Visiting Bodega Salentein Mendoza Valle de Uco is not just a wine tasting—it’s stepping into a holistic experience where vineyards, architecture, contemporary art and hospitality converge in a stunning natural setting. A true pioneer of premium wine tourism in Argentina, Salentein continues to set the standard for travelers who seek excellence, identity and aesthetic pleasure in every detail.
A Winery That Changed the Future of Uco Valley
Salentein Valle de Uco was founded in the late 1990s by Dutch entrepreneur Mijndert Pon, who envisioned world-class wines in a region that was still largely unexplored at the time. His vision was bold: to combine winemaking innovation, sustainability, and cultural value in the high-altitude lands of Tunuyán.
The winery’s iconic architecture—designed by Bormida & Yanzón—features a cross-shaped floor plan that reflects both symbolic meaning and functional design, allowing for gravity-flow vinification. Underground, the circular barrel cellar creates a perfect acoustic and atmospheric environment, where classical music plays continuously during wine aging. This building is part of the curated Architecture, Art and Design Tour in Uco Valley, a must for those who appreciate form as much as flavor.
From the beginning, Salentein implemented sustainable farming practices, including snowmelt irrigation systems, native cover crops, composting, and minimal chemical intervention. Everything is done to preserve biodiversity and express the Valle de Uco terroir as authentically as possible.
Salentein Wine Lines: From Microplots to Icon Blends
Salentein wines are made from three estate vineyards located between 1,050 and 1,700 meters above sea level: El Oasis, La Pampa and San Pablo. The varied altitude and soil types allow for microvinification of each plot, which is reflected in the identity of every wine line:
- Portillo: Fresh, young wines made without oak aging—perfect for casual drinking. The Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc are popular among those new to Argentine wines.
- Salentein Estate: Elegant varietals partially aged in oak, offering a balance of fruit and structure at an excellent price point.
- Reserve: Carefully selected grapes are fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in French oak. The Reserve Malbec is known for its depth, refined tannins, and aging potential.
- Numina: Crafted from the finest plots using large oak foudres and concrete eggs for fermentation. The Numina Gran Corte is a sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend with great length and complexity.
- Gran Vu: The winery’s icon wine, only produced in exceptional vintages. This Malbec–Cabernet Sauvignon blend is fermented in new oak barrels and aged for 24 months. It is powerful, age-worthy and collectible.
Salentein uses native yeasts and minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process. They also run an experimental micro-winery for single-parcel fermentation and testing new varietals.
How to Get to Bodega Salentein
Located in Los Árboles, Tunuyán, Bodega Salentein Mendoza Valle de Uco is about a 2-hour drive from the city of Mendoza. The most efficient route is via Route 40, followed by paved rural roads.
Because of its remote location, we recommend hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour. You’ll find all the details in this guide on how to get to Uco Valley.
Killka: Art, Wine and Spirituality
Killka is Salentein’s cultural and artistic hub. Inaugurated in 2006, this art center features a permanent collection of Argentine contemporary artists—such as Antonio Seguí, Carlos Alonso and Marta Minujín—alongside works by major Dutch modernists like Karel Appel and Jan Dibbets.
The building also includes a gourmet shop, an art bookstore, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a minimalist ecumenical chapel. Killka is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, creating a space where art and nature meet, and where wine tasting becomes an immersive sensory experience.
Posada Salentein: Boutique Lodging Among the Vines
Posada Salentein offers just 16 rooms, spread across three rustic-style houses surrounded by vineyards. Each room features wood and stone elements, mountain views and easy access to garden paths and terraces.
The stay includes a regional breakfast, guided winery tour, access to the restaurant and vineyard walks. Guests often highlight the tranquility of the setting, the personalized service, and the chance to sip wine while watching the sun set behind the Andes.
Find more options in this guide to where to stay in Uco Valley.
Gastronomy and Wine Pairing at Salentein
The winery’s restaurant, located within Killka, offers seasonal menus with a regional focus. Although it was formerly thought to be named “San Pablo”, the official name is simply “Restaurante de Killka”. Each dish is created to pair harmoniously with a specific wine from the Salentein portfolio.
Signature dishes include Malbec-braised beef tenderloin with truffle mash, Patagonian lamb with native potatoes, and quince with goat cheese and almond crumble. The pairing experience is led by trained sommeliers who guide you through each wine’s story and tasting profile.
Uco Valley Activities for Every Type of Traveler
The surrounding region of Salentein Valle de Uco offers a wide variety of experiences tailored to different types of travelers:
- Couples: Add a night at the Posada, enjoy sunset horseback rides or plan a romantic dinner with wine pairing.
- Families: Visit Killka’s art spaces, enjoy vineyard walks and dine at family-friendly restaurants. Some nearby wineries offer picnics and non-alcoholic tastings for kids.
- Friends: Try wine blending games, take a cooking class at Andeluna, explore paired lunches at Domaine Bousquet, or book a day at a boutique estate.
Plan your adventure with this Uco Valley wine tour guide.
Nearby Wineries to Combine With Salentein
If you’re planning a full-day wine tour, consider combining Salentein with these nearby wineries:
- Andeluna: Known for its open kitchen and interactive cooking classes.
- Domaine Bousquet: Offers organic wines and paired outdoor lunches with vineyard views.
- Piedra Negra: Specializes in biodynamic wines with a French influence.
Design your itinerary using this top Uco Valley wineries guide.
Want to Explore Other Wine Regions Too?
While Valle de Uco is ideal for altitude wines and modern design, Luján de Cuyo offers a more traditional wine country experience, with century-old vines, historic wineries and bold Malbecs.
Compare both regions in this helpful article: Luján de Cuyo or Valle de Uco.
