When the World’s 50 Best Wineries list named Zuccardi Valle de Uco as the number-one winery in the world, many people outside Argentina were surprised. They should not have been. Anyone who has visited this extraordinary estate in the foothills of the Andes knows that it represents something genuinely special — not just in Argentine wine, but in world wine culture.
What makes Zuccardi Valle de Uco worthy of this distinction is not any single element. It is the sum of everything: the breathtaking architecture embedded in the landscape, the terroir-driven philosophy of the wines, the quality of the hospitality, and the sense that every aspect of the experience has been considered with the deepest care.
The Story of the Zuccardi Family
The Zuccardi story begins in the 1960s, when Alberto Zuccardi — an engineer, not a winemaker — planted his first vines as an irrigation experiment. The project grew into a family passion, and by the time his son José Alberto took over, the Zuccardi estates had expanded dramatically.
The decision to build a new winery in the Uco Valley, announced in the early 2010s, was a bold statement of ambition. Rather than expand the existing Maipú facilities, the family committed to creating something entirely new — a winery that would express the Uco Valley’s unique terroir with complete integrity.
The Architecture
The building, designed by Mendoza architect Pablo Piva, is one of the most remarkable structures in the wine world. Rather than imposing a building on the landscape, Piva and the Zuccardi family chose to grow the building from it. The main structure is built almost entirely from local stone — the same caliza rock that forms the subsoil of the surrounding vineyards.
The effect is extraordinary. From a distance, the building appears to emerge from the earth, its angular forms echoing the geological formations of the Andes. Up close, the texture of the rough stone walls, the precision of the construction, and the relationship between interior and exterior spaces create a profoundly moving experience.
The reception area features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Andes peaks with masterful compositional precision. On a clear day, the view of the snow-capped mountains above the vineyard rows is simply stunning.
The Wines
Zuccardi’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in the concept of “paisaje” — landscape. Every wine in the range is an expression of a specific place, from the broad terroir of the Valle de Uco appellation to the micro-topography of individual vineyard blocks.
Concreto Range
These wines are fermented and aged in concrete eggs — a choice that preserves the purity of fruit character without the intervention of oak. The Concreto Malbec is one of the most intellectually interesting wines produced in Argentina: precise, mineral, and alive with the character of its specific origin.
Piedra Infinita Range
Named after the caliza stone that defines the Zuccardi terroir, these are the estate’s prestige wines. The Piedra Infinita Malbec, sourced from 100-year-old vines in the Paraje Altamira zone, is a wine of almost magical complexity — simultaneously powerful and ethereally light on its feet.
Tito Range
Named for the family patriarch, this heritage range draws on the deepest reserves of the estate’s old-vine holdings. Production is extremely limited, and bottles are distributed through allocation to the world’s finest restaurants and collectors.
The Experience: Tasting and Dining
Tastings at Zuccardi Valle de Uco are conducted at a thoughtful pace, with wines served at precise temperatures alongside carefully chosen accompaniments. The tasting team — all trained sommeliers with deep knowledge of the estate’s vineyards — explain each wine with passion and precision.
The winery restaurant, Piedra Infinita, is one of the finest dining experiences in Argentina. Chef Sebastián Weigandt’s menu is rooted in the flavours of Mendoza and the Uco Valley, using ingredients from the estate’s own garden and from local artisan producers. The wine pairings are, naturally, exceptional.
Practical Information
Reservations are essential and should be made as far in advance as possible. The winery is located in the Paraje Altamira zone of Luján de Cuyo, approximately 90 minutes from Mendoza city by car. A taxi or private driver is recommended, as you will want to taste freely without worrying about the return journey.
Our Rating: 5/5
Not just the best winery in Mendoza. One of the finest winery experiences in the world.
