Fernwayer’s Mendoza Tours

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Andes, Mendoza is Argentina's premier wine region, where sun-drenched vineyards produce that world-renowned Malbec – some of which you’ve likely sipped in your own backyard or at your favorite restaurant. However, there’s more to Mendoza than its signature wine.

Our philosophy is to center the people behind the vino and illustrate how wine fits into the bigger picture. We do this by partnering with Experience Makers who introduce you to local producers who are adopting innovative practises or following time-honored traditions passed down through their family. As wine is just one component of the Argentine dining table, you’ll also learn about the importance of bread, olive oil, and other locally-made items – and experience firsthand the modern traditions of Mendocinos. 

Walk alongside a local apiculturist and his winemaker son, learning how they live off the land. Experience the thrill of an asado (Argentine barbecue) 2,000 meters above sea level, paired with wine with these high-elevation valleys. Sip wine (or mate) with a ceramacist while creating your own piece. Ride into the Andes sunset with a gaucho then warm up with fireside wine and story sharing.

Our curated food, wine, and adventure experiences in Mendoza take you to the heart of Wine Country. Branch out from the typical tour by indulging in a Malbec pairing with alfajores and chocolate. Spend a morning at a family smallholding learning about their bespoke wine and honey-making methods. Feel part of the family at an intimate home asado where you’ll don an apron and play a crucial role. Ride into the Andes at sunset on horseback alongside a gaucho.

Explore our essential Mendoza tours below and browse all Mendoza experiences here.

The Human Edit

Need help planning your trip? A Fernwayer curator takes your preferences and designs a custom travel itinerary that works. This is human-led travel planning — by someone who understands the art of travel itinerary design — built around your dates and preferences. Each personalized itinerary uses Fernwayer experiences as anchors and complements them with recommendations for flights, hotels, restaurants, and self-explore ideas.

Book a Human Edit

Food and Wine Tours

Our food and wine tours connect with the people behind the products. A local wine expert takes you to unsung wineries in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú to try varieties that rarely leave the country. In place of the typical cheese pairing, you will use chocolate and alfajores (cookies) to unlock the flavors of local Malbecs. Forego tourist trap restaurants and savor Argentine asado (barbecue) at a private family residence.

Craft Tours

Not all Mendoza experiences take place in the vines. Slow the pace at an intimate workshop with an artist as you create your own mate gourd or decorative piece over local wine, mate, and pastries. Pick up special mementos from your time in Mendoza on a shopping tour of boutiques and markets where you’ll converse and learn the story behind their art.

Nature Tours

Get closer to the mighty Andes Mountains on an excursion to the foothills. Saddle up and let a gaucho guide you deep into the valleys on a sunset horseback trek before setting down around the fire for meat, wine, and storytelling. Rise 2,000 meters above sea level on a scenic journey to the border with Chile, stopping for wine and food and learning about local customs.

Mendoza Neighborhood Guide

Luján de Cuyo

Known as the “cradle of Malbec,” this wine region sits south of Mendoza Centro at altitudes of 900–1,100 meters above sea level. Days are warm—hot in summer—and nights are significantly cooler. These alluvial soils produce plush, fruity, elegant Malbecs, as well as excellent Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Luján de Cuyo is Mendoza’s most classic and historic region, home to many pioneering wineries. Chacras de Coria has evolved into a trendy hub for dining and boutique design hotels, making it a top contender for where to stay in Mendoza. Recommended experience: Mendoza: Uncorked & Unscripted

Maipú

One of Argentina’s oldest winegrowing areas, Maipú lies at lower altitudes of 600–900 meters above sea level and has a slightly warmer climate. This area produces approachable, fruit-forward reds—Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah—as well as remarkable olive oil. Traditional, family-run bodegas are common here, making for a more authentic experience, especially in the Lunlunta sub-division. The Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia traces the heritage of viniculture and viticulture in Mendoza. Recommended experience: Chocolate Over Wine in Maipú

Uco Valley

Southwest of the city and rising to altitudes of 1,600 meters above sea level, the Valle de Uco is Mendoza’s most prestigious region. Cooler temperatures and high-elevation sunlight create structured, aromatic wines, particularly high-end Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc—yes, Mendoza also produces exquisite white wines! Subregions like Tupungato, Tunuyán, and San Carlos offer distinct terroirs and some of Argentina’s most acclaimed wines. Zuccardi stuns with its architecture while Bodega Salentein also has an art gallery on-site.

How many days should I spend in Mendoza? We recommend a bare minimum of three full days in Mendoza. This allows a combination of visiting wineries, partaking in outdoor pursuits, exploring the city’s shops and plazas, and factoring in time for poolside relaxation. If you are a wine connoisseur, consider staying five days. This lets you dedicate one full day to each of the three wine regions with additional time for the other suggested activities.

