Horseback ride through vineyards followed by gourmet lunch

A horseback ride through southern Maipu, followed by a gourmet lunch at Club Tapiz, is a very Mendoza way to spend your day. I love the 90-minute horseback route through working vineyards and olive groves, and I love the multi-course BBQ lunch with wine pairings that turns the afternoon into something special instead of just another stop.

One possible drawback to think about: this plan is very weather and sun dependent. You are outside for the ride, so bring serious sun protection, and accept that, if conditions are poor, the operator may switch dates or refund.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group of 8 makes it feel personal, not like cattle on a schedule
• 90 minutes on horseback around Maipu, with vineyards, olive groves, and Rio Mendoza banks
• Club Tapiz lunch at Terruño brings the wine pairing portion into the meal, not as an afterthought
• Air-conditioned minivan transfers help you lose less time to driving and heat
• Vegetarian option available if you ask at booking

A horse ride plus a Club Tapiz wine lunch, the easy-going Mendoza combo

This is the kind of day trip that works even if you do not want an intense wine tour. You start with a calm horseback ride through agricultural Mendoza, then switch gears into a proper meal at a winery setting.

The best part is pacing. You are not rushing between five tasting rooms. Instead, you get a focused ride in the countryside, then settle into a multi-course BBQ lunch with wine pairings at Club Tapiz.

How the timing works, from Mendoza pickup to late-afternoon return

Most days start in Mendoza City. You can meet at Gral. Espejo 266, and the scheduled start time shows 10:00am. If you book hotel or hostel pickup in Mendoza City or nearby areas, expect pickup around 11am, then a drive of about 45 minutes to the stables in Lunlunta, southern Maipu.

At 12:00 midday, the horseback portion begins and runs about 90 minutes. After that, you head to Club Tapiz for lunch. You return by car to Mendoza City at about 4:30pm, arriving roughly 5:30pm.

This timing matters because it keeps the day compact. You still get a full meal and wine without losing your entire afternoon to transport.

Lunlunta stables and the 90-minute ride through vines, olives, and the Rio Mendoza

You travel to Lunlunta first, then meet your horse and your trail team at the stables. The ride itself is a guided loop around southern Maipu, and it includes vineyards, olive groves, and the banks of the Rio Mendoza.

Why this route works: it is not just scenery you look at from a bus window. You are moving through the places where the grapes and olives actually grow, at a pace that lets you pay attention. One common theme in the experience is how relaxed and “doable” the riding feels, since the horses are described as well cared for and friendly.

Also, it is guided, so you are not stuck guessing what you are seeing. Guides often share context on local geography, wine culture, and even day-to-day agricultural life, which makes the time feel longer in a good way.

Practical note: this is 1.5 hours outdoors. If you burn easily, dress like you plan to be in the sun for real, not just “for a bit.”

Terruño at Club Tapiz, the gourmet BBQ lunch with wine pairings

After the ride, the day shifts from countryside time to winery-lodge time. You go to Terruño, a restaurant within Club Tapiz, where you enjoy a multi-course BBQ lunch with wine pairings.

This is not a tiny lunch either. The format is described as a full sequence of courses, with paired wine served throughout. In particular, people talk about a meal that moves from starter to main to desserts, then closes with coffee.

And yes, this portion is the value anchor for the day. The tour price includes lunch with wine tasting and the alcoholic beverages that go with the pairings. So you can treat the horseback ride as half the experience and the lunch as the other half, without needing extra spending later.

If you are picky about food, the good news is that a vegetarian option is available. Make sure you request it at booking, so the kitchen can plan ahead.

What small-group touring changes on a ride like this

This is a maximum 8-person tour. That matters more than you might think on horseback.

With a small group, you get:

• easier pacing on the trail
• more chances to ask questions during the ride
• less waiting around when you mount and move between sections

The guides can be multi-lingual, and many days run with English and Spanish support. That makes the tour more than just “walk and eat.” You get explanations you can actually follow while you are watching the vineyards and olive groves roll by.

