8 Best Sights in Wine Regions, Argentina

The gray adobe building with its uneven slate roof almost disappears against the background of bushes and mountains. This enormous estancia property (whose boundaries date back to 1658, when the Jesuits owned it) is owned by a French family who named it after a native tree. In addition to the winery, where you can undertake three tastings, Atamisque includes a trout farm, a 9-hole golf course, a restaurant, and lodge.

Built in 1897, Lagarde is one of the oldest wineries in Mendoza, and it's led by Sofía and Lucila Pescarmona, third-generation sisters who now cultivate grapes and make wine. Tour the 19th-century property before enjoying lunch or dinner alongside the centenary vines at Fogón, a delicious tasting and à la carte menu with many ingredients sourced from the organic garden; you can also enjoy a picnic on the grounds. Those after a fully immersive eno-gastro experience can sign up to the cooking school.  Lagarde rents an adorable two-bedroom cottage on its Perdriel estate.

The Zuccardi family set up here in 1950 and has since expanded to the Valle de Uco, but their location in Maipú remains an important base for producing their popular, fully organic, Santa Julia range. The extensive tourist offerings here include harvest experiences and olive oil-making sessions in season, as well as tastings, cooking classes, and dining at one of two restaurants for lunch, including Pan y Oliva, where every dish uses the house olive oil. Be sure to appreciate the exhibitions, which support local artists' work.

This modern winery in the heart of Lujan is Santiago Achaval (co-founder of Achaval Ferrer) and Roberto Cipresso's personal project. They make a series of exciting, exclusive Malbecs, producing just 40,000 bottles from different wine regions in Argentina. The dollar price tag (tours start at $30) reflects the exclusive pours and attentive experience. There's also Mater House, a small lodge, worth staying at. 

Extending 66,733 hectares (164,900 acres) over wild, high country, this provincial park has few trails other than those used by expeditions ascending the impressive Cerro Aconcagua (Aconcagua Mountain). You can get multiday permits for climbing it either through your tour operator or on your own at the Mendoza Tourist Board Visitor's Center in Parque San Martín; it's open weekdays 8–6 and weekends 9–1. Day permits (to visit as a tourist, not trekker) are only available online.

Trendy young winemaker Matías Riccitelli made his name with innovative and eye-catching labels and fortunately what’s in his bottles live up to all expectations. At his Las Compuertas–based winery, enjoy a short guided visit of the premises before sampling some vintages on the balcony overlooking the vineyards. Book in for lunch at Riccitelli Bistró, helmed by chef Juan Ventureyra, for a delightful, plant-based six-course menu, many of whose ingredients are cultivated by Juan.

Susana Balbo—Argentina's first licensed female winemaker—has been making a name for herself since 2001, when she pioneered the making of a high-quality Torrontés. Today, she and her family make reds, whites, and rosés, which you can enjoy in the tasting room or over lunch at one of the two restaurants on-site, Osadía de Crear for tasting menus, and Espacio Crios for picnics and light snacks.

This showstopping winery was built by the Zuccardi family to celebrate their newfound passion for the Valle de Uco, following the success of their other family winery in Maipú. In the heart of Paraje Altamira, this winery's impressive architecture is made of local natural materials that reflect the wild, rocky landscape while incorporating artistic touches, such as a colorful cupola and twisted metalwork door. The efforts have paid off; it's thrice been crowned the world's best vineyard. You can tour the estate, taste the family's top wines in the wine bar, or have a paired lunch at the excellent Piedra Infinita restaurant ($$$$).