Mendoza Wine Tour
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Buenos Aires
Season: October – April
Set against the snowcapped Andes, Mendoza is a sun‑drenched paradise where vineyards stretch to the horizon and Malbec is only the beginning. Taste vibrant Cabernet Francs, Chardonnays, and blends shaped by the Andes’ unique climate. For the traveler who loves wine, it’s a destination where every sip reveals the artistry of high‑altitude winemaking.
During this 4‑day cultural and gourmet experience, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the charming city of Mendoza—its leafy boulevards, plazas, and parks—and visit several top wineries, where premium tastings, exquisite meals, and food pairings await. Enjoy picturesque country vineyards backed by the scenic Andes and join in outdoor activities.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
DAY 01: BUENOS AIRES / MENDOZA
Morning 2‑hour flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza (2,450’). Reception at the airport and tour of Mendoza’s historic sites, culminating with a visit to the expansive, forested San Martín Park and the impressive Cerro de la Gloria monument. A typical lunch is included in town or at Zonda, one of the top restaurants on the outskirts of the city.
Afternoon transfer to your deluxe hotel, Entre Cielos, located on an estate with its own vineyards and a proprietary wine label, Marantal, crafted from 80‑year‑old Malbec vines growing directly on the property. The hotel strikes a balance between proximity to the small community of Luján de Cuyo and the tranquil exclusivity of a rural retreat. Enjoy the exclusivity of Entre Cielos as you explore the gardens, pool, vineyard, and Hamam Spa. This evening, join the hotel’s complimentary wine tasting before dinner on your own at the on‑site gourmet restaurant of Chef Martín Luchetti, where you can savor exquisite dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. (L)
DAY 02: MENDOZA / CENTRAL VALLEY
The central valley of Mendoza is the historic birthplace of Argentina’s winemaking tradition, rooted in Italian and Spanish immigrants who arrived over a century ago. This morning we head to Matervini, owned by Santiago Achaval, one of the most renowned winemakers today. In addition to touring the winery and tasting their most exclusive wines, we will visit the vineyard, production area and the barrel room. We then continue to Belasco de Baquedano’s unique Hall of Aromas, which presents 46 fragrances displayed in clear Plexiglas posts. More than just a novelty, the Hall reveals many layers of a well-crafted wine fragrance, which adds greatly to its art and appreciation.
For lunch, we stop at Quimera Bistro with gastronomy inspired by the wines of Achaval Ferrer; or Angelica Cocina Maestra of the prestigious Catena Zapata family, pairing food and wine. In the afternoon our tasting continues at a second winery, Vistalba, which crafts elegant, terroir driven wines rooted in over 60 years of family tradition. Tour the underground cellars before a curated Reserva tasting featuring the Vistalba, Tomero, and Progenie lines; or to Kaiken, for a relaxed walk through the vineyards, a winery visit, and a guided tasting of their emblematic Malbecs and Cabernet Sauvignons crafted with balance and character. Return to Entre Cielos to relax and enjoy the scenic grounds. (B,L)
DAY 03: MENDOZA / UCO VALLEY
This morning we head south for the higher grounds of Uco Valley via a scenic paved road at the foothills of the Andes. Thanks to its unparalleled soil and climate conditions, the valley has gained world recognition in recent years as the gem of all Argentina’s wine regions. Here, we can go biking, horseback riding, or hiking through the magnificent landscape. First, we head for one of the Valley’s finest winery sites: Clos de los Siete. This joint wine venture was initiated in 1998 by France’s top winemaker Michel Rolland. The vineyards benefit from the unique terroir conditions of the Uco Valley, with altitudes of about 3,600 feet above sea level and diverse soils that bring complexity to the grapes. We tour and taste their wines at Monteviejo and DiamAndes, where innovations such as a complete gravity-flow process and fermentation in small temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks set the stage for high quality, award-winning winemaking. Later, we relax over lunch and enjoy a traditional meal at one of the bodegas’ acclaimed restaurants. In the afternoon we reach the Alpasion Lodge, an intimate retreat surrounded by open spaces, vineyards and immersed viticulture. This evening, dine at the lodge’s Iris Restaurant and savor their original cuisine. (B,L)
DAY 04: UCO VALLEY / BUENOS AIRES
Enjoy some leisurely time at Alpasion Lodge for outdoor activities before we continue later this morning to visit Salentein’s on-site Killka, the exclusive Art and Cultural center featuring paintings of 19th century European artists and contemporary Argentine art and sculptures. Next, is our transfer to Mendoza airport (about 1.5 hours via highway) for an afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires. (B)
Notes:
– Participants choose as a group between biking, horseback riding, or hiking, according to preferences and time available in their private itinerary.
– For most departures—and especially during Christmas, New Year, and Vendimia (the harvest celebration in the first half of March each year)—advance planning is essential, along with flexibility to accommodate itineraries around local celebrations, festivities, closures, winery schedules, and other variables.
– For participants with additional travel time, we highly recommend staying one extra night in the Uco Valley at Casa de Uco. This deluxe boutique property sits on a 790‑acre vineyard estate overlooking the Andes Mountains. The 19‑room wine resort offers a peaceful, modern setting with spacious rooms and private villas featuring rooftop hot tubs, wood‑burning fireplaces, and lake‑front patios. A minimum stay of two nights is required.
HOTEL UPGRADE:
– Awasi Mendoza. Situated on a 55-acre vineyard, this breathtaking, Relais & Châteaux lodge features 17 private villas and is strategically positioned between the region’s most renowned wineries and the majestic Andes mountain range. Awasi operates exclusively on all‑inclusive programs.
– Susana Balbo Winemaker’s house. A superb addition to the top boutique hotels in the region, the most exclusive and unique lodge offering luxury experiences with a perfect blend between wine culture, well-being and good living. Access to private tours aboard the only seaplane in Latin America.
– The Vines of Mendoza. A premier resort and spa, named by Condé Nast’s Hot List of the 33 best new hotels in the world. Here you’ll have a chance to dine at internationally acclaimed chef Francis Mallmann’s Siete Fuegos restaurant.
ESTIMATED AIRFARE: LATAM & Aerolineas Argentinas both offer flights to Mendoza. Round-trip fares from Buenos Aires are approx. $400-600.