The crew is also part of the comfort. Multiple guide and staff roles get called out, including trail guidance and the restaurant team at Club Tapiz, which suggests you are not left to manage transitions on your own.

Transfers and comfort, how to lose less time between parts

Between the stables and the winery, you ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. This is a smart inclusion for Mendoza, where the temperature can shift and sun can feel relentless.

Also, coffee and/or tea are included. That is a nice touch if you want a simple warm drink during the meal, or if you are taking things slower after the ride.

One thing to note: breakfast and bottled water are not included. If you arrive hungry, grab breakfast before pickup. And if you like having water on hand from the start, plan to purchase it or bring your own (since bottled water is listed as not included).

Price and value, why $210 feels fair for what you get

At $210 per person for about 6 hours, the first question is: what are you actually paying for?

You are paying for:

• round-trip transport by minivan from Mendoza City
• the guided horseback ride (about 90 minutes)
• the full lunch experience with wine pairings at Club Tapiz
• coffee and/or tea, plus alcoholic beverages during lunch
• insurance included

When you look at it this way, the price starts to make sense. Many Mendoza experiences charge for transportation, then hit you again for tastings, then again for a meal. Here, the lunch and wine pairing are baked in, so you are not constantly “topping up” your spend.

Also, the group size is capped at 8. That means you are not paying premium prices for a giant bus day.

Practical tips that make the ride and lunch smoother

Here’s how to make the day feel easy, not stressful.

First, pack for sun. Even with a guided ride, you are outside for about 90 minutes, plus time waiting around during transitions. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are your friends.

Second, wear footwear that grips. You are on a horse, so comfy shoes with decent traction help you feel steady during mounting and while you settle into position.

Third, think about your meal. This is a multi-course lunch with wine pairings, so plan to hydrate earlier and avoid an empty stomach at pickup. Breakfast is not included, so you will want to start the day fueled.

Finally, if you have dietary needs, do the paperwork at booking. Vegetarian is available, and the operator specifically asks you to advise requirements ahead of time.

Who should book this, and who might want a different style of day

This fits best if you want a day that is:

• active but not extreme
• wine-focused without constant tastings
• countryside-oriented, with a real meal at the end

You would also like it if you prefer a smaller group and a guide who explains more than just prices. People mention guides talking about things like regional flora and fauna, geography, wines, and olive oils. That makes it feel like you learned something, not just ate and rode.

If you want a self-guided wine marathon, this likely will not be your first choice. This day is built around one ride and one winery-lunch moment, so it will not scratch the “visit five wineries back-to-back” itch.

Should you book this horseback ride and Club Tapiz lunch?

Yes, you should book it if you want the classic Mendoza mix of rural time plus a serious lunch, and you care about doing it with a small group. The small-group cap, the inclusion of wine pairings with lunch, and the fact that it is built as one smooth half-day flow add up to strong value.

I’d book with extra confidence if:

• you like countryside views from horseback, not just from a bus
• you want lunch at Club Tapiz rather than searching for a good meal later
• you are okay spending a couple hours outside in the sun

Skip it if you are hunting for a heavy wine-tasting crawl or you do not handle outdoor time well.

FAQ

How long is this tour?

It runs about 6 hours in total.

What time does pickup happen in Mendoza City?

Pickup is at 11am in Mendoza City or nearby areas. The scheduled start time listed is 10:00am at the meeting point.

Where do you ride, and how long is the horseback portion?

You drive about 45 minutes to stables in Lunlunta, southern Maipu, then ride for about 90 minutes around southern Maipu, including vineyards, olive groves, and the banks of the Rio Mendoza.

Is lunch included, and do you get wine with it?

Yes. Lunch is included and it is a multi-course BBQ lunch with wine pairings at Terruño, located at Club Tapiz.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, and you should advise the team at booking.

What is included, and what is not?

Included: lunch with wine tasting, air-conditioned vehicle transfers, coffee and/or tea, alcoholic beverages, and insurance. Not included: breakfast and bottled water.

What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.