Maipú Wine and Olive Oil Tour

A Taste of Mendoza’s Heritage: The Maipú Wine and Olive Oil Tour

Just a quick 20-minute drive east of Mendoza’s busy streets, you’ll find Maipú, a region where old adobe buildings and vines over a century old tell stories of Italian immigrants and traditional wine-making. For $390 per person, this roughly 6-hour experience offers a mix of premium wine tastings, a local winery lunch, and a visit to a renowned olive oil factory—all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

What we love most? First, the chance to explore venerable, rustic wineries that feel more like stepping into a living museum than a commercial operation. Second, the personal guiding by friendly wine experts makes the experience more engaging and insightful.

A possible consideration is that—being a smaller, boutique style tour—it may not include the grand spectacle of larger regional tours, but that also means fewer crowds and more personal attention.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences, particularly those interested in small-scale wineries with a story to tell, and who want to enjoy a relaxed day immersed in Mendoza’s traditional wine and olive oil culture.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visits to historic wineries and a family-run olive oil factory.
• Expert Guidance: Bilingual wine professional providing insights and friendly service.
• Rustic Charm: Old adobe buildings and vineyards that showcase the region’s traditional roots.
• Included Lunch & Tastings: Gourmet winery lunch paired with premium wines and local olive oils.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, and all entrance fees included.
• Limited Group Size: Only your group participates, fostering a more intimate experience.

Exploring Mendoza’s Maipú Region: A Closer Look

The Maipú region, just a short drive from Mendoza, offers a different vibe than the more modern Uco Valley or Luján de Cuyo. Here, the landscape is dotted with aged vineyards and olive groves, with many buildings showing signs of their age but packed with character. These adobe structures and antique vines serve as a living reminder of the region’s Italian immigrant roots.

What the Tour Includes

Your day begins with hotel pickup at around 8:30 am, where a friendly guide will meet your group—only your party will participate, making for a tailored, relaxed outing. The transport provided is comfortable and aimed at ensuring smooth transitions between stops, so you can focus on soaking in the sights and tastes.

First Stop: a Boutique Winery

The tour’s morning visit to a boutique winery is a highlight. Here, you’ll enjoy private tastings of their best wines, often described as “excellent” for their quality and depth. The setting is intimate, allowing you to ask questions and learn about the winemaking process from the owner or guide. Multiple reviews mention the excellent wine selection—a key reason many choose this tour.

Olive Oil Factory Visit

One of the most praised parts of the experience, according to reviewers, is the visit to a family-run olive oil factory. The factory’s location and setting are described as beautiful, and the tasting of fresh, high-quality olive oil is a real treat. Ricardo_C called the olive oil tasting “marvellous,” emphasizing how the location’s charm and educational aspect made it memorable.

The Winery Lunch

A midday meal is included, featuring a local winery’s restaurant. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch paired with local wines. The setting provides a rustic, relaxed atmosphere that highlights traditional Mendoza cuisine. It’s a good chance to break bread with your companions and discuss what you’ve seen so far.

The Experience’s Pace and Style

This is a relaxed, small-group experience—not hurried or overly commercialized. The focus is on quality over quantity, giving you plenty of time to savor each stop and ask questions. The bilingual guide ensures clear explanations about the wines, the olive oil, and the history of the region.

Authenticity and Value

While the tour is priced at $390 per person, it offers excellent value given the inclusion of premium tastings, lunch, transportation, and personalized guiding. Comparing to larger tours or self-organized visits, this package removes the hassle of planning and ensures you see the best of Maipú’s traditional production.

The small-group size also adds to the value, creating a more personal atmosphere where you can engage more directly with guides and winemakers. This setup enriches the experience, especially for those genuinely interested in traditional wine-making and olive oil production.

What you might wish for:

Some travelers, based on the review, noted that due to programming errors, visiting certain wineries like Santa Júlia wasn’t possible. While such hiccups are rare, they highlight the importance of flexible expectations and understanding that small tours can sometimes face scheduling issues.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, intimate look at Mendoza’s traditional wine and olive oil production. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small groups, personalized attention, and the chance to learn directly from passionate producers. If you’re interested in history, rustic charm, and quality tastings, this tour hits the mark.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 6 hours, allowing ample time at each site without feeling rushed.
• Price: $390 per person—an investment in quality, authentic experiences.
• Booking: Usually booked about 25 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• Meeting Point: Adora Mendoza, Primitivo de la Reta 992—conveniently near public transportation.
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before, giving some peace of mind if plans change.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes the experience much more relaxing without worrying about transportation.

How long is the tour? It lasts around 6 hours, which provides enough time to visit a winery, the olive oil factory, enjoy a meal, and still have time to relax.

Are the tastings private? The tastings are at boutique wineries and a family-run olive oil factory, which generally means personalized, private tastings for your group.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option for travelers’ plans.

Will I learn about wine-making? Absolutely. The guide is knowledgeable and friendly, providing insights into the wine and olive oil production processes, especially at the boutique winery.

Is this suitable for all travelers? Most travelers can participate, but the tour is best suited for those interested in wine, olive oils, and traditional regional culture.

What about the weather? Since much of the tour is outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather, especially if it’s hot or rainy.

Final Thoughts

The Maipú Wine and Olive Oil Tour offers a genuine taste of Mendoza’s traditional spirit—with its aged vineyards, family-run olive oil factories, and rustic charm. It’s a perfect choice for wine lovers who want to go beyond the touristy, commercial wineries and experience the region’s authentic roots.

The inclusion of premium tastings, a lovely meal, and personal guides makes this tour a well-rounded, memorable day. While it might not feature the grand scale of larger tours, what you gain is an intimate look into the craftsmanship and history that make Mendoza’s wine culture special.

For those with a curiosity for local traditions, a love for authentic food and drink, and a desire for a manageable, well-organized outing, this tour will hit the right notes. It’s an excellent way to deepen your understanding of Mendoza’s rich heritage while enjoying some of the finest wine and olive oil the region offers.