There are close to 1200 registered wineries in the province of Mendoza, many of them open to the public for tours and tastings. Our favorite wineries tended to be smaller, boutique wineries making creative and interesting wines. From the wineries we've visited, mostly concentrated around the city of Mendoza in the Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and Valle de Uco regions, here are the favorites:

1. O. Fournier. An hour drive from Mendoza, O. Fournier is one of the prettiest wineries we visited in Mendoza. Why it's great:
   • Location is beautiful, at the base of the Andes. The contrast of the vineyards, mountains and sky is breathtaking.
   • Facility: with the goal of gravity winemaking, the architecture of the building is both functionally and aesthetically impressive.
   • Wines: the Tempranillo blends of the A and B Crux are incredible, among my favorites of all the wines I've tasted in Mendoza.
2. Ruca Malén. In Luján de Cuyo, the winery is a must-see for visitors to Mendoza.
   • Lunch and wine tasting: eating the 5 course lunch at Ruca Malén is well worth its price, and is one of the experiences you'll remember about your trip to Mendoza. The courses are paired with the full line of wines, so you get a complete picture of what the winery does. The dining room has an amazing view of the vineyards and mountains.
   • Facility: Ruca has a really modern facility, and the architecture provides a nice mix of pleasing and simplicity. They basically used industrial techniques (cinder blocks) and traditional style to create a really pretty space. Also, the giant stainless steel tanks are just visually impressive.
3. Carmelo Patti is perhaps the best visit to a traditional winery of Mendoza. The tours are led by Carmelo himself, and the pride and passion he has for his work is apparent in his tour.
   • Barrel tasting: he also provides a barrel tasting which gives you and idea of what the wine is like at different stages in the process.
   • Wines: Carmelo makes some amazing Cabernets and his sparkling is one of my favorites. At around $50, his Gran Assemblage is one of the best wines I've tasted.
4. Tempus Alba. A family-run winery, Tempus Alba is a great winery to visit in Maipú.
   • Tasting For a small price, the tasting at Tempus Alba is worth the price to get to know all of their wines, from a rosé to the delicious blend Pleno. The tasting is not guided; instead, you are given the opportunity to sip away and draw your own conclusions while sitting on their beautiful rooftop patio overlooking the vineyards.
   • Facility The location and building are beautiful, topped off by a great the rooftop deck where they offer tasting.
5. Pulenta Estate. A project of Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta, formerly owners of Trapiche, Pulenta Estates offers great wines and a great visit.
   • Tasting Early: the tasting at Pulenta Estates starts with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, one of the winery's most popular varietals, which is offered at the beginning of the tour to enjoy while walking around the winery. It ends with a view into the barrel room, and provides a nice comprehensive tasting of the winery's selection.
   • Delicious Wine: This is, of course, the point of it all, right? The wines at Pulenta are delicious. Perhaps it was that first glass of sauvignon blanc that loosened us up, or the attractive tasting room that gave a "halo effect" but we really enjoyed each of their wines.