When we first got to Mendoza, we were confused about how visits to the wineries worked. For those of you who only have a few days in Mendoza, here are some tips to make the process a little easier.

1. Reservations: essentially every winery in Mendoza requires a reservation, by phone or email, which should be made at least a day in advance. Most wineries have certain set times where they have tours in English or Spanish. For wine tasting, there is usually a charge, ranging from $10-$30 pesos ($3-$10 US dollars), but they are generally worth it for the opportunity to try the full line of wines. Sometimes you can split the tasting and some wineries, like Ruca Malén and CarinaE, charge for the tour/tasting but apply the money towards any wine purchase, which seems to me the best system of all.
2. Getting there: perhaps the most tricky part of visiting wineries is actually getting there. For vehicular options, getting a group of 4-5 people is definitely the most economical. Here are some options:
   • Biking: for wineries that are close together, renting a bike and biking between wineries is a great option.
     Day option: Take a bus or taxi to Bikes and Wine in Maipú where you can rent a bike for the day. Then head to La Rural, Tempus Alba, and CarinaE. After CarinaE, head across the street to visit Laura, an oil factory that provides tours every 15 minutes or so.
   • Taxi: for wineries that are close together, take a one-way taxi at the beginning and end of the day.
     Day option: take a taxi to Bodega Sottano, walk across the road to Ruca Malén for a tour and lunch, walk a few minutes to Boedga Séptima, and end up at Bodega Decero.
   • Full-day taxi or remis: for wineries that are far apart, you can rent a taxi or remis for the majority of the day.
     Day option: Visit Achaval Ferrer, Pulenta Estate, and Vistalba.
   • Rent a car: especially to visit the Valle de Uco, renting a car is a great way to go. You just have to rock, paper, scissor for who is going to be sober Suzie.
     Day option:Visit Bodega Azul, Andeluna, and O. Fournier.
3. Tours? There are several tour companies such as Trout & Wine and The Grapevine that will take care of all your reservation and transportation worries. They generally plan a whole day with 3-4 wineries including lunch. The charge is generally $150/person (including lunch), a little steep if you ask me.