Mendoza: Malbec Winery Tour & Barrel Tasting at Tierras Altas

Summary

Malbec tasting in Mendoza’s vineyards and underground cellars

You’ll walk Mendoza’s vineyards with a glass in hand, taste Malbec right from steel tanks and oak barrels at Tierras Altas, and share laughs with locals who really know their stuff. The cool cellar air hits different after the sun outside—and you’ll remember those flavors long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We pulled up to Bodega Tierras Altas just outside Mendoza, and honestly, I was still brushing dust off my shoes from the drive. The place doesn’t try too hard—it’s just there, surrounded by vines and that sharp blue sky you get in Luján de Cuyo. Our guide, Lucía, handed us glasses right away (not complaining) and led us through rows of Malbec grapes. She showed us how the soil changes even within a few steps—some bits almost sandy, others heavy and dark. I tried to imagine picking grapes under that sun; it’s hotter than it looks.

Inside the winery, it smelled like steel and something sweet—fermenting fruit maybe? We stopped at these huge tanks where Lucía let us taste young wine straight from the tap. It was colder than I expected and kind of raw, if that makes sense. She explained how they use only stainless steel here before anything goes underground. My friend tried to ask about the machinery in Spanish but mixed up “uva” with “uva pasa”—Lucía laughed and said we weren’t getting raisins today.

The best part was heading down into the cellar. The air changed instantly—cooler, damp, almost quiet except for our footsteps echoing past rows of oak barrels stacked against stone walls. We tasted Malbec again, this time drawn right out of a barrel. It felt richer somehow, or maybe I was just caught up in the moment. There was this long table where we sat together for a bit; nobody rushed us. I still think about that silence and how different wine can taste when you’re sitting underground like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Winery tour and wine tasting

• Arrive at Tierras Altas winery
• Guided tour of the winery
• Walk through vineyards with wine glass
• Learn about vineyards and grape harvesting
• Tour steel tank room and fermentation process
• Taste wines from steel tanks
• Visit underground cellar and oak barrels
• Wine tasting including barrel tasting

Top questions

How far is Bodega Tierras Altas from Mendoza city?

It’s located in Luján de Cuyo, just a few kilometers from Mendoza city.

Is wine tasting included on this tour?

Yes, several wine tastings are included during the visit.

Do you get to taste wine directly from the barrel?

Yes, there is a tasting directly from an oak barrel in the underground cellar.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is mentioned as part of this experience.

Are children allowed on this winery tour?

Infants and small children can join but must not participate in tastings; minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Is pickup included for this Malbec Experience?

No mention of hotel pickup is provided; check availability when booking.

Can you reach Bodega Tierras Altas by public transport?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tours through both vineyard and winery spaces at Bodega Tierras Altas, multiple Malbec tastings (including straight from steel tanks and barrels), plus plenty of time to chat with your local guide while soaking up Mendoza’s vineyard atmosphere before heading back on your own schedule.