Bicycle Wine Tours in Mendoza

Explore Argentina's Vineyards by Bike

Taking a wine tasting tour in Mendoza, Argentina, is a must-do.

This mountainous desert region produces approximately 80 percent of Argentina's wine, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample its world-renowned Malbec, Merlot and more.

Argentina's Original Wine Region

Maipú, located 16 km from Mendoza city, is known as the birthplace of the country's wine industry. Its size and accessibility make it a perfect location for a full-day wine tour.

To reach Maipú, take the public bus or arrange with a tour agency for transportation from downtown Mendoza. Then get yourself a bike, as the area's many wineries and gourmet food shops are best explored on two wheels.

Bikes and Wines offers bicycle rentals (complete with mechanical and medical assistance) and a map that outlines a self-guided tour. Don't be too concerned about getting lost, however. Most stops are located just off Urquiza, the main road, and there's ample signage to point you in the right direction along the Ruta de Vino (wine route).

La Rural Wine Museum

Start your tour with a little history. Bodega La Rural is home to both a winery and a museo de vino (wine museum). Explore the vast collection of old-fashioned wine making equipment, such as copper tools and cowhide grape presses. You can also see how wine is made today. Visitors are welcome to watch as truckloads of grapes get de-stemmed, crushed and filtered before heading to the tanks.

Boutique Wineries

Not all wineries are such large operations. Many local bodegas (wine houses) remain dedicated to small-scale wine making.

Cycle south to Carinae, a boutique winery run by a French couple, Philippe and Brigitte Subra. Their small staff does everything by hand -- even the labeling of its bottles. Take a tour of their facilities and then head to the tasting room. Don't miss out on their delicious rosé, which is made from the traditional Malbec grape.

Familia Di Tommaso is a family-run operation that's been in business since 1869. This bodega oozes old-world charm with its dusty bottles and wooden barrels. A highlight of the tour is getting to peek into the ancient cellars they still use for storage.

Make your next stop at Tempus Alba, one of Maipú's most modern wine houses. The rooftop patio is the perfect place to try their wines and rest your legs. Raise a glass and enjoy the panoramic view of the seemingly endless rows of vines.

Enjoying the Ride

The trek between bodegas is an adventure all of its own. Roll along the dusty two-lane road, circle the roundabouts and admire the expansive countryside that stretches in every direction. Marvel at the many vineyards as you pedal to your final destination. If you're lucky, there will be a glass of wine waiting.

Salud!