Looking for a somewhat traditional (Napa style) wine tasting experience with larger-production wineries, impressive architecture, and vast cellars, the Luján de Cuyo region will probably appeal most to you. Just to the south of Mendoza city, across the River Mendoza, lies Luján de Cuyo, a village now entirely surrounded by vineyards and wineries. Being situated so close to the river, the majority of these vineyards are based on alluvial soil types; sandy, stony surfaces based on clay substrata. A significant benefit of being placed so close to a glacial river is the lower salinity, and the lack of the impurities often found in other river types. In 1993, Luján de Cuyo became Argentina’s first official appellation, the result of which has been a steady increase in both the quantity and quality of wines produced there. The region had had its own DOC status for four years previous to this recognition by the OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine). Malbec in particular is successful in Luján de Cuyo.