Meeting Argentine Winemakers

Bright sunshine, an average temperature of 25 degrees, a glass of Malbec in hand; and beyond the glass, a dreamlike landscape: vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see at the foot of the Andes! It is in the heart of this idyllic setting that you will meet several winemakers and discover their wineries in Mendoza and Salta. From small boutique vineyards to renowned estates like Michel Rolland’s, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of Argentina’s wine regions while immersing yourself in the culture and landscapes of the Argentine Altiplano.

A French-speaking guide will accompany you throughout this tour.

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires & city tour

Meet and greet at Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle.
Service provided by an English-speaking guide.

Tour of Buenos Aires (half-day).

You’ll drive down 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world, dominated by the Obelisk, the symbol of Buenos Aires. You’ll pass the Teatro Colón and then arrive at the famous central square, Plaza de Mayo, home to buildings such as the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Cabildo, and the Cathedral.

You’ll end your day in the picturesque neighborhood of La Boca, a gathering place for painters, tango dancers, and singers. Return to your hotel after the tour

Overnight stay at Casa Calma in a Superior Room (STD).

Included: arrival transfer, arrival transfer with an English-speaking guide, (private) tour, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast

Day 2: Tour of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires City Tour (half-day).
Your day begins with a tour of the Recoleta neighborhood, known for its many colonial-style houses, many of which were once the homes of historical figures.

Next, a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery, where many celebrities, writers, and politicians are buried.

You’ll continue your tour through the Palermo neighborhood and take a leisurely stroll through Tres de Febrero Park. Return to your hotel after the tour.

Overnight stay at Casa Calma in a Superior Room (STD).

Included: (private) tour, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast

Day 3: Buenos Aires – Mendoza – Luján de Cuyo – Cooking class

Departure from your hotel and transfer by private vehicle from Buenos Aires to AEP National Airport. Domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza.

Domestic or international airport, depending on schedules and availability.

Private car transfer from Mendoza Airport to Chacras de Coria.

Cooking classes

How about making some famous Argentine empanadas and enjoying some Argentine beef at sunset amidst the vineyards?

In the early evening, you’ll meet the chef at Villa Mansa, who creates one-of-a-kind dishes using fresh, local ingredients. You’ll put on your apron and start preparing a traditional Argentine meal: Mendoza-style empanadas, beef with chimichurri sauce, and more. It’s a fun, social experience that will give you a chance to learn about Argentine traditions and hear some interesting stories about the ingredients.

Dinner paired with a wine from Mendoza.

A unique overnight stay at Villa Mansa Wine Hotel & Spa in a luxury barrel called the “Cuvée Suite.”

Included: departure transfer, departure transfer with an English-speaking guide, airport taxes, domestic flight, arrival transfer, room & breakfast, cooking class, dinner.

Day 4: Wineries and wine tastings in Luján de Cuyo

You’ll set off for Luján de Cuyo on a semi-private tour (maximum 10 people), accompanied by an English-speaking wine expert. You’ll visit prestigious wineries where the winemakers and oenologists themselves will guide you, sharing their passion and offering tastings of their finest wines.

You’ll start with a tour of Finca la Anita. You’ll be welcomed by Soledad Vargas, the estate’s winemaker since 2010. This is your chance to taste her latest vintages—both from the barrel and from the tank—including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and the famous Syrah, the estate’s true flagship wine.

Next, you’ll head to Domaine Saint-Diego, one of Mendoza’s most charming vineyards, where the renowned Ángel Mendoza produces organic and sparkling wines. His vineyard is one of the few in Mendoza to be cultivated on terraces. Ángel is an iconic figure in Argentine viticulture—a veritable walking encyclopedia and a true character.

Next, you’ll visit Ver Sacrum. Eduardo Soler will welcome you personally at his stunning Maison La Cayetana. As he shares stories about the estate, you’ll taste the Geisha de Jade, an elegant Roussanne-Marsanne blend in the Rhône style. The table is set under the pergola or right next to the fireplace in winter, so you can enjoy local cuisine made with organic produce from the garden. Return to Mendoza in the late afternoon.

A unique overnight stay at Villa Mansa Wine Hotel & Spa in a luxury barrel called the “Cuvée Suite.”

Included: admission to the sites listed in the itinerary, guided tour (as part of a group tour), lunch, wine tasting, room & breakfast.

Day 5: Wineries and wine tastings in the Uco Valley

You’ll head to the Valle de Uco on a semi-private tour (maximum 10 people), accompanied by an English-speaking wine expert, to explore this new wine-growing paradise far from the tourist crowds.

