Mendoza: Small-Group Wineries Tour with Tasting and Lunch offers a tantalizing glimpse into Argentina’s world-renowned wine scene. For $335 per person, we spend about 8 hours exploring two top wineries in the lush vineyards of Mendoza Province, learning about Malbec and other local varieties. Guided by knowledgeable staff, we walk through vineyards, visit cellars, and taste a selection of wines that highlight the region’s excellence.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: first, the opportunity to visit both traditional and modern wineries, giving us insight into how Argentine wines are made today and yesterday. Second, the inclusion of a regional lunch of local specialties makes this more than just a tasting; it’s a full cultural experience.

A potential consideration is that the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish, with English explanations only at key points, so non-Spanish speakers should be prepared to listen carefully. Also, the pickup is only included from centrally located Mendoza hotels, so if you’re staying outside that zone, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate good wine, want an authentic taste of Mendoza’s wine culture, and enjoy learning about agriculture and local traditions. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a well-rounded day that combines scenic vineyard visits, insightful guides, and delicious regional food.

Key Points

Authentic Mendoza Experience: Visit renowned wineries in Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu, two of the most celebrated wine-producing departments.
Educational and Tasting Opportunities: Learn about Argentine winemaking techniques, from traditional methods to the latest technology.
Cultural Immersion: Tour includes visits to vineyards, cellars, and an olive grove with tastings of both wine and olive oil.
Regional Lunch Included: Enjoy a regional specialties meal that complements the wine tastings.
Small Group Comfort: The tour keeps groups intimate, enhancing interaction and personalized attention.
Practical Details: Pickup from centrally located hotels in Mendoza makes the experience smooth and convenient.

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Why This Wineries Tour Stands Out

Mendoza is known globally for its Malbec, and this tour does a good job of showcasing what makes Argentine wine so special. We loved the way the tour balances education with tasting, making it engaging rather than just a series of wine pours. Visiting both a traditional winery and a more technologically advanced operation offers a well-rounded perspective on how wines are crafted in this region.

The visit to an olive grove is an unexpected bonus, giving us insight into Argentina’s agricultural diversity. The guide, though only speaking English at key points, is knowledgeable and eager to share stories behind each winery and the region’s history of irrigation transforming what was once a desert into fertile farmland.

The lunch of regional specialties is another highlight. It’s not just a quick snack but a thoughtfully prepared meal that lets us savor local flavors alongside the wines we’ve tasted. Reviewers have consistently mentioned the high quality of wines and the delicious food, with one commenting, “overall very good” — a sentiment that’s echoed in many travelers’ experiences.

However, keep in mind that group size can influence how personalized your experience feels, and the tour’s timing is flexible, so check availability if you are on a tight schedule. Also, the price may seem high, but considering the quality of wineries, tastings, and included meals, it offers good value for wine enthusiasts eager to learn and taste in an authentic setting.

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Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Departure

Around 2:30 pm, you’re picked up from your downtown Mendoza hotel. This early afternoon start ensures you’re back comfortably by evening, leaving you free to explore more of Mendoza or relax after a day of indulgence.

First Winery Visit

Your first stop is in the Lujan de Cuyo or Maipu departments — both are historic wine regions that have transformed from desert to oasis through ingenious irrigation techniques. Here, you’ll get a chance to walk through vineyards, see historic cellars, and observe how wines are made using both traditional methods and modern technology.

The winery staff guides you through the bottling process and explains how they label and package wines for export. You’ll sample their wines, which typically include Malbec and possibly other Argentine favorites like Bonarda or Torrontés. The tasting is a highlight, giving you a chance to savor the nuanced differences between styles and vintages.

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Olive Grove Visit

Next, you’ll visit an olive grove, where you observe the olive oil production process and get to sample fresh olive oil — another facet of Argentina’s agricultural richness. This stop broadens your understanding of the local food scene beyond wine.

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Second Winery Visit

The second winery is often chosen based on availability but tends to be equally impressive, offering a different style or approach to winemaking. Here, you’ll continue your tasting journey, possibly trying different varieties or styles, enjoying the friendly and professional guidance of staff.

Lunch Break

The tour includes a regional lunch of local specialties, prepared in a way that highlights Mendoza’s culinary traditions. Expect dishes such as empanadas, grilled meats, or regional cheeses, paired with wine or local beverages. This meal provides a welcome pause and complements the tasting experience perfectly.

Return to Mendoza

By around 6:30 pm, your guide will take you back to your hotel, ending a full day of culture, education, and delicious flavors. This relaxed schedule leaves room for further exploration or just unwinding after a day of tasting.

The Practical Aspects

The cost of $335 includes hotel pickup and drop-off, visits to two wineries and an olive grove, and wine tastings. This convenience is valuable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or want to avoid renting a car.

The tour is conducted in English, with the guide providing explanations at major points. However, note that the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish, so some travelers might want to brush up on their language skills or be prepared for a bilingual experience.

Timing is flexible, but it’s best to check availability beforehand. The small-group format creates a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for better interaction and questions. Remember to bring passport or ID (needed for wine tasting, as the legal age is 18+), and wear comfortable shoes for walking through vineyards and wineries.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits wine lovers who want to go beyond tasting to learn about Argentine wine traditions. It’s especially appealing to travelers interested in regional food and agriculture and those who prefer a small, personalized group rather than large bus tours. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors to Mendoza seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to the local wine culture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded, authentic day in Mendoza, this tour ticks many boxes. It combines scenic vineyard visits, insights into winemaking, and delicious regional cuisine — all within a manageable 8-hour window. For wine enthusiasts eager to discover Malbec and more, it offers a valuable inside look at Mendoza’s best.

The high praise from past travelers — noting “overall very good” experiences and the quality of wines and guides — speaks to its consistent value. While language might be a slight barrier for non-Spanish speakers, the engaging stops and delicious tastings compensate nicely.

To sum it up, this tour offers a taste of Mendoza’s soul — its vineyards, food, and warm hospitality. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want an authentic, educational, and delicious taste of Argentina’s wine capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Mendoza, visits to two wineries and an olive grove, and wine tastings at each stop, plus a regional lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 2:30 pm, with the return to your hotel in the evening.

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
The tour is conducted mainly in Spanish, with some explanations in English at key points. If you speak only English, be prepared to listen carefully.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID (since you must be 18+ to taste wine), comfortable shoes for walking, and a sense of curiosity about Argentine wines and culture.

Can I join if I don’t stay in Mendoza city?
Pickup is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your accommodation is outside this area, a meeting point will be provided.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a regional lunch featuring local specialties is included, providing a perfect pairing with the wines you taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or just curious about Argentine wine, this small-group Mendoza tour offers a memorable, authentic experience. You’ll walk away with not only a new appreciation for Malbec but also a taste of Mendoza’s warm hospitality and agricultural richness.