Mendoza: Catena Zapata Winery & Casa Vigil Lunch with Private Driver

Catena Zapata tasting and Casa Vigil lunch in Mendoza with private driver

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Mendoza for an intimate day of wine tasting at Catena Zapata’s iconic pyramid winery before savoring a three-course lunch at Casa Vigil paired with Los 3 Enemigos wines. Expect sensory moments (music during tastings, earthy scents in the air), and genuine conversations with locals along the way. It’s less about checking boxes than soaking up what makes Mendoza’s wine country feel alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Winery tour and lunch experience

• Private chauffeur picks you up
• Visit Catena Zapata Winery
• Enjoy wine tasting at Catena Zapata
• Visit El Enemigo Winery
• Have 3-course lunch with wine pairing
• Private driver returns you to hotel

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the hush inside Catena Zapata: that kind of quiet you only get in big, cool buildings before the crowds show up. Our driver (I think his name was Martín?) picked us up right from our place in Mendoza city, and I remember the car smelled faintly like eucalyptus. The drive out to the winery was mostly us gawking at vineyards and trying to guess which mountain was Aconcagua. When we pulled up, that pyramid-shaped building looked almost out of place against all the green rows, but also… not? It’s hard to explain.

Inside, our guide Lucía greeted us with a smile that made me feel less nervous about my Spanish. She walked us through this “blending game”. I’m still not sure I nailed the difference between Semillon and Chenin, but it was fun pretending I did. The Malbecs were another story. Each one tasted just a little different, depending on which vineyard it came from. At one point they played music during a tasting, something classical, and for a second it felt like time slowed down. Not sure if it was the wine or just being there.

Lunch at Casa Vigil was next-level cozy. The place had this earthy smell: maybe woodsmoke or just the kitchen doing its thing. Alejandro Vigil wasn’t there that day but everyone talked about him like he’s some kind of local legend (which he probably is). We tried their Los 3 Enemigos wines with each course. Honestly, I lost track after the second glass but my favorite was this red that tasted like plums and something darker I couldn’t name. The staff didn’t rush us, so we sat longer than planned, just talking and watching how the light shifted across the garden outside.

On the way back to Mendoza, I dozed off for a bit in the car: blame it on the wine or maybe just feeling full and content. There’s something about sharing good food and wine with strangers who start to feel like friends by dessert. Even now, sometimes when I open a bottle at home, I get flashes of that afternoon sun on stone walls.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from your accommodation in Mendoza city by an air-conditioned vehicle, guided tastings at Catena Zapata winery (with blending games or music pairings depending on availability), followed by a leisurely three-course lunch paired with local wines at Casa Vigil before your driver brings you back to your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Saturday

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendly

Operated by Mr Winery

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

Is hotel pickup included for this Mendoza wine tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

How many wineries are visited on this day trip from Mendoza?

You’ll visit two: Catena Zapata Winery for tastings and Casa Vigil (El Enemigo) for lunch.

What wines are tasted at Catena Zapata?

The tasting includes several varietals such as Malbecs from different vineyards, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and sparkling Saint Felicien Nature, depending on availability.

Is lunch included at Casa Vigil?

Yes, a three-course lunch paired with Los 3 Enemigos wines is included at Casa Vigil.