An exclusive first-ever tour of the estate of one of the world’s leading wine consultants: Michel ROLLAND. An undisputed pioneer in the production of Argentine wines and a consultant in more than 13 countries, he has influenced the quality of wines in wine-growing regions around the globe and now opens the doors to his winery for you.

Located in the prestigious vineyards of "Clos De Los Siete," this winery brings together the most modern winemaking technologies at the foot of the Andes. During your visit, you will taste a white wine straight from the tank and its flagship "Val De Flores" directly from the barrel, as well as two bottles from the famous "Mariflor" range.

Piedra Negra is the very first winery in the Uco Valley, located on the sublime terroir of Chacayes. Its expertise has been guided from the very beginning by the renowned Lurton family, which for over 22 years has been producing exquisite white wines from eclectic and rare grape varieties in Mendoza (Tokaj, Pinot Grigio, Viognier…) as well as very elegant red wines.

You will then head to Tupungato Divino, tucked away in the middle of nowhere, where you’ll enjoy Chef Jennifer Sosa’s refined and authentic cuisine at the foot of the Andes—a magical stop to round out the day. Return to Mendoza in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay at the Postales Hotel Boutique Valle de Uco in a standard room.

Included: admission to the sites listed in the itinerary, guided tour (as part of a group tour), lunch, wine tasting, room & breakfast.

Day 6: Daniel’s Estancia

This morning, you’ll set off in a small Spanish- and English-speaking group to visit Daniel, a true gaucho. You’ll start by experiencing the authentic Argentine mate ritual and enjoying delicious sopaipillas (fried pastries) with Daniel’s family. Once the horses are saddled, you’ll embark on a 2-hour horseback ride through the Andes mountain range.

You stop for an asado at an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters, enjoying an incredible view of the Andes and Lake Potrerillos.

You’ll continue the ride for two hours before returning to the estancia. The scenery is breathtaking. Nature is in full bloom, and you’ll spot guanacos and condors, among other wildlife. Return to Mendoza, arriving around 6:00 p.m.

Overnight stay at the Postales Hotel Boutique Valle de Uco in a standard room.

Included: coffee break, guided tour (group tour), horseback riding, lunch, room & breakfast.

Day 7: Uco Valley – Mendoza – Salta – City tour of Salta

Transfer to the airport by private vehicle and domestic flight from Mendoza to Salta.

Meet and greet at Salta Airport and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. Half-day walking tour of the city.

Salta, the capital of the province of the same name, is located at an elevation of 1,187 meters at the foot of Mount San Bernardo. The city of Salta was founded on April 16, 1582, by Hernando de Lerma. Colonial-style houses stand side by side with modern buildings. Among the historic buildings, you can visit the 19th-century cathedral and the Cabildo, which houses the picturesque Historical Museum of the North.

You’ll climb Cerro San Bernardo to enjoy a panoramic view of Salta. Next, you’ll visit the recently opened and fascinating MAAM (Museum of High-Altitude Archaeology), which features mummies discovered at altitudes of over 6,000 meters.

Overnight stay at Delvino Boutique Hotel in a "Superior" room.

Included: departure transfer, airport taxes, domestic flight, arrival transfer, admission to the sites listed in the itinerary, guide fees, room & breakfast.

Day 8: Salta – Quebrada de Escoipe – Cachi – Molinos – Estancia Colomé

We depart by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide to reach the small colonial village of Cachi, located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, about 150 km from Salta. We pass through spectacular landscapes: the Quebrada de Escoipe, a deep, steep-sided gorge where lush green forests contrast with the ochre-colored earth; the barren mountains of the Cuesta del Obispo; the Piedra del Molino Pass at 3,600 meters; and finally the Los Cardones Regional Park, with its arid lands dotted with candelabra cacti…

Cachi is a peaceful Indian village with low, whitewashed houses, dominated by the 18th-century San José Church with its carved cactus wood roof. We visit the small archaeological museum, which houses beautiful collections of pre-Inca and Inca pottery, particularly from the Santa Maria culture.

We will visit the Mira Luna vineyard and take part in a tasting of wines typical of this arid region: here, the wide temperature range and the altitude are two factors that make the wines unique.

The Miraluna winery offers wines with great character, thanks to an explosive blend of fruits. The winery is very small and has managed to retain its charm and authenticity; however, it possesses the expertise and technology to produce the finest high-altitude red wine. Amidst the vineyards, enjoy a moment where time seems to stand still in the vast landscape at the foot of the Andes, accompanied by a glass of wine. (Wineries are subject to change.)

