Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza

Mendoza, Argentina, is famous worldwide for its exceptional wines, especially Malbec, and its vibrant olive oil industry. If you’re eager to explore the heart of this region’s gastronomic treasures, a comprehensive tour combining visits to local wineries and olive oil producers is a fantastic choice. For $130 per person, you’ll spend roughly 5 hours immersed in the sights, smells, and tastes of Mendoza’s main growing areas—Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized feel of the small group (maximum 12 travelers) ensures you get plenty of attention from guides and hosts. Second, the variety—it’s not just wine; you also explore olive oils, enjoy a multi-course gourmet lunch, and visit a vineyard with a centuries-old history.

One possible consideration? The tour’s itinerary can be affected if a guide or winery doesn’t arrive as scheduled, as noted in one review. It’s worth keeping in mind that flexibility can sometimes be necessary. However, most travelers would find this tour suits those interested in authentic, hands-on experiences, especially if they enjoy sampling regional products and learning about local traditions.

If you love discovering new flavors, want a well-rounded Mendoza experience, or seek a guided tour that balances education and enjoyment, this trip is an excellent pick.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: Combines wine tasting, olive oil sampling, and gourmet dining.
• Small Group Setting: Max 12 travelers for a more personal experience.
• Expert Guidance: Enriching stories and knowledgeable hosts enhance the visit.
• Beautiful Scenery: Stunning vineyard views and the backdrop of the Andes.
• Cultural Connection: Visits include traditional farms and eco-friendly vineyards.
• Good Value: The price includes multiple tastings, meals, and transportation.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

First Stop: Don Manuel Villafane Bodega

The tour kicks off at the Budeguer Winery in Agrelo, a well-regarded vineyard. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and winery, gaining insight into Mendoza’s viticultural practices. We loved the way the guide, possibly named Maxi, explained how local conditions influence the wines—learning about soil, altitude, and climate makes each sip richer.

What’s especially appealing is the chance to pair wines with local flavors. The tour emphasizes the aromas, textures, and flavors unique to Mendoza’s wines. One review mentioned a “wonderful combination,” which hints at the sensory journey you’ll undertake. Expect to sample a variety of wines, possibly including Malbec, often the star of Mendoza.

Second Stop: Olivicola Boutique Pasrai

Next, you’ll visit Pasrai, a renowned olive oil company. It’s fascinating to see how Mendoza’s climate lends itself to olive cultivation, just like grapes. Here, we enjoyed tasting a wide range of olive oils and derivatives, playing with different aromas and flavors—think fruity, spicy, and herbal notes.

This stop is not just about tasting; it’s an educational opportunity to understand olive growing and production, a significant industry in Mendoza. Reviews highlight that the sampling experience is playful and engaging, giving you a new appreciation for what goes into your olive oil bottle.

Third Stop: Vistandes Winery & Lodge

The third part of the tour takes you to Bodega Decero, where you’ll enjoy a five-course lunch paired with premium wines. The setting is truly picturesque, with the Andes Mountains providing a stunning backdrop, making the meal feel like a feast for the senses.

Guests often mention the delicious food and the informative wine pairing as highlights. This is where the tour truly elevates from a tasting to a complete culinary experience. Think fresh, local ingredients prepared with care, served alongside carefully selected wines.

Final Stop: Casa Bermellón

Our journey concludes at Casa Bermellón, a historic vineyard dating back to 1932, with a single hectare of Malbec planted since 1910. This farm is operated in an eco-friendly, traditional manner, with horse-drawn plowing and natural irrigation methods. Walking through the old vineyard, you get a sense of Mendoza’s agro-ecological roots.

The hosts share stories about the immigrant families—Italian, French, and Spanish—who shaped the land and its traditions. A reviewer expressed that Casa Bermellón feels like a “port-home” filled with cultural stories and aromas that evoke distant memories. Expect to learn about old-fashioned farming practices that still thrive today.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes pick-up service, making it convenient to start your day without worrying about logistics. Group size is limited to 12 travelers, fostering a relaxed and interactive atmosphere—perfect for asking questions and genuinely connecting with guides and hosts.

Duration and Pacing

Times vary from 30 minutes at some stops to around 5 hours total, giving you ample time to enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. This flexibility allows you to savor each tasting or story, making it more than just a quick snapshot.

Price and Value

At $130 per person, this tour offers solid value considering it includes transportation, multiple tastings, meals, and guided tours. Compared to doing all these activities independently, the convenience and expert insights make it a worthwhile investment.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews are glowing, praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and delicious food. One traveler called it a “great experience,” especially highlighting the wine maker’s excellent tour at Don Manuel Villafane. Another appreciated the friendly driver, Maxi, who made the day seamless from start to finish.

A few noted small hiccups—like a guide not arriving at one winery—which shows the importance of flexibility, but overall, the experience was positively received. The lunch at Casa Bermellón, in particular, was described as “beautiful,” with “good food,” and the entire journey as “exactly what we were looking for.”

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those interested in local culture. Given the small group size and personalized approach, it suits travelers who prefer more intimate, authentic experiences. It’s also perfect for those eager to learn about Mendoza’s olive oil industry and agro-ecological farming practices.

If you’re after a well-rounded day that combines tasting, sightseeing, and culinary delights, you’ll find this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate stunning vistas paired with delicious regional flavors.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your accommodation and transportation between stops, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, with each stop ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the activity.

Can I participate if I’m not a wine expert?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for all levels, with guides explaining things clearly and tasting sessions suitable for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

What’s the price?
The tour costs $130 per person, which covers tastings, meals, and transport. It’s a good value considering the scope of experiences.

Are children or non-drinkers welcome?
Most travelers can participate, but since the focus is on wine and olive oil tastings, it’s best to confirm if children or non-drinkers are allowed with the provider.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 12 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly and personalized atmosphere.

What’s the main highlight?
Many say the guide’s knowledge, the stunning vineyard and mountain views, and the delicious lunch make this a standout Mendoza experience.

If you’re visiting Mendoza and want a comprehensive, authentic taste of the region’s culinary and viticultural riches, this tour ticks all the boxes. It balances educational insights with sensory pleasures, all within a small, relaxed group setting. The inclusion of olive oil tastings and a traditional farm visit adds a unique touch that sets it apart from more typical wine tours.

The beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and delicious food and wines make this experience memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about Mendoza’s traditions, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Argentina’s rich agricultural landscape—and plenty of stories to bring home.

In short, this tour delivers a rich, rounded experience at good value. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore Mendoza beyond just tasting wine, seeking a genuine connection to the land, its people, and its flavors.