Overview of Argentina Wine Tour
It is early evening, and winemaker Sebastian Zuccardi is tending to wine enthusiasts who have come to taste his Bonarda label and better understand the nuances of this seductive red grape variety. The wine is aromatic, complex, and refined; the setting is similarly perfect: a restaurant terrace with unrestricted views of the snow-capped Andes mountain range – serrated blades of rock and ice that separate Argentina from its Chilean neighbor.
This is Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous and influential wine region. Its capital, the tree-lined city of Mendoza itself, is recognized as one of the world’s eight Great Wine Capitals, an accolade it deserves. Less than 2 hours flight from Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, Mendoza is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, an exotic mix of mountains, lush oases of green, and arid semi-desert.
However, for many years, the wines were quietly consumed domestically until the 1990s, which saw a remarkably rapid change of pace for what is now the world’s ninth-biggest wine producer. After prolonged inertia, old cellars were rejuvenated, and glamorous new ones were built with outside investment. As a result, modern Mendoza, and indeed wider Argentina, is a wine tourism paradise. The two most essential sub-regions – Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo – are places where one encounters some of the world’s highest vineyards. The altitudes at which Argentine vineyards flourish would be unthinkably high in Europe: from 700 to 1,400m, and even up to 3,015m in the northern province of Salta. A winemaker’s paradise indeed.
Despite the undeniable appeal of Argentina’s wine regions, there is far more to this luxury destination than the grapes alone. With its enticing blend of extreme landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, Argentina offers much and asks little. Buenos Aires is a case in point, a city of such architectural splendor (not to mention legendary nightlife) and diversity that many visitors never wish to leave. And so it’s a cliché, sure, but a cliché that works for this multifaceted country: there is something for everyone in Argentina.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Bespoke VIP tours of leading wineries
- Stay in Argentina's finest hotels
- Private Driver Guide
- Taste Argentina's best wines
- Experience the majesty of the Andes first-hand
Unveiling Your Customized Wine Adventure: Explore Your Tailored Itinerary
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Buenos Aires
Welcome to Argentina
- Hotel Hub Porteño
- Wine Tasting Dinner
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
Bienvenidos! Your Argentine adventure starts here in Buenos Aires, South America’s most dynamic and thriving metropolis. Your chauffeur will escort you on the brief journey to your luxury accommodation in the city’s heart. It is no exaggeration to say the Alvear Palace Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. You’ll have plenty of time to settle in and unwind in the most prestigious settings.
Your next port of call is the southern districts of Buenos Aires – your private chauffeur will take you on a fascinating journey through the city’s beating heart, including a relaxing boat ride. Marvel at the architecture and the vibrancy – you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and take photos.
But the fun is only just beginning. After you’ve had time to relax and enjoy the hotel, we’ve organized an exclusive wine tasting at one of the city’s most upmarket restaurants – Trescha. Your sommelier will take you on a guided tour of Argentina’s viticultural landscape, paired with gourmet delicacies selected to match each wine. Legendary chef Tomás Treschanski, trained in the Basque Country, will be in charge, so you’re in safe hands.
After dinner, the choice is yours. Return to your hotel for a digestive, or explore Buenos Aires’ most lively and captivating barrio (district) – Palermo.
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Buenos Aires
Cooking class, gourmet lunch and Tango
- Hotel Hub Porteño
- Full breakfast, cooking class lunch with wine, Dinner & Show with wine
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
Today, we have an excellent set of in-store experiences, including a bespoke cookery class at another city’s leading restaurant. After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will whisk you to the next destination, Tierra Negra, for your gastronomic adventure. We hope you’re ravenous, as after the ‘lesson’ you’ll be enjoying a feast of Argentine flavors and textures, including Papines Andinos Picantes (spicy Andean potatoes) from the north of Argentina and Alfajores de Maicena, which are traditional sandwich biscuits filled with Dulce de Leche (caramel) and side-coated with shredded coconut. Dangerously moreish, guests always ask for seconds and thirds! Naturally, only the best Argentine wines will be served with your meal.
