With over 350,000 acres of planted vineyards the Mendoza region accounts for nearly two-thirds of the country’s wine production. Located in the shadow of Mt. Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, these vineyards are at one of the highest elevations in the world as most are planted at an average of 900 meters (approximately 3,000 feet) above sea level. Receiving little rainfall throughout the year, these vines are irrigated with runoff from melting glaciers on the Andes. It is exactly this arid and desert-like climate that creates the perfect environment for Malbec vines to be grown, a grape that thrives in high altitude and has become the primary production of the Mendoza region. Other vine varieties include Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Whilst the wineries range from small, family-owned properties to larger, modern productions all vineyards share the strong sense of community and heritage. There are three different wine producing areas within the overall Mendoza region, each with a unique distinction. Lujan de Cuyo, hailed as the “land of Malbec” and home to thriving vines planted predominantly with red wines; Uco Valley, considered one of the top wine regions in Argentina with the highest altitude vineyards; and Maipu Valley, one of the oldest wine producing regions that has shaped the Argentine wine industry.