The Vines Resort & Spa is the Uco Valley's best-known honeymoon resort and the place to stay if you want to wake up in a villa among the vines with the Andes filling the view. It sits on a large vineyard estate in Los Chacayes, near Tunuyán, about 90 minutes south of Mendoza airport. There are 33 villas, each with indoor-outdoor living, a private deck, an outdoor fireplace and an intimate rooftop terrace.
The resort's restaurant, Siete Fuegos, is run by Francis Mallmann, Argentina's most famous chef and the master of cooking over open fire. Add a spa, wine experiences rooted in the estate's private vineyard community and snow-capped peaks on the horizon and you have one of the most romantic stays in South America.
It suits couples who want to stay put and let the wine country come to them: long lunches, sunsets from the roof and a fire under the stars. Couples who want to visit many wineries in Luján de Cuyo, nearer the city, may prefer a base closer to town.
Highlights at a glance
- 33 villas among vineyards in the Uco Valley
- Siete Fuegos by Francis Mallmann
- Rooftop terraces and outdoor fireplaces
- Andes views across the estate
- Spa with treatments for rest and recovery
Why Couples Love The Vines
The setting is spectacular in a quiet way. Vineyards run toward the mountains in every direction and the Andes are so close that the snow seems within reach. The desert air keeps nights cool, even after hot afternoons, which makes the outdoor fireplaces more than decoration.
The villas give you privacy. Each sits on its own among the vines, with decks and a rooftop terrace where you can watch the peaks turn pink at dusk.
Then there is the food. Dinner at Siete Fuegos, with meat and vegetables cooked over live fire in Mallmann's style, is a highlight of any Argentina trip. Because the Uco Valley is spread out, having a great restaurant on site means you never need to drive after dinner.
Villas to Book
The Vines has 33 villas across six categories:
- One Bedroom Villas are the entry point, with the same indoor-outdoor design and rooftop terraces.
- One Bedroom Deluxe Villas come in Garden View or Lake Andes View versions. The Lake Andes View is the one to book for a honeymoon, with water and mountains in front of you.
- Two Bedroom Deluxe Villas, also in garden or lake-and-Andes versions, suit couples traveling with friends.
- The Andes Cóndor Villa looks out over vineyards and mountains and is the top choice for a big celebration.
All villas have spa-inspired bathrooms with soaking tubs, outdoor fireplaces and private decks. Ask for one with an uninterrupted Andes view.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Siete Fuegos by Francis Mallmann is named for the seven fire-cooking techniques the chef is known for and it is the reason many couples choose The Vines. Expect Argentine beef, lamb and vegetables cooked over wood fires, with views of the vineyards and the Andes. Book a table as soon as your dates are set.
Wine is central to the experience. The estate is home to The Vines Residences and a community of private vineyard owners, so the resort is deeply tied to winemaking. Ask about tastings and estate experiences.
The spa offers treatments designed around rest and recovery. A massage after a long winery lunch, followed by a soak in your villa's tub, is about as good as a lazy afternoon gets.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Spend your days visiting the Uco Valley's wineries, which include some of the most striking modern architecture in South America. Many offer multi-course pairing lunches that last most of the afternoon. Book ahead and hire a driver, so neither of you has to stay sober.
The resort runs its own experiences on the estate, so ask what is on during your dates. Horseback rides into the Andean foothills are a popular half day across the valley.
Farther afield, the Manzano Histórico area nearby has mountain walks and the drive toward Aconcagua and the Andes passes through dramatic high-desert scenery. The Cacheuta hot springs make a relaxing stop on the way back toward Mendoza. Wine harvest, around March and April, brings festivals and activity in the vineyards.
Getting There
Mendoza El Plumerillo Airport (MDZ) has frequent flights from Buenos Aires, around an hour and 45 minutes from Aeroparque (AEP), plus connections via Santiago in Chile. From the airport, the drive to The Vines takes about 90 minutes south along good roads.
The resort can arrange transfers. A rental car gives you freedom in the Uco Valley, where wineries are spread out, but remember that most visits involve wine. A private driver for winery days is the safer and more relaxing choice.
Many couples split a stay between the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, closer to the city, to see both landscapes. Plan two or three nights at The Vines at a minimum, since the drive from the airport is long.
Is It Worth It?
The Vines is one of Mendoza's most expensive stays. Expect roughly $800 or more a night for a villa, depending on category and season. This is an estimate; rates vary, so check current prices.
The value case is strong for couples who will spend time at the resort itself: the villas, the rooftop terraces, the Andes views and Mallmann's restaurant are hard to match anywhere in wine country.
Pick elsewhere if your plan is to visit as many wineries as possible, especially in Luján de Cuyo. A base closer to Mendoza city saves hours of driving. Couples on a tighter budget can find smaller wine lodges in the Uco Valley at lower prices, such as Casa de Uco, which also has its own winery.
Good to Know
Mendoza's best seasons for a honeymoon are spring, from October to December and autumn, from March to May, when harvest brings the vineyards to life and the leaves turn gold. Summer, January and February, is hot by day and cool at night. Winter is cold and clear, with snow on the peaks and fewer visitors.
The Uco Valley sits at about 1,000 meters or more above sea level, so the sun is strong. Wear sunscreen and a hat and drink plenty of water between tastings.
The resort is not kid-free, but the villa layout keeps things private. Smart casual dress works for Siete Fuegos. Bring a warm layer for evenings, even in summer.
Insider tips
- Book a Lake Andes View villa for the best outlook over water and mountains.
- Reserve Siete Fuegos as soon as your dates are confirmed, especially for weekends.
- Hire a driver for winery days rather than renting a car.
- Plan your stay around harvest in March and April for the liveliest season.
