Valle de Uco: Private Full Day Wine Tour with 3-Course Lunch

Imagine a day spent winding through some of Argentina’s most famous vineyards, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, blue skies, and fields that seem to stretch forever. For wine lovers, a private full-day tour in Valle de Uco offers a chance to enjoy the region’s top wineries, taste exceptional wines, and indulge in a gourmet lunch—all with the comforts of private transportation and personalized guidance.

Starting at around $675 per group, this experience promises a full day of wine exploration, scenic views, and cultural insights. The guided visits include tastings at two selected wineries, each known for their reserve and premium wines. Plus, a carefully curated three-course lunch enhances the experience, making it a balanced blend of gastronomy and viticulture.

Two things really stand out about this tour. First, the quality of the wines and the landscape—the tour takes you through the best of Valle de Uco, one of Argentina’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its intense colors and flavors. Second, the personalized nature of this private tour means you’ll have more chances to ask questions, enjoy the scenic stops, and tailor your day to your interests.

However, a small consideration is the possible variability in winery availability. As one review pointed out, “It was canceled by Operator Mendoza Viagens,” which reminds us that some wineries might be unavailable on certain days. Also, given the price, it’s important to determine if the value aligns with your wine preferences and sightseeing expectations.

This tour suits travelers who want an immersive, flexible experience with knowledgeable guides, and who value quality over quantity. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good wines, beautiful scenery, and a touch of luxury with a private guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Premium Wineries & Scenic Views: The tour visits two top wineries in Valle de Uco, offering excellent tastings within stunning mountain and vineyard landscapes.
All-Inclusive Experience: Transportation, guide, tastings, and a 3-course lunch with drinks are included, providing a worry-free day.
Personalized & Private: You’ll enjoy a private group experience with flexible options, making it more intimate and tailored to your interests.
Knowledgeable Guides: Guides speak multiple languages and offer insightful visits, often enhancing the wine-tasting with local knowledge.
Potential Variability: Winery closures or unavailability may alter the itinerary, so flexibility is key.
Cost & Value: While the price is on the higher side, many find the comprehensive experience, scenic setting, and quality wines justify the cost.

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A Deep Dive Into the Valle de Uco Full-Day Tour

If you’re considering a trip to Mendoza and love wine, the Valle de Uco private tour offers a compelling way to combine scenic beauty with wine tasting. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded experience, touching on the region’s unique terroir, history, and culinary delights.

The Itinerary & Scenic Drive

The adventure begins with a scenic drive along Route 40, following the Mendoza River into Valle de Uco. The landscape here is striking—vast blue skies overhead, snow-capped mountains framing the horizon, and extensive vineyards stretching across the terrain. This region’s arid climate is transformed into a lush oasis thanks to water from melting mountain rivers, which irrigate the vineyards. This water, rich in minerals, results in grapevines producing grapes with lower pH levels, creating wines with intense color and concentrated flavors.

The drive itself is a highlight, giving you a chance to appreciate the geography and climate that make Uco Valley such a sought-after wine region. The towns of San Carlos, Tunuyán, and Tupungato, each with their own character, add a touch of local flavor to your journey.

Visiting the Wineries

Depending on the day’s availability, you’ll visit two wineries from a list that includes Salentein Winery, Andeluna Winery, Piedra Infinita Winery, The Vines Private Vineyards, or Clos de los Siete. Each offers a different style and atmosphere—some may be more historic, others more modern.

The guided visits usually include a tour of the vineyard and winery, where you’ll learn about the production process and the region’s unique terroir. The tastings are the highlight; you’ll sample reserve and premium wines, appreciating their depth, complexity, and the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

One reviewer, Fabio, called this a “complete tour, good amount of wine and fantastic lunch,” emphasizing the quality of the offerings. The guides often enrich the experience with insights into the wines’ origins and tasting notes, making the visit educational as well as enjoyable.

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The Lunch Experience

A key component of this tour is the 3-course lunch, paired with selected wines. It’s a chance to relax and savor regional cuisine alongside the wines you’ve just tasted. While the menu specifics aren’t detailed, expect a thoughtfully prepared meal emphasizing local flavors and ingredients.

The lunch venue offers impressive views, allowing you to soak in the landscape while enjoying your meal—a perfect way to end each winery visit.

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Logistics & Practicalities

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, beginning with pickup from your accommodation in Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, Tupungato, or Tunuyan. The transportation is private, ensuring comfort and flexibility. The guides are multilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese), making it easier for international travelers to engage fully.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring their passport or ID, as winery visits often require identification. It’s also wise to inform the guide of any dietary restrictions ahead of time.

While the tour is quite comprehensive and well-organized, it’s worth noting that on rare occasions, a winery may be unavailable or closed. The provider states that if that occurs, a similar winery of the same standard will be substituted, which helps preserve the overall experience.

What Reviewers Say

Despite a few hiccups, reviews lean positive. Fabio appreciated the “good amount of wine and fantastic lunch,” although he suggested that a wine and food pairing (harmonization) at the first stop could have elevated the experience.

Conversely, the review from Suzana highlights a downside—a cancellation by the operator, which reminds potential travelers to confirm availability and flexibility.

Cost & Value Analysis

At $675 for the entire private experience, this tour is an investment. It’s not the cheapest option available, but considering the inclusions—private transport, guided tastings, and a gourmet lunch—it offers good value for those seeking a personalized, high-quality experience rather than a crowded group tour.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts willing to spend a full day exploring top-tier wineries and landscapes. It suits travelers who prioritize comfort, personalization, and expert guidance. If you’re looking for a relaxed day with scenic drives, excellent wines, and a gourmet meal, this tour hits the mark.

However, if your schedule or budget is tight, or if you prefer a more flexible or less curated experience, you might want to explore other options or semi-private tours in the region.

Final Thoughts

The Valle de Uco private full-day wine tour offers a comprehensive, scenic, and indulgent way to experience Argentina’s premier wine region. It combines the best of natural beauty, cultural insight, and culinary delight, making it a solid choice for travelers who value quality and authenticity.

While it isn’t perfect—possible winery closures or the higher price point may be considerations—it remains a well-reviewed, enriching experience. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the region’s wines and landscapes, and a full belly from your gourmet lunch.

If your goal is to enjoy a personalized, scenic, and educational wine adventure in Mendoza, this tour makes for an excellent choice—especially if you’re ready to spend a day surrounded by vineyards and mountains, guided by friendly experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel, a guide speaking Spanish, English, or Portuguese, visits and tastings at two wineries, and a 3-course lunch with drinks.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, providing plenty of time for sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing.

Can I choose which wineries I visit?
The specific wineries are selected from a list (including Salentein, Andeluna, Piedra Infinita, and others). The exact stops depend on availability and scheduling.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it is designed for private groups, which means a more intimate experience and the ability to ask questions freely.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because you’ll be walking around wineries and vineyards. Dress comfortably for a full day outdoors.

What if a winery is closed?
The tour provider states that in rare cases, a winery may be unavailable, and they will substitute it with a similar standard winery.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, you should inform the provider when booking about any dietary needs or restrictions.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the information doesn’t specify age restrictions, it’s best suited for adults or older children who appreciate wine and scenery.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I confirm my booking?
You reserve now and pay later. Just provide your hotel details and confirm your availability, then pay closer to your tour date.

This Valle de Uco wine tour offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, wine education, and culinary pleasure—making it a memorable way to explore Argentina’s celebrated wine country.