Mendoza
Sip and savor Argentina’s Culinary and Wellness Scene


Mendoza is a modern Argentine city with a colonial charm, world-renowned for its premier wine country. Situated
between the Andes and the wide-open pampa, Mendoza is also an access point to two main wine valleys, Valle de Uco
and Lujan de Cuyo. Some of the nation’s best restaurants are close by as well, so you’ll be indulging in the world’s
finest steak paired with just the right Malbec in no time.
For foodies and travelers looking to sip, dine, and sit back and enjoy gourmet gastronomy and both modern and rustic
vineyards with awe-inspiring mountain backdrops, Mendoza makes for the perfect South American destination for
luxury, gastronomy, and relaxation. Discover it all on a captivating wine tour in Argentina.
Luckily for visitors, the climate and terroir conditions close to Mendoza make it fabulous for not only grapes but also olives. These are two elements integral to nearly every meal, with antipasti-style appetizers, and olive oil gracing many menus. One of the most notable restaurants near Mendoza is 1884, where Argentine chef Francis Mallman (of Chef’s Table fame) cooks his rustic Argentine food with a nod to both gaucho (Argentine cowboy) and European influences that have made it what it is today.
The region that’s now called El Calafate was first inhabited by an indigenous group known as the Tehuelche people. After horses were introduced to this community, Argentinian gaucho culture became more widespread. Soon, there were several estancias in the area which continue to operate today. If you want an immersive cultural experience, book an overnight stay in one of these estancias to see what life is like for the Argentine gaucho.
Surprisingly to many, Mendoza is a thrilling destination for adventure-seekers. From hiking to horseback riding, white water rafting to parasailing over the Andes or climbing the nearby mountains- Mendoza makes for the perfect home base whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed itinerary or if you want to weave in an adventure or two amongst the days of sipping wine and basking in the sun. For the really adventurous, we challenge you to climb South America’s highest peak at nearby Aconcagua, which reaches 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) above sea level.
Aconcagua National Park and the Mendoza river in close proximity to Mendoza make for a perfect location for travelers to enjoy nature activities in between wine tastings and Michelin-starred meals.
When it comes to luxury, self-care, and unwinding in style - few destinations do it as well as Mendoza, where numerous hotels, spas, and wellness programs have emerged in the last decade, providing travelers with luxury relaxation experiences that leave them feeling rejuvenated and pampered. From full hammam spas to thermal baths, customized spa treatments, and more - Mendoza is Argentina’s premier destination for a wellness getaway.
But, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Although your luxury trip to Argentina will be hand crafted by a
team of Kuoda experts, we recommend taking inspiration from a few model itineraries! Decide how you want to
experience the passion of Argentina, and prepare for your own private luxury vacation, curated with Kuoda!
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Embark on a luxury tour of Argentina, where history sings in the streets and modern life flows with excitement. Learn about…
Experience a luxury tour of Argentina exploring the most beautiful landscapes and serene natural scenes. Develop a deep…
Experience a luxury tour of Argentina exploring the most lavish parts of this passionate nation. Learn about Argentina’s…
Spring (October, November) and fall (March, April) are warm, crisp, and bursting with colors, and around 70 degrees
Fahrenheit. During this time, winery activities are bustling, and outdoor adventures are in peak season. The season is
also appealing because it is when the northern hemisphere is normally experiencing a chilly winter.
Wine Tasting The first and foremost reason most travelers find themselves in Mendoza - the incredible wine scene. Mendoza is most famous for its world-renowned Malbec wines, as it is an excellent place to grow grapes for wine, and a great majority of all Argentinian wine comes from this region. It is a pristine region ideal for wine due to its high elevation, dry climate, and mineral-rich soil. As you embark on tours and tastings, you’ll be swept away by the glorious panoramic views of the Andes Mountains.
Go Olive Oil Tasting While in Argentina exploring the authentic food specialties, many overlook the fact that the Mendoza province is one of the largest olive oil producers in the country. Often referred to as “green gold”, there are many olive farms and oil producers throughout the region that let you observe the process of making extra virgin olive oil, including educating you more about the history, as well as an olive oil tour and tasting. As South America’s largest producer of extra virgin olive oil, you don’t want to miss olive oil tastings in Mendoza.
Horseback Riding in The Andes See more of the mountains outside of Mendoza on horseback. Ride through the vineyards or explore the Andes while learning more about the history and the terrain of the area, while enjoying snacks and sips like mate (the local, hot herbal drink of choice) and biscuits along the ride. Watch the sunset over the Andes while getting a taste of the gaucho lifestyle. Usually, horseback riding is combined with a wine-tasting experience. In Lujan de Cuyo, you can horseback ride at Bodega Norton, Cavas Wine Lodge, or Nieto Senetiner.
Relax in the Cachueta Thermal Spa Argentina’s only natural grotto sauna and spa is just a stone's throw away from Mendoza, making it the perfect day trip from the region, and the best way to spend time further relaxing on your luxury Argentina vacation. Overlooking the breathtaking Andes Mountains, the experience here is more luxurious than it is rustic. When you arrive, you’ll be given a robe, lounge chairs, a mudbath, and lunch with the option to purchase an additional massage.
