Maipu

Maipu is a city in Mendoza Province, Argentina, and the administrative centre of Maipu Department. It forms part of Greater Mendoza and lies southeast of the city of Mendoza.

The city and surrounding department are particularly known for wine production and olive oil. Maipu is home to historic wineries, modern wine projects, vineyards, olive groves, restaurants, museums and other attractions connected with the region's wine and olive-growing traditions.

For travellers, Maipu is one of the main wine-tourism destinations in Mendoza. Wineries and other attractions are spread across several districts of the department, so it is worth planning transportation according to the places you intend to visit.

According to Argentina's 2022 National Population, Household and Housing Census, Maipu Department had a population of 219,402. Source: Argentina.gob.ar

Maipu Department was established on 14 May 1858. Its history has been closely connected with agriculture and, later, with the expansion of wine and olive production in Mendoza.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, numerous wineries and agricultural estates were established in the area. European immigrants contributed to the development of viticulture and introduced new winemaking techniques.

One of the most important chapters in Maipu's wine history is associated with Juan Giol and Bautista Gargantini. The company they developed in Maipu became one of the largest wine enterprises of its time, and the former Giol winery came to be regarded as the world's largest winery by production scale.

In 1910, one of its large 75,000-litre wine vats received first prize as the world's largest wine vessel at the Centennial Exhibition.

Wine production remains an important part of the department's economy and identity. A provincial survey using 2023 data recorded 121 registered wineries in Maipu and 42 wineries open to tourism. These figures refer to different groups: the first includes establishments registered as wine producers, while the second refers to wineries that receive visitors.

The wine-tourism offer is complemented by olive-oil producers, restaurants and gastronomic experiences.

The usual airport for visitors arriving in Mendoza is Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, also known as El Plumerillo, in the metropolitan area.

From the airport, Maipu can be reached by car, taxi, rental vehicle or public transport.

Maipu is part of the Mendoza metropolitan area and is connected to Mendoza city by the main metropolitan roads.

If visiting wineries in different districts of the department, it is advisable to plan the route in advance and check the directions provided by each establishment.

Public transport services connect Maipu with Mendoza city and other parts of Greater Mendoza.

For visiting several wineries in one day, public transport may be less convenient than a car, hired transfer, organised excursion or bicycle.

The centre of Maipu can be explored on foot, but many wineries, olive-oil producers and tourist restaurants are spread across different districts.

The main options for getting around are:

• private or rental car;
• taxi or hired transfer;
• organised excursions;
• bicycle, particularly in areas where several tourist establishments are relatively close to one another.

Distances between wineries should be checked before setting out. Opening hours and reservation requirements should also be confirmed with each establishment.

• Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia, Ozamis 914, Maipu. Museum dedicated to the history of winemaking in Mendoza, located within the historic complex associated with Juan Giol and Bautista Gargantini. Its collection includes objects, tools and other items related to wine production and the history of Maipu. 

The former Giol Winery is part of Maipu's industrial and wine heritage. The company established by Juan Giol and Bautista Gargantini reached an extraordinary scale in the early 20th century and came to be regarded as the world's largest winery.

One of its best-known historic objects is a 75,000-litre wine vat that received first prize as the world's largest wine vessel in 1910.

The historic complex associated with Giol and Gargantini illustrates the scale reached by Maipu's wine industry during this period.

• Bodega La Rural - Museo del Vino, Montecaseros 2625, Coquimbito, Maipu. Historic winery founded in 1885. Its museum houses an important collection of objects, tools and equipment related to the history of Argentine winemaking. Visits provide an introduction to the development of wine production in Mendoza. 

• Plaza 12 de Febrero (Plaza Principal), Pres. Sarmiento 2760, Maipu. Maipu's main square and one of the city's traditional public spaces. Historic and civic buildings can be found in the surrounding area. 

• Parque Metropolitano Sur. Large public park used for recreational, sporting and cultural activities and events. It is one of the main green spaces in Maipu. 

• Estación Gutiérrez. Historic railway station and transport hub in the Mendoza metropolitan area. 

• Museo Solar Histórico Casa de Ozamis. Historic building associated with the early development of Maipu. 

• Museo Nacional Estancia Molina - Casa de las Bóvedas. Historic rural complex associated with the history of Mendoza and located in the countryside of Maipu. 

Wine is one of the main reasons travellers visit Maipu. The department combines historic wineries, family-owned producers, contemporary wine projects, restaurants and tasting experiences.

