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Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

High-altitude vines, pioneering spirit, and a touch of French flair in the foothills of the Andes.

After searching across Argentina for the perfect place to plant vines, French winemaker François Lurton found what he was looking for high in the Uco Valley — at the foot of the majestic Andes. In a semi-desert landscape of gravelly soils and pure mountain air, he saw potential where few others dared to look.

In the late 1990s, François established Bodega Piedra Negra on 200 hectares of untouched land in Chacayes, pioneering sustainable viticulture in the region long before it became fashionable. His instinct was right: the combination of altitude, sunshine, and mineral soils gives these wines their signature balance of freshness, depth, and elegance.

Today, the Uco Valley is celebrated as one of South America’s most exciting wine regions — and Piedra Negra remains one of its benchmarks. Visitors can explore the estate on horseback, take in sweeping views of the Andes, and experience firsthand how this once-remote corner of Mendoza became a world-class terroir.

High-altitude magic from the Andes — explore Bodega Piedra Negra