After lunch, you’ll probably want to relax and take in the sights before tonight’s performance – the legendary Argentine dance, Tango. We’ve selected Gala Tango, Buenos Aires’ premier destination for Tango, renowned for its elegant period architecture and sophisticated charm, to host your enchanting evening – with its period architecture and refinement, Gala Tango is effortlessly glamorous and chic. Marvel at the sophistication and energy of this traditional dance movement while enjoying gourmet cuisine and matching wines. It simply doesn’t get any better than this.
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Mendoza
City tour & Luxury Wine Lodge
- Cavas Wine Lodge
- Full Breakfast, Dinner with wine
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
Today, your driver will take you to the airport for the next stage of your trip – Mendoza. We hope you’ve enjoyed Buenos Aires, as, after a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be flying to the wine capital of South America. Utterly stunning, the wider Mendoza region has an enviable diversity of grape varieties (don’t just think Malbec, Argentina is no one-trick pony!) thanks to mid-19th-century immigration from Spain and Italy. Mendoza represents a viticultural paradise; superlative Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and more are all up for grabs.
However, first, we’d like you to get acquainted with Mendoza. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to the heart of the city for a VIP guided tour. Founded in the 16th century, modern-day Mendoza offers a feast of delights, including charming street cafes that beg to be explored.
After lunch, it’s time to travel to your next destination Cavas Wine Lodge, renowned as one of Argentina’s most luxurious wine lodges. Spend a few hours relaxing before a memorable dinner at the restaurant, where only the best seasonal ingredients are used. Beautiful views and fine wines await!
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Lujan de Cuyo Valley
Matervini, Bodega Benegas and Susana Balbo Wines
- Cavas Wine Lodge
- Full Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
After a gourmet breakfast at your hotel, we’ve prepared an itinerary that takes in 3 of the most renowned wineries in the region. First is Santiago Achaval’s Matervini Winery – working with winemaker Roberto Cipresso, Achaval is celebrated for his singular expression of Malbec from a unique terroir in Mendoza. Enjoy a VIP tutored tasting before heading to the next port of call, the legendary Bodega Benegas. The family has been in the wine business since the 19th century – in 1883, Don Tiburcio Benegas founded the Trapiche winery. Today, their modern, elegant wines are a fitting poster child for the new face of Mendoza, the highlight being Benegas Lynch. Trust us, this is a tasting you won’t want to miss.
Finish in style at the legendary estate of ‘Susana Balbo Wines,’ a project started by the first female winemaker in Argentina. Susana Balbo’s skills as a winemaker are unrivaled, as you’ll discover during the tasting, but even better is the 5-star cuisine served at the signature restaurant. Classical dishes updated with pizazz for the 21st century are paired with an enviable selection of Susana Balbo wines.
After lunch, your driver will return you to your hotel to freshen up and relax before dinner.
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Valle de Uco
Corazon del Sol, Sophenia, and Andeluna
- The Vines
- Full Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Gourmet Dinner with wine
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
This morning, you’ll have the chance to visit one of Mendoza’s most glamorous and fascinating sub-regions – the Uco Valley. The size of the vineyard has more than doubled since 2001, attracting domestic and international interest. Your driver will collect you from the hotel, and soon, you’ll arrive at Corazon del Sol (the heart of the sun), a winery owned by Dr. Madaiah Revana, a heart surgeon based in the US. High-altitude vineyards produce wines of impeccable balance and freshness – after a tutored tasting, your driver will take you to Bodega Finca Sophia, another important address. Roberto Luka founded this spectacular winery at the foot of the Andres, offering a distinctive terroir and remarkable views.
Lunch is at Bodegas Andeluna, your final destination for the day. Enjoy a VIP tasting, superlative cuisine, and impeccable service, which is typical of the hospitality of this beguiling region.
After a delicious long lunch, your chauffeur will transfer you to Los Sauces, where your luxury accommodation awaits. It is a stunning property with service to match. Indeed, the hotel was named in Condé Nast’s 2014 Hot List of the 33 best new hotels in the world (among many other awards), for good reason. Check in, relax, and enjoy a mouth-watering dinner. The views are magical, and the wines are no less memorable.
