Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ with a Local Host & Wine Tasting offers an engaging glimpse into Argentina’s beloved culinary tradition. For $89 per person, you’ll spend approximately four hours on a cozy rooftop terrace, making mouthwatering asado with a local host named Fede, while sipping fine wines and learning about Argentine culture. With a maximum group size of just five people, this experience promises personalized attention and an authentic atmosphere.

We love how the tour combines culinary skill-building with stunning mountain views, creating a memorable setting for food, wine, and conversation. The chance to help prepare empanadas while waiting for the coals adds a hands-on element that’s both fun and educational. The intimate group setting ensures plenty of opportunities to swap stories and ask questions, making it feel more like a gathering among friends than a tourist event.

One thing to consider is the two flights of stairs required to reach the terrace, which might be a challenge for some travelers with mobility issues. Also, while the experience is predominantly outdoors, there’s a fallback plan to dine indoors if the weather turns sour, so you’re covered even if Mendoza’s infamous weather takes a turn.

This tour is perfect for food lovers and wine enthusiasts who enjoy a relaxed, authentic environment. Solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a genuine taste of Argentine hospitality will find it especially appealing. Overall, if you’re looking for a warm, flavorful evening with local flair, this experience hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic Argentine Cuisine: Learn to make and enjoy empanadas and asado in a warm, home-like setting.
• Stunning Views: Dine on a rooftop terrace with panoramic mountain and city vistas.
• Wine & Drinks: Sample excellent wines and finish with a traditional Fernet & Coca.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size ensures attention from your local host and an intimate atmosphere.
• Hands-On Participation: Help prepare the food, making the meal more memorable.
• Indoor Option: Weather contingency plan means your experience is protected from rain or cold.

A Close Look at the Mendoza Asado Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

Imagine a cozy rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Mendoza’s mountains and city skyline. This is not a large, impersonal restaurant, but a warm, inviting home hosted by Fede, a local passionate about sharing his culture. The terrace is accessible via two flights of stairs, which is worth noting if mobility is a concern. When the weather isn’t cooperating, the experience shifts indoors to a comfortable living room, ensuring the evening remains enjoyable regardless of the elements.

What makes this setting special is the personal touch—it feels like visiting a friend’s house rather than a commercial tour. As one reviewer noted, it’s “like being with friends at home,” which immediately creates a relaxed, genuine environment. The views serve as a beautiful backdrop, making the whole experience visually pleasing and perfect for photo opportunities.

The Food and How It’s Prepared

The star of the evening, of course, is the Argentine asado. Fede grills a variety of meats: morcilla (blood sausage), chorizo, pork matambre (a thin cut of pork), and ribeye, all cooked over wood coals for that perfect smoky flavor. The process of watching the meat cook, helping to prepare empanadas, and then sitting down to savor the results is a highlight. It’s not just about eating—it’s about participating in the culinary process.

The homemade empanadas are a delightful starter, offering a taste of regional flavors. You’ll help make them while waiting for the coals to reach the perfect temperature, which makes the meal feel more personal and satisfying. Many reviews highlight how delicious and hearty the resulting dishes are, with one guest describing Fede’s asado as “absolutely amazing.”

The Wine and Drinks

Argentina’s reputation for excellent wines is well-earned, and during this tour, you’ll taste several varieties that pair beautifully with the grilled meats. Fede’s selection is described as “amazing,” and the experience includes a delightful wine tasting that engages your palate and deepens your appreciation for Argentina’s vinicultural heritage.

The finale is a toast with Fernet & Coca, an iconic Argentine digestif and mixer, which many guests find surprisingly refreshing and a fun local tradition to adopt.

The Cultural and Social Elements

Beyond the food and drink, this experience emphasizes cultural exchange. Conversations flow easily, and sharing stories with fellow travelers and Fede fosters a sense of community. One review called the evening “the best night in Mendoza,” emphasizing the friendly, warm atmosphere.

Fede is praised for being a “wonderful host,” engaging and informative without being overbearing. The small group size means everyone has opportunities to participate, ask questions, and connect. It’s especially suitable for those who want a blend of culinary education, local culture, and authentic hospitality.

The Practicalities

Timing is straightforward; the tour starts at 8:00 pm from a central location, close to public transportation and easily accessible via Uber. The total duration is around four hours, which is ample time to enjoy the meal, drinks, conversation, and view. The ticket price of $89 offers good value considering the quality of food, wine, and intimate setting.

The tour accommodates vegetarian options upon request, making it flexible for different dietary needs. If rain or extreme cold occurs, the indoor dining option ensures the experience remains comfortable.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Guests consistently praise the authenticity and warmth of this experience. The chance to cook together, enjoy local wines, and savor home-cooked Argentine dishes set this apart from more commercial, tourist-heavy options. The stunning mountain views further elevate the evening from just a meal to a memorable cultural encounter.

The reviews echo this sentiment: “Fede’s asado was absolutely amazing,” and “we learned how to make an asado,” highlight both the quality of the food and the educational aspect. Many also mention the relaxed atmosphere and friendly company as key reasons for their high satisfaction.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience?

This tour appeals most to foodies eager to learn traditional Argentine cooking techniques. It’s equally suited for wine lovers wanting to sample local selections in a relaxed environment. Solo travelers or small groups looking for an intimate cultural experience will find this especially rewarding.

If you’re seeking a genuine slice of Argentine hospitality—not just a meal but a shared experience—you’ll find it here. It’s ideal for those wanting to connect with locals, or travelers who enjoy participatory dining and beautiful scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, you can ask for a veggie option when booking, and Fede is happy to accommodate dietary preferences.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about four hours, starting at 8:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Where does the experience take place?
It begins at Av. Ejército de los Andes 346 in Mendoza, with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views. If the weather is bad, dinner will be indoors.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the asado meats, homemade empanadas, wines, beer, Fernet & Coca, and desserts like Dulce de leche.

Is the group size small?
Yes, a maximum of five travelers ensures personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.

What if it rains or is too cold?
The experience shifts indoors to a comfortable living room setting, so weather won’t ruin your evening.

How accessible is the terrace?
Reaching the terrace involves climbing two flights of stairs, which might be difficult for some.

Can I participate in making the food?
Absolutely. Helping prepare empanadas and grilling meats is part of the fun and educational aspect.

What do guests say about the experience?
Reviews consistently praise the delicious food, friendly host, and stunning views, often calling it “the best night in Mendoza.”

How do I book?
You can reserve online in advance, with most bookings made about a month ahead, especially in peak season.

Concluding Thoughts

This Mendoza asado experience offers a compelling blend of authentic cuisine, local hospitality, and breathtaking scenery. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a chance to connect with Argentine culture in a relaxed, intimate setting. The opportunity to learn to cook traditional dishes while enjoying excellent wines and stunning views makes it ideal for travelers seeking genuine, memorable moments.

Whether you’re a food lover, wine enthusiast, or simply someone wanting to experience Argentine warmth firsthand, this tour delivers. The small group setting fosters meaningful connections and a sense of being welcomed into a local home. If you’re after a fun, flavorful, and authentic Mendoza experience, this asado tour is hard to beat.

In summary, expect to leave with a full stomach, a new appreciation for Argentine grilling, and a handful of stories to tell. It’s a well-rounded, value-packed evening that captures the spirit of Mendoza’s culinary and social traditions—perfect for those who want an experience that feels genuine and heartfelt.