Mendoza: Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch and Private Transport

Imagine cruising through the sun-dappled vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina, with a private driver at your side. For about $220 per person, you get a carefully curated 7-hour experience that combines visits to two renowned wineries, a delicious multi-course lunch, and jaw-dropping views of the Andes Mountains. You’ll learn about Argentine wine from passionate guides, taste some of the country’s finest wines, and savor a meal that pairs beautifully with local flavors.

Two things really make this tour shine. First, the personalized attention—it’s a private group, so your guide can tailor the experience around your interests and pace, making it feel more like a day with friends than a big tourist bus. Second, the quality of the wine and food—the tastings are said to be excellent, and the lunch at Antigal or other top wineries is a highlight, with great wine pairings and spectacular vineyard views.

A potential consideration is the pace of the day. Some reviews mention feeling a little rushed at the last winery, where there’s limited time to fully soak in the atmosphere. If you prefer taking your time to savor each sip and enjoy the scenery leisurely, this is something to keep in mind.

This tour suits travelers who want an immersive, flexible experience with expert guides and a focus on authentic wine culture. If you’re a first-timer eager to learn about Argentine wines or someone who appreciates good food and stunning landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here.

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Key Points

Private, personalized experience tailored to your interests and pace
Visit 2 top wineries with guided tours and tastings in Maipú area
Delicious 3-course lunch paired with local wines at a winery like Antigal
Spectacular mountain views alongside your wine tastings and meals
Flexible schedule with private transport and hotel pickup/drop-off
Authentic insights about Argentinian wine production from knowledgeable guides

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An In-Depth Look at the Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour

Traveling in Mendoza offers more than just wine; it’s a full sensory experience. This 7-hour private tour provides a well-balanced mix of vineyard visits, insightful guides, and a leisurely yet structured day that makes the most of your time. It’s perfect for those who crave a taste of authentic Argentinian wines without the hustle of large groups or generic tours.

Convenient, Comfortable Transport and Personal Attention

Starting with hotel pickup and drop-off, the tour ensures a smooth beginning and end to your day. A private driver—fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish—accompanies you, giving you the flexibility to ask questions and customize the experience. The comfort of private transport means you can relax and enjoy the scenic drive through Mendoza’s vineyard-rich landscape and the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

Many travelers appreciate how the driver communicates ahead of time, confirming pick-up locations and ensuring a seamless experience, as one reviewer noted, “the driver wrote to us early in the morning asking for the location of pick-up.” This level of attentiveness, combined with early arrivals at your hotel, sets a tone of professionalism and care that underpins the entire day.

Visiting Two Iconic Wineries

The tour typically includes visits to two wineries, such as Bodega Santa Julia de Familia Zuccardi, Bodega La Rural, or Bodega Carinae. Each offers a different flavor of Mendoza’s wine culture. For example, Bodega La Rural is known for its Wine Museum, offering a glimpse of the area’s historical machinery and production methods, which adds depth to the experience.

The guided tours inside these wineries reveal the art and science of winemaking, from grape harvesting to fermentation, often with a focus on Argentine varieties like Malbec. Tasting sessions last about 75 to 60 minutes, giving you ample time to savor and learn about the nuanced differences between wines.

Based on reviews, the tastings at wineries like Tempus Alba are particularly memorable, with one guest praising the “excellent wines” and “knowledgeable guides.” The opportunity to try local wines in the very place they’re produced is a genuine highlight.

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The Lunch Experience: A Feast with Spectacular Views

After the winery visits, you head to a third winery—most often Antigal, Bodega Bonfanti, or Hacienda del Plata—to enjoy a 3-course lunch with wine pairings. The typical meal includes a shared appetizer for two, a main course for each person, and a shared dessert, all served with a bottle of “Uno” line wine for every two guests.

Guests consistently rave about the quality of the food, with some describing the lunch as “amazing” and “exceptional.” The view of the vineyard while dining is often cited as a memorable part of the experience, elevating the meal from just sustenance to a visual feast. Whether it’s the serene rows of vines or the distant mountains, the setting provides a true sense of place.

While some reviews mention the lunch can feel a bit rushed, most agree that the food and wine pairing makes up for it. The emphasis on great local wines and fresh ingredients demonstrates the tour’s commitment to authentic Mendoza cuisine.

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The Overall Experience: Authentic, Educative, and Delicious

The combination of guided visits, private transportation, and gourmet lunch creates a well-rounded day that balances education, relaxation, and indulgence. Guests often leave feeling more knowledgeable about Argentine wine, having tasted a variety of styles and learned about the local production methods.

One reviewer summed it up: “The tastings were really good, and the lunch with tasting in Antigal was exceptional.” That focus on quality—both in wine and food—is what makes this tour a value for anyone wanting to truly understand Mendoza’s wine scene.

What Could Be Better?

While the overall experience is highly praised, some travelers mention feeling a little rushed at the last winery, with only about 75 minutes in total. If you prefer to linger longer over wine or explore the vineyard at a slower pace, you might find the schedule somewhat brisk.

Plus, the cost of $220 per person might seem steep for some, but considering the private transport, expert guides, multiple tastings, and gourmet lunch, many agree it’s a worthy investment for wine lovers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who value personalized service, want to learn about Argentine wines, and enjoy spectacular scenery. It’s perfect for first-timers to Mendoza but also appeals to seasoned wine enthusiasts eager to expand their palate and knowledge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an intimate, educational, and delicious way to explore Mendoza’s legendary vineyards, this tour hits all the right notes. The private setting ensures flexibility and comfort, while the focus on authentic wine experiences makes every sip meaningful. Plus, the lunch with vineyard views is the perfect way to cap off a day of wine discovery.

For travelers who appreciate guides with local expertise, enjoy stunning mountain vistas, and want a full taste of Mendoza’s wine culture, this tour offers fantastic value. It’s not just about drinking wine — it’s about understanding, appreciating, and savoring one of Argentina’s most celebrated traditions in a setting that’s both beautiful and intimate.

FAQ

How long is the tour and what does it include?
The tour lasts around 7 hours, including visits to two wineries, a delicious 3-course lunch at a third winery, and private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is the tour private or part of a group?
This is a private group experience, so you’ll have the undivided attention of your guide and driver, allowing for a more personalized and flexible day.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample Argentinian wines, likely including Malbecs and other local varieties, at each winery during guided tastings.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can communicate your preferences with the guide beforehand, and they can tailor the experience to some degree.

What about the lunch?
The lunch includes a shared appetizer, a main course, and a shared dessert, paired with a bottle of “Uno” wine per two guests. The setting offers spectacular vineyard views.

Are the winery tours educational?
Yes, guides provide insights into wine production, vineyard management, and the history of each winery, making it a great learning experience.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through vineyards and wineries. Bring your sunglasses and camera for the views, and a light jacket if it’s cool in the morning or evening.

Exploring Mendoza’s wine country through this private, guided tour offers a perfect blend of learning, tasting, and scenic beauty. It’s a memorable way to deepen your appreciation for Argentine wines while enjoying the relaxed pace and stunning landscape.