Mendoza Wine Tours: How to Choose One

There are several ways to explore Mendoza’s wine regions — from joining a group tour to hiring a private driver or jumping on a bike in Maipú.

The best option really depends on where you’re going, how much freedom you want, and whether everyone in your group plans to drink.

And one important rule: don’t drive if you’re planning to properly enjoy the wine.

A note on trust: I don’t currently have affiliate partnerships with tour operators, drivers or wineries. Nobody pays me to recommend one option over another.

The options at a glance

Option	Best for	The catch
Group tour	First-time visitors, solo travellers	Less flexibility
Private driver	Uco Valley, couples, groups	More expensive for 1–2 people
Maipú by bike	Sunny days, relaxed trips	You’re cycling after wine tasting
Self-drive	Non-drinkers, families	Someone has to stay sober
Hotel transport	Convenience, last-minute plans	Usually less flexible

Group tour

The classic option: you get picked up in Mendoza, visit two or three bodegas and don’t have to worry about driving or planning the route.

Good for: first-time visitors, solo travellers and anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours researching wineries.

The catch: you’re following someone else’s schedule. If you fall in love with a bodega, you can’t simply decide to stay another hour.

Also check what’s included in the price — tasting fees and lunch aren’t always included.

Private driver

For me, this makes the most sense when you want more freedom, especially in the Uco Valley, where the wineries are spread out.

You choose the bodegas, book them yourself and your driver takes you between them.

Good for: couples who want to drink, groups of friends and anyone with specific wineries in mind.

The catch: you’re usually responsible for making the reservations and building the itinerary.

For four people, the cost can also become much more reasonable when you split it.

Maipú by bike

Maipú is close to the city, relatively flat and packed with bodegas, which makes it the easiest area for a DIY wine day.

It’s a completely different experience from sitting in a tour van — you’re outside, moving between wineries and deciding where to stop.

Good for: sunny days, relaxed groups and anyone who likes a little adventure.

The catch: you’re cycling on real roads, and yes, you’ve also been drinking wine.

Start early, drink plenty of water and don’t try to turn it into a race.

Self-drive

Renting a car gives you the most freedom, especially if you’re combining wine with other places around Mendoza.

But there is one obvious problem: someone has to stay sober.

Good for: families, groups with a designated driver and trips where wine is only one part of the day.

If everyone wants to taste, choose another option.

Hotel-arranged transport

Your hotel can often arrange a driver or private car for you. It’s easy, comfortable and useful if you’re planning everything at the last minute.

Good for: short stays and people who don’t want to organise transport themselves.

The catch: you may have less choice over the driver, route and timing — and convenience usually comes with a higher price.

So, what would I choose?

One day and your first time in Mendoza?
A group tour is easy. If the weather is good and you’re feeling adventurous, do Maipú by bike.

Going to Uco Valley?
I’d choose a private driver or organised tour. The wineries are spread out, and having someone else deal with the driving makes the day much more enjoyable.

Four friends travelling together?
A private driver becomes much more interesting when you can split the cost.

Want complete freedom?
Rent a car — but only if someone is happy to be the designated driver.

And one last tip: book the bodegas first, then organise your transport around them. The wineries determine your day much more than the car does.