Mendoza: Private Wine Tour Luján de Cuyo with Flexible Stops

Summary

Malbec tastings lakeside strolls and stories from local winemakers

You’ll wander Mendoza’s legendary Luján de Cuyo with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste Malbecs lakeside at Piattelli, enjoy lunch at Susana Balbo’s winery, and chat with real winemakers along the way. Flexible stops mean you can swap in Chandon for sparkling fans or linger longer where it feels right—just soak up the sun and let someone else handle the driving.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed our pickup because I couldn’t find my sunglasses (classic). Our driver just grinned when we finally tumbled into the van, Mendoza sun already sharp even though it wasn’t even 10am. The drive out to Luján de Cuyo was quiet at first, vineyards flickering past the window, but then our guide started telling us about how Malbec ended up here from France — apparently it’s a whole saga with frost and stubborn grandfathers. I liked that he didn’t rush the story, just let it spill out between sips of bottled water and the sound of gravel under the tires.

First stop was Piattelli Winery. There’s this lake right by the gardens — not huge, but enough to catch the light in a way that made me want to just sit there forever. We wandered through rows of vines, leaves still sticky from last night’s rain. The tasting was six wines (I lost count after four), including Malbecs from both Mendoza and Salta. You can actually taste the difference — or at least pretend you can if you’re like me. Our host poured slow and told us about her favorite vintage; she laughed when I tried to pronounce “terroir” like a local. I think I butchered it.

Lunch was at Susana Balbo’s place — she’s apparently Argentina’s first female winemaker, which is wild considering how old some of these bodegas are. The food was simple but so good, especially with their white blend (I know this is a Malbec region but trust me). We talked about football and family with one of the staff while waiting for dessert; he said his uncle used to pick grapes here as a kid. It felt less like a tour and more like being let in on something personal.

If you’re into sparkling wine, you can swap one stop for Chandon — we didn’t this time, but our guide said it’s easy to change things up depending on what you want. That flexibility made everything feel relaxed instead of rushed. By late afternoon, driving back toward Mendoza city with dusty shoes and that sleepy post-wine feeling, I realized I’d barely checked my phone all day. Still think about that lake sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit three wineries in Luján de Cuyo

• Visit Chandon for sparkling wine
• Tour and taste at Piattelli Winery
• Visit Susana Balbo Winery for tasting or lunch

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Mendoza wine tour?

The private wine tour includes visits to three wineries in Luján de Cuyo.

Is hotel pickup included in the private wine tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your day in Mendoza's wine country.

Can I choose which wineries to visit?

You can request specific wineries such as Chandon or others based on your preferences and availability.

Is lunch included during the day trip from Mendoza?

Lunch is included at Susana Balbo Winery or another selected winery depending on availability.

Are there options for sparkling wine tastings?

Yes, you can include Bodega Chandon for sparkling wine tastings if requested in advance.

What is included in transportation?

The tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water supplied.

How long does the private wine tour last?

The full-day experience typically covers morning pickup through late afternoon return to Mendoza city.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near some winery locations if needed after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout, hotel pickup in Mendoza city, guided visits and premium tastings at three selected wineries (with flexibility to swap stops like Chandon for sparkling fans), plus a leisurely lunch paired with local wines before heading back in the afternoon.