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Lujan de Cuyo Valley
Domaine St Diego, lunch at Terrazas de los Andes and Melipal
- The Vines
- Full Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
Buenos Dias! A leisurely breakfast awaits at your boutique hotel before your driver sets off for Domaine St Diego, founded by a super-star winemaker, Ángel Mendoza. Only a very limited amount of wine is made, complex, age-worthy bottles that owe their charm to the magic of the Lunlunta terroir. Your tutored tasting will reveal all.
Continuing that theme, we’ve organized another fantastic VIP tour and tasting at Melipal, a winery renowned for its mountain scenery and memorable wines. Situated just twenty minutes from the city of Mendoza, the property is utterly idyllic, a mosaic of vines, willows, olive trees, and gardens. It’s almost enough to distract you from the informative tutored tasting!
We hope you’re hungry, as lunch will be served at Bodega Terrazas de Los Andes, a historic winery that just so happens to boast the finest restaurant in Lujan de Cuyo. Owned by the Chandon group, your hosts will prepare a veritable feast with the finest wines that money can buy.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax at the hotel before another memorable dinner with matching wines.
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Salta - Lerma Valley
Guided tour of historic Salta
- Legado Mitico Salta
- Full Breakfast, Lunch with wine
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
After a sumptuous breakfast, get ready to pack your bags as we’re taking you to Salta. Your driver will arrive in plenty of time for you to catch a short flight to the Lerma Valley, located in the northwest part of Argentina. Another guide awaits, and you’ll have plenty of time to check in at your luxurious hotel and relax over lunch before enjoying a private tour of the city. Salta was founded in the 16th century by a Spanish conquistador, Hernando de Lerma, who created a settlement in 1582.
Today, it is a vibrant town and the capital of the Salta wine region. A stunning variety of scenery and topography awaits, including temperate valleys, tropical forests, and the high-altitude Andean desert. Vineyards stretch over 3,200 ha (8,000 acres) and thrive at remarkable altitudes, a quintessential hallmark of Argentine viticulture. Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tannat, Bonarda, Barbera, and Tempranillo are the principal grape varieties you’ll be dealing with.
However, we suggest taking the afternoon off from wine tasting – instead, we have prepared an extensive guided tour of the beautiful architecture of Salta, finishing with a trip to MAAM – the High Mountain Archaeological Museum. Consider the splendid exhibits before returning to your hotel to relax and enjoy the high-class amenities – perhaps aperitif by the pool? Dinner is at your leisure, but we have a few suggestions in your keepsake itinerary book.
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Salta to Cafayate
VIP tasting at Bodega Yacochuya
- Patios de Cafayate
- Full Breakfast, Vineyard Lunch with wine
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
“Sometimes, it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” Aubrey Drake Graham’s aphorism certainly comes to mind today, as your 3-hour journey to the celebrated Bodega Yacochuya is as unforgettable as the wines. Marvel at the scenery of La Quebrada de las Conchas ( canyon of the shells) before your tour begins at Yacochuya, a winery founded by Marcos Etchart. His collaboration with French oenologist Michel Rolland has paid great dividends, earning this boutique winery a formidable reputation in Argentina and abroad. Their signature Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon blend is one of the finest in Argentina, as you’re about to discover!
After your VIP experience, why not have lunch today in Piattelli? A winery owned by US serial entrepreneur Jon Malinski, the winery is realizing his long-standing dream to make world-class wines in Argentina. After a tour, tasting, and lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley, we think you’ll agree that Piatelli is in a class of its own.
A well-earned siesta in your hotel is then surely called for, or perhaps some time by the pool? Check in, relax, and unwind.
Later, your driver will take you to El Esteco, a historic vineyard founded by two French brothers in 1892. Situated in the most idyllic settings, El Esteco specializes in producing small volumes of organic wines, a growing movement across Argentina. The tour and VIP tasting are guaranteed to be memorable. When ready, your driver will take you to the on-site hotel for a glass of bubbly. Dinner is at your leisure, although the hotel’s signature restaurant comes highly recommended.
