help.

Your hotel will likely have relationships with the wineries you plan to visit. Recruit their help in planning and organizing. This was especially helpful for last-minute bookings on the ground. However, your hotel can also help you make bookings in advance if you ask.

• Try to find out start times before booking.

I was told it was only possible to see 2-3 wineries in a day. We were able to fit in 4 or 5 when we planned well. Get information about start times for tours.

• Don’t forget about the distance.

Even if you limit your wineries to Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza, you still might have a lot of driving to do. It could take as much as 30 minutes to drive from one winery to another. Don’t make the mistake of booking you won’t be able to make it to.

• Mix up activities

Try not to schedule a winery tour after a winery tour, it will get repetitive. Mix in a cooking class, go horseback riding or visit for winery during mealtime. Make special use of the wineries that offer dinner at their restaurant.

• Don’t overdo it with buying bottles.

We were able to find bottles from many of the wineries we visited back home at our neighborhood Binny’s. Some of the brands that are easier to find include Bodega Norton and Nieto Senetiner**. W**e also found Melipal and a few others.

• Use WhatsApp

Use WhatsApp to text the “Mobile” numbers for each winery. The numbers that begin with +54 are usually mobile, WhatsApp friendly. Try texting the winery.