Mendoza, Argentina

Brien and I first explored the Mendoza wine region in October 2022 and left with a strong desire to come back. In March 2025, we returned with our first VINfluence group. The experience was so rewarding that we immediately knew we had to plan another tour.

 

The wines are impressive, but perhaps even more impactful is the passion of the winemakers, their focus on sustainable viniculture and their determination to take their place on the world wine stage alongside the most important wineries in the world.

 

Argentina is the fifth-largest wine producer in the world and the largest wine-growing region in Latin America. The country’s acclaim has been for red wine, predominantly Malbec, but the other reds, as well as the whites and bubbles, are equally impressive. Wine production started in Argentina as early as 1850, and this long history will be highlighted during many of our winery visits.

 

Mendoza is a wonderful place to explore and is one of the eleven great wine capitals of the world. Guests may wish to arrive a few days in advance to make their own discoveries, perhaps take a city tour or relax and soak in the ambience. The national grape harvest festival, Festival de la Vendimia, will be taking place during our visit, and there are many activities to enjoy during this period.

 

Our meeting point is Lares de Chacras, a small boutique hotel in the southern part of Mendoza. This highly rated hotel, located in Chacras de Coria, is extremely comfortable with friendly service and a tranquil atmosphere. Their in-house restaurant is amazing, and we will enjoy our daily breakfast and at least one evening meal there.

 

We’ll start our days slowly, allowing time for a lie-in, a walk, or a self-guided poolside relaxation session. Most days, we will head out to a winery for lunch, beginning with a tour and tasting, followed by a leisurely meal paired perfectly with the estate’s wines. On a few days, we will visit a second winery in the late afternoon.

 

Our first visit will be to Luigi Bosca Winery to enjoy their unique vineyard experience. This is one of the most interesting outdoor tastings we have ever participated in, a well-executed vineyard tour that offers a great introduction to Argentine viniculture. Lunch will be an asado, an excellent example of the famous Argentine outdoor mixed grill experience.

 

Not all winery visits have been confirmed, but stops are planned at some of the most prestigious in the region, including Catena Zapata — Argentina’s oldest family winery. In 2023, it was awarded the title of World’s Best Vineyard. The winery design is based on Mayan architecture, and its pyramid-like form is stunning against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

 

Clos de los Siete is also on the list of wineries to visit. It is the brainchild of the world-renowned winemaker Michel Rolland. This 850-acre estate in the Uco Valley, at the base of the Andes, is world famous. Mr. Rolland, along with three other Bordeaux families, has created an amazing enclave of wineries, with the collective expression of their passion being the highly regarded wine Clos de los Siete. The vines are grown at 1,200 meters (3,800 feet) in the foothills of the Andes, which is unusually high by European standards, but Mr. Rolland’s site selection has proven very wise. Also part of this estate is Bodegas DiamAndes, owned by the Bordeaux wine family Bonnie.

 

There are two wineries in the Uco Valley that have Canadian ownership: Bodegas Salentein and Zorzal Wines. Both have received prestigious awards for their wines and for the quality of the visitor experiences they offer.

 

Argentina’s first and most famous female winemaker is Susana Balbo. Her winery, Finca Dominio Agrelo, is located in Luján de Cuyo near Mendoza. It is a beautiful estate offering an exceptional visitor experience, including a cooking class led by her team of Michelin-starred chefs. The winery was named Winery of the Year in the Descorchados 2023 Argentina Wine Guide.

 

This is a 7-day, 6-night program, with ground transportation, accommodations, wine tastings, tours, cooking class, and meal costs covered. Airfare to Mendoza is not included. Pricing for this trip will be available in January 2026. Please reach out to indicate your interest, and we will hold a spot for you.