Intimate Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch

A day exploring Mendoza’s wine scene doesn’t have to be a crowded bus full of strangers. This Intimate Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch offers a personalized experience visiting three carefully selected wineries in Luján de Cuyo, with a focus on boutique producers, sustainability, and authentic flavors. Priced at $280 per person, the tour lasts about 8 hours, starting early in the morning, and includes everything from transportation to a delicious, wine-paired meal.

Two things we particularly love about this experience: first, the chance to visit boutique wineries with a genuine personal touch — no big marketing machine here — and second, the thoughtfully curated itinerary that balances wine education with authentic local hospitality. The guided visits and insider access mean you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable practices and small-scale winemaking, rather than overcrowded, commercialized tours.

One potential consideration is that this tour is quite full — with visits, tastings, and lunch packed into a single day. If you’re seeking a more relaxed pace or want to linger longer at each stop, you might find it a bit brisk. But if you’re eager to see a variety of wineries without sacrificing quality or authenticity, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits wine lovers who want a blend of education, exclusivity, and excellent local cuisine. It’s perfect for those who appreciate carefully selected, high-quality wines and value getting to know the people behind the labels. From reviews, it’s clear that it’s also well-suited for travelers who enjoy knowledgeable guides and a personal touch.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Private tour with only your group, guided by knowledgeable local hosts.
• Boutique wineries: Visits to carefully chosen producers emphasizing sustainability and craftsmanship.
• Gourmet lunch: A carefully curated meal with wines, designed to highlight the unique flavors of each dish and wine pairing.
• All-inclusive: Price covers winery entrances, transportation, and lunch — no hidden costs.
• Authentic insights: Learn about sustainable practices and innovative winemaking techniques directly from the producers.
• Well-curated itinerary: Each winery offers a different story, ensuring no two stops feel repetitive.

Exploring the Mendoza Wine Experience in Detail

The Perfect Start: Early Morning Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am, with pickup available from your accommodation. This personalized touch means you don’t have to worry about arranging transport or navigating unfamiliar roads — your hosts handle that. The use of private transportation (included in the price) ensures comfort, punctuality, and flexibility, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience ahead.

This setup is ideal for travelers who value convenience and want to maximize their time exploring Mendoza’s wine country without the hassle of public transport or group tours with strangers. The private aspect means your group can enjoy a more intimate experience, with guides who are eager to share their knowledge.

First Stop: MAAL Wines – A Modern Take on Malbec

The first visit to Maal Wines is a great way to set the tone for the day. This winery’s approach to sustainable practices and innovative techniques makes it stand out. The tour kicks off with a walk through their facilities, where you’ll learn how they craft their wines with an eye toward environmental responsibility.

The tasting at Maal is a highlight — an exclusive sampling of their Malbecs, which are consistently recognized for their quality and flavor profile. The fact that you’re treated to a private tasting in a less commercial setting means you get to appreciate the nuance and craftsmanship that go into each glass.

This stop is about more than just tasting wine; it’s about understanding the modern winemaking movement in Mendoza, where sustainability and innovation are increasingly central. Many reviewers comment on the personalized attention and the knowledgeable guides who make the visit both educational and enjoyable.

Second Stop: Bodega Krontiras – Organic, Biodynamic, and Ecologically Minded

Next, the tour takes you to Krontiras, a winery with a strong focus on organic and biodynamic farming. Here, the emphasis on ecological practices is palpable — from their vineyard management to their production methods.

You’ll walk through their vineyards and see firsthand how they cultivate grapes with minimal environmental impact. Their modern biodynamic facilities showcase a commitment to ecological balance, making this stop particularly meaningful for those interested in sustainable agriculture.

Tasting their organic wines allows you to appreciate the purity of the flavors. The guides are enthusiastic about explaining how their approach influences the final product, which many find adds a layer of appreciation for the wines’ authenticity. Several reviews praise the friendly guides and the distinctive taste of these eco-conscious wines.

The Highlight: Martino Wines and Gourmet Lunch

The final stop is Martino Wines, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch paired with some of their best wines. The setting offers spectacular views that enhance the dining experience — imagine tasting exquisite wines with a backdrop of Mendoza’s landscape.

The lunch includes a starter, main course, and dessert, all thoughtfully paired with wine, showcasing how food and wine can complement each other perfectly. The guides often emphasize how the dishes are designed to bring out the wines’ unique flavors, making this part of the day both a culinary and educational delight.

Many reviewers have described this experience as feeling like dining with friends who are passionate about wine and local food, which makes it very engaging. The all-inclusive nature of this meal, with drinks and a full course, adds to the value, especially considering the quality of the wines and the setting.

Return Journey: Reflecting on a Full Day

After this gastronomic and educational journey, you’ll be transported back to Mendoza, usually around 5 pm. The day’s pace ensures you see a variety of wineries, learn about boutique wine production, and enjoy a great meal, all without feeling rushed.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

The reviews highlight how this tour feels personal and authentic. One reviewer mentioned, “it felt like an excursion with friends,” thanks to guides who are kind, chatty, and well-informed. This personal touch is what many travelers appreciate most, as it transforms a typical wine tour into a memorable experience.

Another reviewer called it a “wonderful day,” emphasizing the hidden gems visited and the quality of the wines. The careful selection of wineries and the focus on human qualities of the staff make this tour stand out from cookie-cutter options.

Practical Details: What to Expect

• Duration: About 8 hours, starting early at 9 am.
• Cost: $280 per person, all-inclusive, offering good value considering the private visits, tastings, and lunch.
• Group Size: Private, only your group, ensuring an intimate experience.
• Reservations: Booked on average 91 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• Weather considerations: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations are possible if conditions are poor, but a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who values quality over quantity, and loves discovering boutique wineries with real stories behind the labels, this tour is an excellent pick. It’s especially suited for foodies and wine enthusiasts who appreciate thoughtful pairings and learning about sustainable practices.

Travelers seeking a more personalized, authentic experience — rather than large group tours — will find this particularly rewarding. It’s also ideal for those who want to combine wine with a scenic, culinary experience, and who enjoy guides that are friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging.

The Sum Up

This Intimate Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch offers something hard to find elsewhere: a personal, carefully curated journey into the heart of Mendoza’s boutique wine scene. With visits to sustainable, innovative wineries and a superb gourmet lunch, it balances education, flavor, and authentic hospitality.

For wine lovers, foodies, or those just eager for a taste of local life, this experience combines the best of Mendoza — beautiful landscapes, heartfelt stories, and outstanding wines — into a full, satisfying day. The all-inclusive price and private tour format make it a great value for those wanting a special, hassle-free adventure.

If you’re eager to see Mendoza’s wine country beyond the crowds and savor truly special wines made with care, this tour should be top of your list.

FAQ

• How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.
• What’s included in the price? The fee covers transportation, entrance to three wineries, tastings, and a full wine-paired lunch.
• Is this tour private? Yes, it’s designed for your group only, providing a personalized experience.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
• What about weather? The tour depends on good weather; if canceled due to rain or similar conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• How many wineries do we visit? Three wineries in total, each offering a different experience.
• Are the wineries large or small? They are boutique wineries, carefully selected for their quality and personal approach.
• Is there time at each stop? Yes, each visit is designed for a meaningful experience: about 1.5 hours at Maal and Krontiras, and around 2 hours for the lunch stop.
• What makes this tour special? It’s the combination of private, authentic visits, sustainability focus, and a gourmet, wine-paired meal that stands out.

This tour offers an excellent balance of quality, authenticity, and personal attention, making it a top choice for anyone eager to experience Mendoza’s wine culture in a genuine and memorable way.