Mendoza

Wine + Culture Tour

Next Tours in Mendoza

There are no tours currently scheduled. Please check back in the spring for new dates.

Welcome to Mendoza

Mendoza is hot – literally and figuratively. Its nickname, “Tierra del Sol y del Buen Vino” – Land of Sun and Good Wine – tells us everything we need to know: Mendoza’s accommodating climate for grape-growing, along with several key movers and shakers in the wine industry, have made it the New World wine region on everyone’s Malbec-stained lips. La Dolce Vigna’s Mendoza Tour showcases the beautiful and diverse ways in which Malbec – Mendoza’s most well-known grape variety – expresses itself in the three main zones of Mendoza: Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco. But, don’t worry: we’ll taste many other wines and get to dine in fabulous restaurants, experience a proper asado (Argentine barbecue), explore Mendoza’s rugged landscape, and bliss out in one of the region’s best (and most intimate) wine lodges too.

Mendoza Tour Highlights

Each of our tours is designed to offer an authentic experience, where local traditions meet the pleasure of fine wine and rich heritage. From renowned wineries to charming villages, we’ll guide you through the people, places, and flavors that make every destination truly unique.

Guided wine tastings at boutique and historic wineries in all three main appellations during harvest

Horseback riding in the stunning natural scenery of the Pre-Andes

Argentinan Cuisine at its finest: delicious tasting menus at winery estates, a barbecue extravaganza, and locally-loved restaurants

Tango show and optional lesson

Private cooking class of Argentinian specialties

Unesco World Heritage Sites in Tuscany

(Starred Sites are on the Tuscany wine tour)

Cuisine of Mendoza

Tuscany is for meat and cheese lovers. Meals typically start off with antipasto plates piled with different salumi and cheeses, especially the locally-made pecorino. Pici, a thick hand-rolled spaghetti, are often topped with different meat ragus. Florentine steak (bistecca fiorentina) is found on the menus throughout Tuscany, as are other cuts of beef, rabbit, hare, wild boar, etc. However, vegetarians, do not fear! Wineries and restaurants have delicious non-meat options. The region embraces garden vegetables and make delicious soups such as the white bean and kale-based ribollita. And, for dessert, Tuscany is known for its cantucci biscuits (often dipped into a class of Vin Santo) as well as the hearty panforte di Siena packed with fruit and nuts.

Your Extraordinary Accommodations in Mendoza

We will stay in a luxurious wine lodge during our six days in Mendoza, surrounded by vineyards in the green oasis of Chacras de Coria.

What Clients are Saying About Us

Leslie successfully melded charming local personalities, culturally enriching experiences, and delightful regional foods and wines into a fabulous trip to beautiful and fascinating venues in Puglia and Basilicata.

— Lisa N.

WOW! What a fantastic trip. We were incredibly impressed with the planning and organization exhibited throughout the entire week. The wineries, winemakers and wine families who we were introduced to were nothing short of amazing and showcased the effort and passion that these families bring to their wines, year after year.

— Steve M.

The air is wine. The grapes on a score of rolling hills are red with autumn flame. Across Sonoma Mountain, wisps of sea fog are stealing. The afternoon sun smolders in the drowsy sky. I have everything to make me glad I am alive.

— Jack London

We just returned for the most amazing trip with La Dolce Vigna, and we can’t stop talking about it! Every day was filled with first-rate adventures. We couldn’t have been more pleased!

— Mary C.

Leslie makes magic happen! We’ve been around the world and no one can compare. She’s absolutely the best!

— Susan L.

We had an amazing adventure with La Dolce Vigna.. I’m not normally a tour group person but I’ve been converted. It was such a great balance of wine experiences and culture. We’re already looking at Leslie’s next tour listings.

— Kenneth S.

Traveling with La Dolce Vigna is amazing, pure magic. Leslie carefully planned and lead our group through cultural experiences, amazing food and moments I will never forget. She took all the worry and the stresses out of the trip, making it a fun and colorful vacation.

— Pamela G.

Flawless. Be ready for even more than you expected. Amber L.

— Steve S.

