Why here
Luján de Cuyo is the department where the first Malbec vines that now define Argentine wine worldwide were planted in the late 19th century. The combination of altitude (900 to 1,100 m), alluvial soils and a wide day-night temperature swing produces deep-coloured wines with ripe tannins, distinct from those of the country's other wine regions.
How to plan the visit
Most wineries offer a tour of the facilities, an explanation of the winemaking process and a tasting of 3 to 5 wines, with advance booking required at the best-known ones. A typical day combines a historic winery (founded before 1950) with a smaller boutique one, ending with a multi-course wine-paired lunch at a restaurant set among the vineyards, with views of the Andes. Hiring a guide or private transport avoids the problem of driving after tastings.
When to go
October to May, avoiding the winter cold, with outdoor wineries at their best; March and April coincide with the grape harvest, when some wineries add extra activities like traditional grape stomping. Book at least a week ahead on weekends and in high season.