Salentein is one of the larger names in the Uco Valley and one of the easiest to visit. The estate lies on the high plain near Tunuyán, surrounded by vineyards with the Andes rising behind, and the winery was designed with visitors in mind, from the cellar built around a central chamber to a cultural space called Killka that houses art exhibitions. The estate was founded by Dutch investors in the 1990s and has become a landmark of the valley's modern wine era, producing Malbec, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other varieties at high elevation. A visit normally includes a tour of the grounds and the cellar, a look at the barrel hall and a tasting of several wines, and there is a restaurant for lunch. The experience we link is a Salentein wine tour in the heart of the valley, a good-value way to see a major estate without the cost of a luxury lunch. It is a more spacious, resort-like visit than a small family cellar, with room to wander and plenty of mountain views from the terraces.
What to expect
Salentein works well because it combines wine, architecture and scenery in one compact visit. The cellar is built on an unusual plan, with tanks and barrels arranged to allow gravity to move the wine gently, and the tasting room looks out over the vineyards toward the mountains.
The art space adds a cultural note that other wineries rarely offer, and it is a nice change of pace for travellers who are not wine specialists. The wines span the range, from fresh Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to richer Malbec and blends, so the tasting suits mixed groups.
Planning
Like most Uco Valley visits, this is a day trip with a long drive, so plan on at least five or six hours door to door. A morning visit followed by lunch at the winery restaurant is the classic pattern. Reservations are needed for tours and especially for lunch. If you are combining estates, Salentein pairs well with a smaller, family-run bodega, and many tours add a second winery or a picnic among the vines. The valley's long distances make a driver almost essential.
Practical tips
Bring a hat and sunscreen for the grounds, carry a layer for the cooler cellar and arrive hungry if lunch is included. Tasting pours add up, so eat well and pace yourself. The terraces are lovely in the late afternoon, but check closing times when you book. Prices vary with the experience you choose, and a tour with lunch costs more than a tasting alone.
If you want to stay longer, several hotels in the valley make an overnight easy, which turns a rushed day into a relaxed two-day exploration. For first-timers to the Uco Valley, Salentein is one of the safest and most rewarding places to begin.
Who it suits
Salentein is a friendly introduction to the valley for mixed groups, since there is something for wine lovers, for people who enjoy art and architecture and for anyone who simply wants a beautiful lunch with a view. It is easier going than a technical, terroir-focused tasting, so it suits travellers who are new to wine as well as those who already know their way around a cellar.
What to expect
The experience
A guided visit to a large Uco Valley estate, covering the grounds, the cellar and a tasting of several wines, with lunch available at the winery.
Best time
Visit in the late morning and stay for lunch; spring and autumn give crisp mountain views.
How long
Five to seven hours including the drive from Mendoza.
Tips
Book a driver or tour, bring a hat and a layer, and reserve lunch in advance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors to the Uco Valley who want a scenic, easy-going estate with art as well as wine.
- Families
- The open grounds and the art space make it easier with older children than a typical tasting room, though the focus is still on wine.
- Couples
- A terrace lunch with the Andes behind the vines is a gentle, romantic way to spend a day.
- Pair with
- A boutique family estate in the valley, or Piedra Infinita for a contrast in style.
- Time needed
- Most of a day, including the drive.
Good questions
What is Salentein known for?+
It is one of the Uco Valley's largest and most visitor-friendly estates, with a distinctive cellar, an art space and vineyards facing the Andes.
Can I have lunch at the winery?+
Yes, there is a restaurant, and many visits are built around it. Reserve ahead, especially at weekends and in the harvest months.
How long does the drive take?+
About an hour and a half each way from central Mendoza, so most visitors go with a driver or on a guided tour.
Is it suitable for non-wine drinkers?+
The art space, the architecture and the scenery give non-drinkers plenty to enjoy, and restaurants can offer non-alcoholic drinks.
Should I combine it with other wineries?+
Many visitors add a second, smaller estate. Two stops is comfortable, and three is a lot for one day in the valley.
