Wine roads

The mass opening of wineries that added to already existing ones made the Roads of Wine a one-of-a-kind wine tourist opportunity.

Even though they were first offered in the 60’s within the traditional tour to Giol winery, these tours became important during the 90’s restructuring period. This was due to the opening of huge industrial operations featuring the latest technology, such as drip irrigation or temperature control stainless-steel tanks. That is why; Mendoza is an extremely appealing destination to wine tourists.

Surrounded by vineyards and the Andes, winery tour guides show and explain visitors how wine is made from harvesting to crushing, fermentation in tanks and aging in oak barrels.

Visitors are usually offered a glass of wine and are shown how to appreciate the various combinations of aromas. This glass may be accompanied by a variety of cheese, too.

Some wineries feature restaurants and even lodges offering a level of comfort which was hard to imagine a few years ago. Visitors can also get hands-on lessons in harvesting, pruning and cooking local specialties. They may cycle, drive vintage cars, ride a horse or a carriage, and even get on a hot-air balloon to fully appreciate the beauty of the scenery.

This is offered in the hope of allowing visitors to feel that soil and handcraft are their own as they get an insight into the vine growing and wine making processes that will result in a long-lasting knowledge of wine varieties and flavors.

Receptive tourism operators offer well-organized and affordable regular tours. Tailor-made tours are also available.

• Growing with wine
• Cooking lesson
• Vertical wine tasting
• Horizontal wine tasting
• Come pick grapes at harvest time
• Come prune vineyards
• Aerostat flight
• ATV ride around the vineyards
• Strolls through varietals
• Cycling across the vineyards
• Horseback riding across the vineyards
• Vintage car rides across the vineyards
• Premium tasting sessions
• Organic wine tasting
• Tasting sessions and aroma room