I saw Oaxaca in a unique way, meeting creative people, buying art, and savoring the culture. Leslie creates an amazing tour.

— Leah S.

The Oaxaca trip was perfect: a cross section of arts, history, food, Mezcal, friendship and a fantastic hotel. I can recommend this perfectly planned trip without any hesitation

— Susan I.

I am forever changed and grateful for my tour of Oaxaca with Leslie. Her beautiful connection to both Oaxaca’s people and its culture provided a tour that could never be matched!

— Mandy S.

Flawless. Be ready for even more than you expected

— Steve S.

Leslie is a natural curator of wonderful and thoughtful experiences—I had a fantastic time, learning lots about wine, cuisine and culture. I can’t wait for the next one!

— Yasmin F.

If you read through the itinerary for one of La Dolce Vigna’s tours and think it sounds fantastic, in actuality, it’s even better than that! Don’t hesitate. Just go!

— Allison O.

We just spent a full week with Leslie touring wineries, vineyards, olive groves and Mt. Etna. Lunches and dinners were always amazing with wine pairings, even a Michelin star restaurant. We highly recommend this tour and experience of Sicily.

— Marilyn W.

To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

My wife and I traveled throughout Europe for a over month, and our tour with La Dolce Vigna was our favorite part!

— Paul B.

My wife and I just returned from a week-long Piedmont trip with Leslie. We are not group tour people. We prefer to explore on our own at our own pace, but if every group tour was like hers, we’d do them exclusively. Fun, informative and relaxing – you can’t find a more enthusiastic, well connected host.

— Mike B.

Leslie knows all the special little nooks and crannies that you would never find on your own.

— Alison B.

Leslie introduced us to the most talented group of artisans and experts who welcomed us into there workshops and homes, I left feeling like I have made friends in Oaxaca.

— Amber L.

The adventure that Leslie put together for a group of seasoned wine lovers was much more than simply enjoying the world’s finest wines. It was filled with stunning places to see, meals of a lifetime and a spirit of fun and friendship.

— Michael M.

Just home from a great tour in the Veneto led by Leslie Rosa. Superb selection of winemakers and restaurants that gave us a great feel for the region and its food and wine culture. Leslie picked wonderful places to stay and built an impressive itinerary. And, Leslie is a fount of interesting information on the language and culture of Italy. This was my second trip with her; I highly recommend Leslie and La Dolce Vigna!

— Mike B.

“Leslie’s curated tour of Puglia and Basilicata was like stepping into a living painting. Breathtaking! The food and wine were absolutely outstanding, making each day a feast for the senses.”

— Amber L.

Mendoza Tour Details

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Day One

The first stop on our vineyard voyage is one of the three main wine appellations of Mendoza and the oldest: Maipú. It was here that the European immigrants established the first wineries in the region. We will visit two wineries in this area, and have a gourmet lunch at one of them. Following lunch, we will head to our hotel in Chacras de Coria, where we will have time to unpack and take in the beautiful grounds. Dinner will be near the town’s square, which hosts a weekly carnival and market on Sunday evenings.

Day Two

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will explore our last winery from the Maipú appellation, owned by a historic wine-making family from Mendoza. Lunch will be a tasting menu featuring the wines of a beautiful winery estate in Luján de Cuyo, the region's second main wine appellation. After lunch, we will visit one of the most striking wineries in all of Mendoza, architecturally-speaking, but also for the foresight and innovation of the family that runs it. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel, and I’ve arranged a tango lessons and a show for entertainment.

Day Three

Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible natural beauty that Mendoza has to offer. We will explore the foothills of the Andes on horseback under the canopy of Argentina's famous blue skies. A traditional asado will follow. Dinner this evening will be on your own. You will be provided with a list of restaurants in walking distance from our hotel.

Day Four

The time has come for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Enjoy a morning lounging by the hotel’s pool. In the afternoon, we will have a cooking class, in which we'll be taught to make empanadas, chimichurri and other local specialties. Dinner will be our own creations!