How do I move around effortlessly? The central part of Mendoza City is walkable, with Uber/Cabify services available for longer distances. Luján de Cuyo and Maipú have lovely cycling infrastructure for short distances. The best way to explore the surrounding wineries and beauty spots is with a local guide and private driver. This way, you can enjoy wine tastings and sumptuous lunches, and benefit from the support of a bilingual guide. 

Is Mendoza safe? On the whole, Mendoza is a very safe travel destination. The main risk is pickpocketing and petty theft in Mendoza Centro, so we recommend being cautious about flashing valuables in public areas. Carry a small bag for essentials and take care when using your smartphone on the street.

Do I need to speak Spanish? While any effort to communicate in Spanish will be warmly appreciated, there is a high percentage of English speakers in Mendoza. Hotels and restaurants usually have English-speaking staff on reception and most wineries offer tours in multiple languages. The only exception to the rule applies to smaller wineries and guest houses, where you may need to rely on an app such as DeepL or Google Translate as a means of communication. These apps are also useful when dining at local eateries and cafes, or when making purchases from market vendors. 

When is the best time to visit Mendoza? Spring (September-November) and fall (March-April) bring the most pleasant conditions to Mendoza. The weather is warm and comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Fall carries the additional perk of harvest season (Vendimia) which brings out sensational hues and sees wineries host special activities. The summer months are incredibly hot, particularly in January and February, and can lead to fatigue. We’d recommend pacing a summer trip to Mendoza carefully and allowing extra time to unwind by the pool and take your time over long lunches. Winter (June-August) is the quietest time to visit Mendoza and some wineries operate reduced schedules. The snow-capped mountains are a delight and ski resorts are open.

Does Mendoza observe siesta? The city of Mendoza does observe siesta, which means restaurants and shops are often closed during the afternoon, usually between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This doesn’t impact wineries, as long lunches are typically consumed during this window. Mendocinos tend to booksend the siesta with an early lunch and a merienda (afternoon snack), before heading out to dinner at 9:00 PM at the earliest. Restaurants tend to open for the dinner service at 8:00 PM. 

How far ahead do I need to book winery tours and restaurants? Mendoza’s most popular wineries and restaurants book up early during spring, summer, and fall. We recommend making reservations several weeks ahead of schedule to avoid disappointment. This particularly applies to the Uco Valley.

Is there a dress code at Mendoza’s wineries? You’ll want to adopt a “neat and tidy” dress sense when visiting Mendoza’s wineries and fine dining restaurants, particularly if you intend on having lunch there. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear jeans and sneakers – comfort is key – providing they fall under the smart-casual dress code. Flat footwear and sun protection are essential. 

Can I drink tap water? Mendoza’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink, especially if you have already acclimatized to the mineral content during your time in Buenos Aires. A small glass of sparkling water is usually served alongside a coffee in a restaurant and staff will be happy to serve either tap water (“agua de la canilla”) or bottled water. The dry environment, high altitudes, and frequent sips of wine can soon leave travelers feeling dehydrated so regular water consumption is crucial.

What is mate? Mate (pronounced MAH-teh) is a caffeinated herbal infusion made from dried yerba leaves. The leaves are tipped into a gourd which is topped up with hot water from a thermos and sipped through a bombilla straw. Argentinians consider it a ritual, and sharing mate with friends and family is an everyday occurrence. You’ll spot locals drinking it in parks and drivers sipping mate as they drive you to the wineries. 

Should I leave a tip? While not mandatory, it has become the norm to pay an optional “propina sugerida” of 10 percent in restaurants. It is best to leave any gratuity in cash form (Argentine pesos), either by leaving it on the table or handing it to your server as you leave. There’s no obligation to tip taxi drivers unless they helped with heavy baggage or went the extra mile. As an all-inclusive marketplace, tipping is never expected on Fernwayer’s wallet-free experiences.

How can I pay for items? Argentina’s economy experiences high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates. There are several exchange rates within the country: the “official” exchange rate and the “blue” exchange rate being most typical, although there are more niche exchange rates too – some apply specifically to credit and debit cards. Rates change very fast so you’ll want to monitor the latest rates ahead of travel and during your trip. As ATMs in Buenos Aires have low withdrawal limits and high fees, travelers are recommended to carry a strong currency such as United States Dollars or Euros which may be exchanged at casas de cambio. Note that many offices only accept crisp, unfolded, and unmarked bills. Sending money to a Western Union branch is another reliable way to procure cash within the country at a favorable exchange rate.