Some of Maipu's best-known wineries include:

• Bodega Trapiche, Nueva Mayorga s/n, Maipu. Founded in 1883, Trapiche is one of the historic institutions of Argentine winemaking. In 2019 it received Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Award for New World Winery of the Year. It offers winery visits, tastings and gastronomic experiences. 

• Bodegas López, Ozamis Norte 375, General Gutiérrez, Maipu. Family-owned winery founded in 1898 that remains in the hands of the founding family. It offers guided visits, tastings and gastronomic experiences. 

• Bodega La Rural, Montecaseros 2625, Coquimbito, Maipu. Historic winery closely associated with the development of winemaking in Mendoza. Its Wine Museum houses an important collection of wine-industry heritage. 

• Casa Vigil, Videla Aranda 7008, Chachingo, Cruz de Piedra, Maipu. Winery and restaurant created by winemaker Alejandro Vigil and his family. The experience combines wine, gastronomy, art and literature and is inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Vigil is also head winemaker at Catena Zapata and a prominent figure in Argentine winemaking. 

• Bodega Santa Julia, Ruta Provincial 33, Maipu. The Maipu winery of Familia Zuccardi, combining wine and olive-oil production with hospitality and gastronomic experiences. 

Maipu's wineries can be explored in several ways. The best option depends on the amount of time available, budget, distances between establishments and the type of experience sought.

Organised excursions can combine several wineries while taking care of transportation and reservations. They are a practical option for travellers who prefer a planned itinerary.

A car makes it possible to combine establishments in different parts of the department. Anyone taking part in wine tastings should arrange a safe way to return and must not drive after drinking alcohol.

Exploring the wineries by bicycle is a common tourist activity in Maipu's wine region. It allows visitors to combine wineries, vineyards, olive groves and restaurants while giving them more flexibility over the route.

Several companies rent bicycles and provide maps, route advice, self-guided itineraries or guided tours. One of them is Maipu Bikes, based in Coquimbito, which offers bicycle rental and routes through the wine region.

Before setting out, check the distances, winery opening hours and reservation requirements.

Maipu also has a long tradition of olive growing. Some olive-oil producers offer visits, tastings and regional products.

Some tourism experiences combine wine and olive oil in the same itinerary.

Several wineries have their own restaurants and gastronomic programmes. Menus commonly include regional dishes, meat, seasonal produce, olive oil and locally produced wines.

Winery dining experiences often require advance reservations.

Throughout the year, Maipu hosts activities related to the grape harvest, wine, olive oil, gastronomy, music and local heritage.

Events vary according to the season, so it is advisable to check the current tourism calendar before travelling.

Maipu is a good place to learn about the history of Argentine winemaking.

Winery visits can introduce visitors to different stages of the production process and the differences between traditional wineries and contemporary wine projects.

The Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia and the Wine Museum at Bodega La Rural also provide an insight into the historical and technical heritage of the wine industry.

Maipu forms part of Greater Mendoza and has agricultural, industrial, commercial and service activities.

For longer stays, check accommodation and transport options in the city and surrounding districts.

Typical products to buy in Maipu include:

• wine;
• olive oil;
• olives;
• preserves;
• regional products;
• souvenirs related to wine culture.

Many wineries sell their products directly to visitors.

Maipu's cuisine is closely connected with wine, olive oil and regional products.

In addition to independent restaurants, several wineries offer lunches and tasting menus.

Reservations are advisable when dining at a winery, particularly on weekends and during busy periods.

Wine tourism is the main activity related to alcoholic drinks in Maipu. Wineries offer tastings, and some combine wine with food.

The centre of Maipu also has bars, restaurants and other places to eat and drink.

Winery and restaurant opening hours may vary according to the day of the week and season.

Maipu has hotels, guesthouses, rural accommodation and other lodging options.

Staying within the department can be convenient for travellers who want to spend more than one day visiting wineries and other attractions.

Maipu combines urban areas with rural and agricultural districts.

As in other tourist destinations, keep personal belongings secure, pay attention to traffic and take normal precautions when travelling through less populated areas.

Rural roads may be shared with agricultural machinery and other vehicles. Take particular care when cycling or driving in these areas.

Anyone taking part in wine tastings should arrange transportation for the return journey in advance.

For general emergencies, call 911.

Medical emergencies can be reported by calling 107 or 911.

Travellers should consider appropriate travel medical insurance and carry any regular medication they need.

For up-to-date tourism information about Mendoza, its destinations, activities and tourism providers, consult Mendoza Tourism.

The official Maipu information page on Argentina.gob.ar also provides information about the department.