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Cafayate
Wine Tasting at Bodega el Porvenir
- Patios de Cafayate
- Full Breakfast, Picturesque Lunch with wine, Wine Bar Dinner
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
Your final full day in Cafayate will be packed with gourmet cuisine, delicious wine (of course), and cultural enrichment. After breakfast, we invite you to take a leisurely stroll around the hotel’s vineyards before we take you to a small family-owned vineyard, Bodega El Porvenir, for a special tasting.
The Romero family, who bought the property in 2000 and built their house in the middle of an old vineyard called Finca El Retiro, started the project, which has significantly increased in size due to years of expansion and growth. Today, the wines continue to win global pundits – The Wine Advocate awarded the 2011 single-vineyard Malbec 92 points in its latest issue. And as your VIP tutored tasting will demonstrate, this is praise well-earned.
After your tour, we suggest lunch at Estancias de Cafayate. As you’d expect, the views are fantastic – the culinary artistry on display is even better.
The afternoon is then free for you to relax by the pool, or perhaps horse-riding or cycling takes your fancy? Whatever you decide, remember to work up an appetite for your dinner at ‘Bad Brothers,’ Cafayate’s best restaurant. A vibrant, trendy wine bar and restaurant, Bad Brothers is regarded by the magazine Wine Enthusiast as one of the leading destinations in Argentina for great food, wine, and hospitality. It’s bound to be a memorable evening, with the Calchaqui Valley providing the views and the owners serving bottle after bottle of delectable wines.
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Cafayate - Colomé
Colome's Wine 'First Growth
- Estancia Colome
- Full Breakfast, Lunch with wine Pairings
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
It’s your final full day in Salta. To leave on a high note, we’ve arranged for you to spend the day at Colomé, the region’s unofficial ‘First Growth.” This is a truly spectacular property, not least because it boasts some of the highest vineyards in the world. Founded in 1831 in Salta’s northern province, it is Argentina’s oldest continually producing winery. Indeed, Colomé is thought to have been established by the Spanish Governor of Salta, Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi y Echalar.
Your VIP experience starts with a winery tour and an informative tasting led by Colomé’s in-house sommelier. The region’s signature grape varieties, Malbec and Torrontés, flourish in their sustainably farmed vineyards. As a treat, you’ll also be tasting Colomé’s most exclusive wines, including Altura Maxima.
Lunch is served! Colomé’s boutique hotel and renowned restaurant offer the utmost culinary excellence, as you’re about to discover, along with award-winning wines. Your table is on the delightful terrace, affording only the best views as you marvel at the exquisite dishes and excellent wines.
After lunch, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the on-site museum, dedicated to James Turrell, the renowned light and space artist – a natural fit for the landscape. What a perfect end to your day.
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Colomé to Salta airport
Transfer from Colomé to Salta airport/depart
- None
- Full Breakfast
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Driver
We’re sorry to say that your Argentine adventure is drawing to an end. Take the time to bid farewell to Colomé before your chauffeur returns you to Salta Airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. However, the final leg of your journey is spectacular, encompassing the famous Cuesta del Obispo and Cardones National Park. We hope to see you again soon. Buen Viaje!
More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
Cellar Tours
Welcome to Cellar Tours, the premier Luxury Travel Specialist since 2003. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate food and wine vacation experience, with exclusive Mercedes chauffeured tours that showcase the best of local cuisine and wines.
Our team specializes in crafting bespoke, custom-designed vacations, events, and incentives tailored to your unique tastes and preferences. Travel is not just about seeing new places - it's about creating unforgettable memories and indulging in the finer things in life.
As members of Slow Food, OTAVA (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals), we promote sustainable tourism and support local communities. We work closely with top-rated hotels, restaurants, and wineries to provide you with the highest level of service and attention to detail.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, let Cellar Tours be your guide. With our passion for food and wine, extensive knowledge of local culture, and dedication to exceptional customer service, we're confident we can exceed your expectations.
Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation – we can't wait to hear from you!