Day Five

Enjoy a late morning, perhaps choosing to sleep in or to wander the vineyards surrounding the hotel. We'll then depart for our hour drive to Uco Valley, the last of the three wine appellations in Mendoza which boasts high altitude vineyards responsible for elegant, fresh wines. Lunch will be at a winery that offers home-cooking served in a beautiful outdoor setting. In the afternoon, we'll visit another winery in the area with a beautiful estate. Enjoy the mountain views out your window as we return to our hotel. Dinner will be in nearby town.

Day Six

Before we head back to Mendoza's city center and bid each other adios, we will visit one last winery: the first bio-dynamic winery of the region. We'll tour the healthy vineyards and learn the interesting farming practices of this special estate. Our farewell lunch will be at Argentine chef Francis Mallman's restaurant 1884, famous for its wood-fired meat dishes—the perfect pairing for a glass of Malbec!

How many wineries will we visit? We typically visit 7 wineries on the tour. I’ve found this gives clients a great cross-section of the appellations, wine styles, etc. without over-doing it. We will also try wines from different wineries during meals.

I am not a wine expert; will I still enjoy the tour? You do not need to be a wine expert to enjoy this tour, but a curiosity or love of tasting new wines comes in handy! A little more than half the trip will be focused on wine.

What will the weather be like in February/ March? February temperatures are still quite summery, typically hovering in the 80s during the day. February evenings tends to drop down in the 70s. In March, temperatures begin to cool down, dropping to low 80s, upper 70s during the day. March evenings range from upper 60s-70s. Mendoza can ocassionally get rain in both February and March.

Does Mendoza have any good white wines? Yes! Mendoza may be known for its Malbecs and other bold reds, but it also has fabulous white wines. Torrontés is Argentina’s most famous white wine; it is grown more in the high altitude vineyards of Salta further north, however, many wineries in Mendoza have vineyards there as well and the wines are often included in tastings. Other delicious white wines from Mendoza: Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Fiano. Check out this blog post on White Wines from Mendoza HERE.

What is the food like in Mendoza? Mendoza is a meat-lover’s paradise. Different cuts of beef, pork and lamb are prepared in tantalizing ways, especially a la parilla (grilled). River trout is also a menu staple. However, vegetarians, do not fear! Wineries and restaurants always have delicious non-meat options. The region embraces South American produce like corn, pumpkin, tomatoes, and potatoes. And, for dessert, the heavenly dulce de leche makes frequent appearances. [Mouth watering.] Stellar chefs have made sure the foodie scene is very much alive in Mendoza!

What is the transportation for the tour? La Dolce Vigna works with local transportation companies that have luxury fleets. Tour vehicles are Mercedes Sprinters (or comparable) with extra space to spread out.

What is included? La Dolce Vigna believes in curating a complete experience for its clients. This means that winery visits, meals, activities, etc. are all hand-picked and included in your tour price to give you the best a region has to offer. With the exception of one meal (on occasion), everything during the tour period is included. For further details, you can visit La Dolce Vigna’s Terms page for the Mendoza Wine + Culture Tour.

Inclusions

Accompanying sommelier guide
Transportation + Driver from our meeting point to our farewell for all group activities
5 Nights luxury accommodations
6 Breakfasts + Lunches
5-6 Dinners with wine at famed restaurants and local Argentine spots
All guided wine tastings + activities (special events, private tours, guest experts, entrance fees, etc.)

Exclusions

Flight to and from Argentina
Travel expenses before and after the tour period
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Anything not specified as being included (If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!)

Requirements

You must be 21+ years of age.
You must be in good physical condition as your trip will involve walking, hiking, and other physical activities.
You must sign La Dolce Vigna’s travel agreement.

Wine Tour Details

In the months leading up to the tour, you’ll receive your confirmed itinerary, tips on what to pack, essays, articles + excerpts related to Mendoza, and a waiver form, which must be signed and returned to us prior to the tour.

Deposit + Cancellation Policy

A deposit of $1500 per person is required at the time of booking to guarantee your space. Balance of the full amount is due 90 days prior the tour start date. If there are still spots available less than 90 days prior to the tour start date, the full sum will be due upon booking.

