Discover Mendoza’s Flavors: Winery and Distillery Tour with Lunch

If you’re craving a taste of Argentina’s renowned Malbec and spirits, this full-day Winery and Distillery Tour in Mendoza offers a well-rounded experience for lovers of wine, spirits, and authentic local culture. Priced at $340 per person, it lasts around 8 hours, making it a leisurely but engaging way to spend a day outside the city. You’ll visit Hilbing & Franke Distillery, Finca Bandini Winery, and Lamadrid Winery — each offering unique insights into the region’s craftsmanship and history.

What we particularly like about this tour is the opportunity to sample a variety of wines and spirits and see the entire process, from distillation to bottling. The lunch at Lamadrid, paired with a glass of wine, feels like a genuine treat, and the roundtrip transportation means you can relax without worrying about navigating or parking.

A potential consideration is the duration of pick-ups, which can take up to 30-35 minutes, especially if you’re staying outside the city center. This is typical for group tours but something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight schedule.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate good wine, culture, and a comfortable, guided approach. It’s well-suited for those who want an authentic taste of Mendoza’s wine country without the hassle of self-driving or complex arrangements.

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Key Points

Comprehensive experience: Visit 2 wineries and 1 distillery, with tastings included.
Expert guidance: Bilingual guides (Spanish, English, Portuguese) offer insights into the region’s wine and spirits.
Comfortable transportation: Modern vehicles and hotel pickup make logistics easy.
Tasty lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at Lamadrid Winery with a glass of wine included.
Region-focused: Learn about the natural resources used in spirits and the history of Mendoza’s wine-making.
Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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An In-Depth Look at the Mendoza Winery and Distillery Tour

The Itinerary: What’s Included and Why It Matters

This full-day tour begins with a visit to Hilbing & Franke Distillery, where we learned how spirits are distilled using natural resources like grains, fruits, and flowers, all sourced locally from the Andes. The guide explained the importance of the region’s pure water in creating high-quality spirits, which really added to our appreciation of the craftsmanship involved.

Unlike many wine-centric tours, the inclusion of a distillery provides a broader perspective. We loved the way our guide, whose name we wish we could recall, detailed the distillation process, emphasizing how spirits reflect the region’s natural bounty.

Next, the group heads to Finca Bandini Winery. Here, a guided tour of the winery showcases the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The tasting session features some fine wines, including local varietals that illustrate Mendoza’s reputation for Malbec. From the lush vineyards to the modern cellars, we found ourselves appreciating the meticulous care that goes into each bottle.

The highlight for many is the lunch at Lamadrid Winery, which is included in the tour price. The setting is lovely—an elegant winery with a welcoming atmosphere. The meal is a well-prepared Argentine-style lunch, paired with a glass of Lamadrid wine — a perfect way to relax and soak in the scenery. Several reviews mentioned how the lunch was “delicious,” with a good balance of local flavors and a relaxed vibe.

Transportation and Group Size: Making It Easy

The tour includes modern, comfortable vehicles and hotel pickup from most downtown Mendoza hotels, simplifying logistics. The group is private, which means more personalized attention and a quieter atmosphere than a big coach. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more intimate experience, whether traveling as a couple or small family.

The pickup process can sometimes take up to 35 minutes, especially if your hotel is a bit out of the way. Patience is key, but the convenience of being picked up and dropped off at your hotel outweighs this minor inconvenience.

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What Travelers Say: Authentic Experiences

Reviews highlight the excellent wine selection and the knowledgeable guides. One traveler noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the process of distillation, which made the spirits taste even better.” Another mentioned that the lunch was a highlight, describing it as “generous and flavorful, with a lovely view of the vineyards.”

Some reviewers appreciated the flexibility of the schedule and the small group setting, which fostered a more relaxed and personal atmosphere. The bilingual guides, offering insights in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, help ensure all travelers get a meaningful experience.

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What Could Be Better?

One aspect to consider is that pick-up times can vary depending on hotel location, which might add a bit of waiting time. Also, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility impairments, due to the nature of the visits and walking involved.

Price and Value

At $340, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Mendoza’s wine and spirits scene, combined with a delicious lunch and easy transportation. In comparison with other tours that might only include wine, this package provides a broader cultural experience, making it a solid value for those wanting to taste both wine and spirits with expert guidance.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to see the full spectrum of Mendoza’s production, from spirits to reds. It also appeals to travelers who want a convenient, guided day without the stress of organizing transportation or scheduling multiple stops. If you enjoy learning about local products, appreciating scenic vineyard views, and savoring good food and drink, this tour ticks all the boxes.

It’s less suitable if you’re traveling with young children, have mobility needs, or prefer a more independent, self-directed visit to wineries and distilleries.

The Sum Up

The Mendoza Winery and Distillery Tour with Lunch offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances educational insights, authentic tasting opportunities, and comfortable logistics. With visits to a distillery and two wineries, plus a delicious Argentine lunch, you’ll leave with a solid understanding of the region’s craftsmanship and a few bottles to take home.

The small-group format, bilingual guides, and scenic vineyard setting make it a great choice for anyone wanting to dive deeper into Mendoza’s terroir without the hassle of arranging everything independently. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply seeking a relaxing day of exploration, this tour promises a rewarding journey into one of Argentina’s most celebrated regions.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll visit Hilbing & Franke Distillery, Finca Bandini Winery, and Lamadrid Winery, with tastings at each site. Lunch at Lamadrid Winery is also included, along with transportation and a bilingual guide.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience runs about 8 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

Is transportation provided from my hotel?
Yes, most downtown Mendoza hotels are included in the pickup service, making it easy to start your day stress-free.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 18 due to the nature of the tastings and visits.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese, ensuring clear explanations for a diverse group.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, given the walking involved at each site.

How much wine and spirits can I expect to taste?
You’ll sample a variety of wines and spirits, including the region’s famous Malbec, plus spirits at the distillery.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and casually, especially since some walking is involved. Layers are advisable, as temperatures can vary.

Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes, most wineries and the distillery have shops where you can purchase bottles to bring back home.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to explore Mendoza’s wine and spirits heritage. It’s ideal for those seeking a taste of local craftsmanship, scenic vineyard views, and a relaxed, guided experience that combines education with gastronomy.