Malbec and Mountains: Private Uco Valley Wine Tour by 4x4 with Gourmet Lunch
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable with short walks on uneven ground and standing during tastings; no strenuous activity required.
Overview
Head from Mendoza into the Andes by 4x4, crossing tunnels and iron bridges before rolling into the high-altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley. Taste expressive Malbecs, linger over a gourmet paired lunch, and learn how altitude and limestone shape the region’s most talked-about wines.
Malbec and Mountains: Private Uco Valley Wine Tour by 4x4 with Gourmet Lunch
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By mid-morning the streets of Mendoza slip behind and the Andes start to fill the windshield—blue, jagged, and unapologetic. Your guide eases the 4x4 onto the unpaved track through Valle de Las Carreras, where the wind draws dust ribbons across the road and the range lifts its shoulders higher with every kilometer. Tunnels cut through rock and iron bridges span river cuts, remnants of old routes that once muscled commerce toward Chile. A glacial-blue lake flashes into view, catching the sunlight like polished stone, before the road drops toward the vineyards of the Uco Valley.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress smart-casual with layers
Altitude swings temperature quickly; bring a light jacket or sweater over smart-casual attire suitable for winery visits.
Protect against high UV
At 900–1,500 meters the sun bites—use broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat.
Hydrate between pours
Sip water regularly to stay sharp for tastings and the drive back to Mendoza; a reusable bottle fits easily in the 4x4.
Prepare for a mountain road
The unpaved section through Valle de Las Carreras can be bumpy—if you’re motion sensitive, take preventive measures before departure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor riding thermals over the ridgelines
- Andean gray fox occasionally seen crossing the road at dusk
History
Uco’s high-altitude wine boom accelerated in the 1990s with drip irrigation and vineyard expansion near Tupungato, adding limestone-influenced sites to Mendoza’s legacy. The La Carrera route follows historic trade paths long used by muleteers crossing the foothills.
Conservation
This is a dry mountain environment where water is scarce; wineries rely on efficient drip irrigation. Stick to established roads and pack out any waste to keep the valley pristine.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Brimmed sun hat and sunglasses
Strong UV at altitude makes eye and face protection important during vineyard walks and scenic stops.
summer specific
Lightweight insulated layer
Cool winds and shade in cellars can drop the temperature quickly, especially in the mountains.
winter specific
Closed-toe walking shoes
Gravel paths, cellar floors, and vineyard rows are easier and safer with supportive shoes.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated between tastings and during the mountain drive without relying on single-use plastic.