All cancellations must be received in writing. If made 90 days or more prior to the tour start date, a refund less the deposit will be made. If made between 89-31 days prior to the start date, you will be issued a credit in the amount of 50% of the total cost already paid, less the deposit and any and all costs/fees that La Dolce Vigna, LLC has already paid third party vendors, such as room reservations, etc., towards future trips or services. No refunds will be made for cancellations made 30 days or less prior to the tour start date, nor for a cancellation made during the tour. We urge all clients to book travel insurance for their trip as we unfortunately cannot make exceptions for inclement weather or personal emergencies.

La Dolce Vigna reserves the right to cancel a tour. In this unlikely situation, you would receive a complete refund of your tour fees. La Dolce Vigna will not assume any other liability and is not responsible for any personal expenses as a result of a tour cancellation, such as airline tickets or personal hotel reservations.

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Day Six

Double occupancy
$ 5,400 / person

Single Supplement
$ 1,000

Inclusions

Accompanying sommelier guide
Transportation + Driver from our meeting point to our farewell for all group activities
5 Nights luxury accommodations
6 Breakfasts + Lunches
5-6 Dinners with wine at famed restaurants and local Argentine spots
All guided wine tastings + activities (special events, private tours, guest experts, entrance fees, etc.)

Exclusions

Flight to and from Argentina
Travel expenses before and after the tour period
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Anything not specified as being included (If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!)

Requirements

You must be 21+ years of age.
You must be in good physical condition as your trip will involve walking, hiking, and other physical activities.
You must sign La Dolce Vigna’s travel agreement.

Wine Tour Details

Deposit + Cancellation Policy

Meet Your Guide: Leslie Rosa

Sommelier + Owner of La Dolce Vigna

After a decade of working in the art world for eminent institutions and artists in New York and London, I moved to Italy, fell in love with the diversity of Italian wine and became a certified sommelier with the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. As an art-curator-turned-sommelier, I founded my company to offer trips that give an in-depth look at the history and culture of a particular region through the lens of local wine, spirits, and food. Over the years, my portfolio of trips has grown from Italy and California to include other places I love: Mendoza, Argentina and Oaxaca, Mexico and now Somerset, England. When not leading tours, you can find me doing pop-up wine tastings, writing for the Slow Wine Guide, or getting lost someplace beautiful with my watercolor set.

La Dolce Vigna Difference

Small Groups

Our tours are always limited to a maximum of 12 people to assure you an intimate experience.

Sommelier Guides

You will always have a certified sommelier guide to answer all of your wine-related questions on the road.

Family-Run and Historic Wineries

Our tours are centered around small, eco-conscious, family-run wineries that make truly outstanding wine, and are packed with cultural insights.

Foodie Central

Be prepared to eat. A lot. We've picked out amazing spots for you, from the small, loved-by-locals osteria to the Michelin-starred restaurant.

No Cookie Cutter Tours

Depending on the season and local events, we will custom organize the best and most insider experience for each group.

All-Inclusive

Rest assured that your tour price includes all meals (except one), activities, hotels, transportation from the moment we meet until our fond farewell.

Down Time

For those of you who have been on other group tours, you know what we're talking about. Part of living la dolce vigna is taking the time to truly savor your experiences and surroundings. We've built in time for you to do just that at your own pace and on your own terms. Long live slow travel!

Helping Others

Besides helping local, artisanal economies through visiting small wine and food producers, eating at traditional trattorie and staying at boutique hotels, a donation on behalf of each individual that takes one of our tours will be made to 10,000 Gardens in Africa, a Slow Food initiative aimed at cultivating sustainable and healthy communities throughout Africa.

Any Other Questions?

Looking for a Private Wine Tour of Italy?

Look no further! In addition to our intimate group tours, La Dolce Vigna curates private wine tours—with or without a guide—based on your dates, travel style and interests. We will open the doors to authentic experiences complete with exceptional food and wine, colorful personalities, warm hospitality, not-to-be-missed cultural sites and many, many photo-worthy moments. (Trust us.)