Visit Mount Aconcagua Mount Aconcagua is a popular hiking and climbing destination in Argentina, and it’s the tallest peak in South America. You can get to Mount Aconcagua in about 3 hour's ride from Mendoza. The road is narrow, winding through the Andes, but it’s easy enough to follow. Mount Aconcagua is considered one of the ‘Seven Summits,’ the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Climbing the Seven Summits is a legendary mountaineering challenge. Although, you don’t need to be an expert to visit Mount Aconcagua. There are short and easy walking trails that are just as beautiful.
Siete Fuegos From world-renowned chef Francis Mallmann, Siete Fuegos is a beef-focused restaurant set within the Vines Resort and Spa in Mendoza’s stunning Uco Valley wine country. Named after a series of different open-flame cooking techniques (the seven fires), the restaurant serves local, seasonal ingredients such as slow-grilled ribeye steak, salt-encrusted baked salmon, and grilled seasonal fruits. With a terrace dining room encompassing both indoor and outdoor tables, overlooking the vineyards and distant mountains, it is a truly romantic and special spot at which to dine. Since the restaurant is set on a private vineyard, there is a wide selection of boutique wines to enjoy too.
1884 Traditional Argentinian staples meet an elegant indoor/outdoor setting in 1884, widely regarded as one of the most renowned restaurants in Mendoza. The menu has many Argentine-inspired dishes, cooked over fire in chef Francis Mallmann’s signature Siete Fuegos style, and more than a few are large enough to share. Favorites include lechón or young pork chivito, or baby goat, and an incredible salted chicken that is cooked in a huge outdoor wood stove. And don't pass up an opportunity to have the ojo de bife for two. Starters are a must here as well. Be sure to order provoleta, empanadas, burnt carrots, and pear with burrata cheese. You will definitely want to bring your appetite for this meal.
Casa Vigil Winery restaurant Casa Vigil is a feast for the senses: sit outside in its verdant rural surroundings on a beautiful day, a glass of homegrown wine in your hand. ‘Mi casa es tu casa’ is the bodega’s motto, an ethos apparent in the team’s generous hospitality – the only difference being, the food isn’t this good at home. A worthy entry point is the five-course lunch with paired wines, which, following guests being treated to a tour of the vineyard, showcases the likes of flavor-packed ribs, ossobuco, cacao ravioli and gnocchi expertly prepared using the finest of local produce. The accompanying bins are all carefully selected to enhance each course. Return for a 10-course dinner extravaganza – and be sure to leave room for the seriously impressive cheese board.
Entre Cielos For oenophiles looking to sip where they stay, Entre Cielos is a hotel and vineyard perfect for a getaway to Argentina’s famed wine country. The rooms are styled in full 5-star décor, and have elegant contemporary design with terraces. Local specialties can be enjoyed at the scenic restaurant. Wine tastings can be arranged in the living room. Entre Cielos brings the first traditional Turkish hammam to Latin America. The luxe spa, combined with vineyard and mountain views, plus upscale dining and an outdoor pool make for the perfect wellness getaway. The property also organizes tours such as horseback rides, vineyard tours, and outdoor activities such as trekking or river rafting for a side of adventure on your relaxation getaway.
Cavas Wine Lodge At the base of the Andes, this Relais & Châteaux property connects guests with the majestic natural surroundings and celebrates the incredible vintages coming out of the Mendoza region, home to more than 900 wineries. Between tastings, guests enjoy horseback riding, biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, and meals at the on-site restaurant, which has a daily-changing dinner menu that highlights the bounty of Mendoza. At the end of the day, visitors retire to elegant rooms with private plunge pools, soaking tubs, and fireplaces that make the most of indoor-outdoor living.
Finca Alagisa In a small town on Mendoza’s wine route lies boutique hotel Finca Adalgisa, where the Furlotti-Moretti family has tended the Malbec vines for three generations. The result is a pretty, rustic stay in a restored, turn-of-the-century farmhouse. Fine diners book gourmet breaks here for tapas-themed cookery lessons, olive oil and wine tastings, and sizzling carne from the traditional asado. The hotel’s charm lies more in the scenic vistas seen through your room window, and in the surrounding area, but rooms in the Old House by the pool are the prettiest and most historic. Ask for a room with a terrace, so you can watch the sunset melt behind Andean summits.
Casa Antucura Casa Antucura is an idyllic eight-suite wine lodge with majestic views of the Andes Mountains. Located in the heart of the Uco Valley, the farmhouse-inspired boutique hotel is a remote getaway for relaxing and contemplating Mendoza’s beauty. Characterized by elegance and refinement, the country home was built for guests to enjoy the picturesque working vineyard and its fine wines. Peruse the lodge’s art collection and expansive second-floor library, which features more than 7,500 multilingual books amassed by the hotel’s French owner. Grab a book and curl up next to the fireplace in the luminous sitting room, or swim off jet lag in the large outdoor swimming pool. For relaxation, book yourself a treatment in the spa.
The Vines Resort and Spa Set on 1,500 pristine acres in the heart of the Uco Valley, the Vines Resort & Spa is a haven of laid-back luxury with a robust offering of culinary and wellness activities, winemaking endeavors, and outdoor adventures. The resort’s 22 spacious villas have ample indoor/outdoor living space, with wood-burning fireplaces, open-air fire pits, plunge pools, hot tubs, and private rooftop terraces with 360-degree views. Siete Fuegos, the resort’s signature restaurant, showcases open-flame grilling techniques mastered by Argentina’s acclaimed chef Francis Mallmann. The fitness center and yoga studio look out to the Andes, while three miles of running trails weave through the property’s vineyards.
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