Visit Pulenta Estate Winery and Gourmet Lunch at Susana Balbo

Experience a day of Mendoza’s finest wines and flavors with a visit to Pulenta Estate and a gourmet lunch at Susana Balbo. For $240 per person, you’ll spend about six hours exploring two top wineries, learning about their winemaking processes, and savoring a thoughtfully paired four-course meal. Your day begins with a private pickup, easing into the journey, and ends with a drop-off at your accommodation—making it a seamless, all-inclusive experience.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its balance of education and indulgence. You get to see the vineyards and winemaking facilities of Pulenta Estate, renowned for high-quality Malbecs and Cabernets, and then enjoy a luxurious lunch at Susana Balbo, an innovative winemaker recognized with a Michelin Guide award. The tour’s small-group setting and private transportation foster a relaxed atmosphere, free from the crowds often associated with group tours.

However, there are a few considerations. The Pulenta Estate tasting can feel somewhat brief, according to a review, with some guests finding it a bit rushed. Still, most visitors find the lunch and pairing experience at Susana Balbo more than makes up for it. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic wine experiences paired with culinary excellence and are comfortable with a full-day excursion. If you’re looking for an immersive, well-organized way to enjoy Mendoza’s top wine and food, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Two distinguished wineries provide a well-rounded look at Mendoza’s wine scene.
• Gourmet lunch paired with wines offers a memorable dining experience.
• Private transportation and small-group format ensure comfort and intimacy.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Ideal for food lovers and wine enthusiasts seeking authentic, high-quality experiences.
• Duration of approximately six hours makes it a full but manageable day out.

An In-Depth Look at the Pulenta and Susana Balbo Day Tour

An Introduction to This Wine and Food Adventure

If you’re visiting Mendoza and want a taste of the region’s top-tier wines and innovative cuisine, this day-long tour organized by Happy Wine Tours offers a compelling package. At $240 per person, it’s a bit of an investment but delivers in experiences that are both educational and delicious. Starting with a pick-up from your accommodation, the tour lasts around six hours, and you’ll visit two renowned wineries: Pulenta Estate and Susana Balbo Winery, with a gourmet lunch in between.

We love that the tour combines vineyard exploration with a gourmet dining experience—a perfect way to understand Mendoza’s wine culture while enjoying the flavors of local cuisine. What stands out is the opportunity to see how high-quality wines are made and then savor them alongside thoughtfully paired dishes.

A small drawback might be the briefness of the Pulenta tasting, as some guests have noted that it felt rushed. Still, the overall experience, especially the lunch at Susana Balbo, earns high marks for its elegance and the quality of food and wine pairing. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a curated, intimate experience with an emphasis on food and wine pairing, rather than just a quick winery visit.

The Itinerary: What Makes Each Stop Special

Pulenta Estate Winery

Founded by brothers Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta in 2002, Pulenta Estate has quickly established a reputation for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Mendoza. Located in Alto Agrelo, the estate’s vineyards benefit from Mendoza’s sunny climate, ideal for cultivating varieties like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

During the visit, you’ll have the chance to explore the winery’s facilities and vineyards, gaining insight into their winemaking process. You can expect to sample a selection of Pulenta’s signature wines, including their Malbecs and Cabernets, which are praised for their balance and expressiveness. The tour’s duration at this stop is about three hours, giving enough time to appreciate the vineyard’s beauty and learn about the production methods.

A review mentions that the tasting was somewhat brief and “a quick pass through the facilities,” with the guide leaving shortly after presenting the wines. While some visitors may find this part less comprehensive, it’s still a valuable chance to taste high-quality wines in a beautiful setting.

Susana Balbo Winery (Osadia de Crear)

Following the winery visit, you’ll head to the Susana Balbo Winery, famously recognized by the Michelin Guide for its innovative approach. The restaurant, Osadia de Crear, is a stunning space that combines modern design with a view of the vineyards, creating an elegant backdrop for your meal.

Here, you’ll indulge in a four-course menu, each dish paired meticulously with Susana Balbo’s wines. The pairing is designed to enhance both the food and the wine’s flavors, making for a genuinely memorable dining experience. Guests praise the “impeccable food” and the atmosphere, which elevates the overall enjoyment.

This part of the tour lasts around three hours, giving ample time to savor each course and discuss the wines with your guide or fellow travelers. A reviewer describing their experience states, “Comida impecável e ambiente lindo,” affirming the quality and ambiance of this special place.

What Travelers Can Expect

Transportation: A private vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility in timing, avoiding the crowds often seen in larger group tours. Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation make this a seamless experience.

Wineries: Expect a blend of guided tastings, vineyard views, and opportunities to learn about each winery’s philosophy and unique approach to winemaking.

Food and Wine: The highlight at Susana Balbo is the careful pairing of dishes with their wines, which allows you to appreciate how different flavors complement each other. The menu changes seasonally but is consistently praised for its quality.

Pace and Group Size: The small-group setting (or private tour) ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Authentic Experience We Value

What truly makes this tour stand out is its focus on quality over quantity. The visit to Pulenta, while potentially brief in tasting, still offers a solid introduction to Mendoza’s winemaking. The lunch at Susana Balbo is a highlight, combining gourmet food with the region’s best wines in a setting that feels both luxurious and authentic.

The tour’s structure allows you to see the diversity of Mendoza’s terroir—from the vineyards in Alto Agrelo to the innovative wine styles at Susana Balbo—giving you a rounded picture of Argentina’s premier wine region.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates well-curated experiences that combine wine education with culinary indulgence, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s ideal for foodies, wine lovers, and those seeking a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The inclusion of a gourmet lunch makes it more than just a winery visit—it’s a taste of Mendoza’s modern culinary scene.

However, if you’re primarily interested in an in-depth winery tour or a more extensive tasting session, you might find this experience a bit limited at Pulenta. Still, the overall value—especially considering the high-quality wines and delicious lunch—keeps it highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about six hours, including transportation, winery visits, and lunch.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

What is included in the price?
Private transportation, winery viewings with tastings, and a gourmet four-course lunch with wine pairings are all included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked around 41 days ahead, and booking early is recommended, especially during peak season.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider your comfort with wine tastings and full-day excursions.

What kind of wines will I taste?
Pulenta is known for its Malbecs and Cabernets, while Susana Balbo produces a variety of innovative wines, all included in the tasting and pairing.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are advised, especially since you’ll visit vineyards and walk through wineries.

Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
While not specified, you might want to check with the provider directly for dietary accommodations.

Can I customize the experience?
This is a structured tour, but since it’s private, you may be able to discuss specific preferences with your guide.

Final Thoughts

This Mendoza day trip strikes a fine balance between wine education, culinary delight, and relaxed comfort. Visiting Pulenta Estate offers a glimpse into high-quality Argentine winemaking, while the lunch at Susana Balbo elevates the experience with its sophisticated food and wine pairing. While the Pulenta visit might feel a little quick for some, most guests find that the quality of the wines and the setting more than compensates.

If you’re someone eager to explore Mendoza’s wine scene in an intimate setting, with a taste for good food and a relaxed pace, this tour offers excellent value. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a memorable day that combines learning, tasting, and savoring in a way that’s both authentic and indulgent.

Additional Recommendations

For those wanting a broader Mendoza experience, consider pairing this tour with other activities like vineyard cycling, horseback riding, or high-altitude mountain excursions. But if your focus is on wine and food, this carefully curated day will leave you with plenty of delicious memories—and perhaps a few new favorite wines.

Enjoy your wine journey in Mendoza, and remember: sometimes, the best things come in small, beautifully paired packages.