We then head to the small village of Molinos, founded in 1659. There, you’ll discover the majestic church and the elegant farmhouse of Isasmendi, who was the last governor of the city of Salta.

Continue on to Bodega Colomé.

Visit to the Colomé Estancia. The estate covers 39,000 hectares and dates back to 1831. It is known for its wine, as well as for the James Turrell Museum of Modern Art, named after the Californian artist who creates artworks that play with light. Admission to the museum is included.

Overnight stay at Bodega Colomé in a room with a view of the garden and vineyards.

Included: English-speaking guide, guide fees, private transportation, room and breakfast, admission to the sites listed in the itinerary.

Day 9: Estancia Colomé – Quebrada de las Flechas – Cafayate – Cafayate Vineyards

We’ll depart by private vehicle for Cafayate, traveling through the majestic “Quebrada de las Flechas,” surrounded by a mysterious lunar landscape. White dunes signal our approach to Cafayate, the largest town in the Calchaquí Valleys, whose economy is based on winemaking.

Cafayate, located in the heart of the Calchaquí Valley in the province of Salta, is internationally renowned for the quality of its wines, its mild climate, the friendliness of its residents, and the beauty of its landscapes. You’ll explore the village’s narrow streets and central square.

Visit to Bodega El Esteco, founded in 1892 by French immigrants. You will also take part in a wine tasting at the winery.

Overnight stay at the Patios de Cafayate Wine Hotel in a standard "Galería" room.

Included: private transportation, wine tasting, room & breakfast.

Day 10: Cafayate Vineyards

Make this a day of relaxation. You’ll enjoy a tasting of red, rosé, and white wines and sample traditional local dishes such as empanadas and asado.

You’ll start your day with a visit to the Vine and Wine Museum: You’ll learn about the history of winemaking in the region and the varieties of wine grown at high altitudes.

Your day will continue with a tour of wineries and wine tastings.

 

Tour and tasting at Bodega Piattelli: The Piattelli Group owns wineries in Agrelo (Mendoza) and Cafayate, located in Argentina’s two main wine-producing regions. In 2002, Jon Malinski opened his first winery in Mendoza, and today the group uses state-of-the-art technology to produce its wines. The winery produces red, white, and rosé wines made from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontés.

Tour and tasting at Bodega Porvenir to learn about the winemaking process, explore the vineyards, and discover the region’s terroir and various grape varieties. You’ll also take part in a tasting.

Lunch included at Bodega Piatelli, tasting menu.

Finally, we’ll invite you to create your own wine at the Bad Brother restaurant in Cafayate with the help of a sommelier.

Overnight stay at the Patios de Cafayate Wine Hotel in a standard "Galería" room.

Included: admission to the sites listed in the itinerary, private transportation, room and breakfast.

Day 11: Cafayate – Salta Airport – Buenos Aires

This morning, we headed back to Salta, passing through the “Quebrada de las Conchas,” which undoubtedly offers some of the most spectacular scenery in northwestern Argentina: towering, semi-desert mountains with multicolored rocks sculpted by erosion.

A spectacle that nature has been creating for centuries—one that will take your breath away!

Return trip to Salta and transfer to the airport (approx. 195 km, 3.5-hour drive) for the domestic flight from Salta to Buenos Aires.

Meet and greet at Aeroparque National Airport (AEP) in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle.

Overnight stay at the Patios de San Telmo Hotel in a superior room.

Included: private transportation, airport taxes, domestic flight, arrival transfer, room & breakfast.

Day 12: Buenos Aires – Tango Lesson – Milonga Night

Free day in Buenos Aires.

Suggested itinerary:
Early in the morning, head to the San Telmo neighborhood—known for its antique shops—to stroll through its many galleries and covered arcades. Every Sunday, a famous open-air flea market takes over the entire neighborhood. During the week, you can visit the covered market. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Private tango lesson in a dance studio with Carolina.

Carolina is a French-speaking tango instructor; she’ll be happy to teach you the basics of tango and share some stories about tango culture in Buenos Aires.

Milonga Evening: Step into the world of tango dancers as you walk through the doors of one of the capital’s most beautiful milongas. Accompanied by Carolina, you’ll learn about the history of tango and the unique customs of the Argentine milonga.

Overnight stay at the Patios de San Telmo Hotel in a superior room.

Included: private tour, admission to the sites listed in the itinerary, private transportation, room and breakfast.

Day 13: Buenos Aires – Ezeiza International Airport

Departure from your hotel and transfer by private vehicle from Buenos Aires to EZE International Airport.

Included: departure transfer

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