Reviewed · PALERMO

BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo

5.0 · 36 reviews 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $47 Operated by Tours Buenos Aires · Bookable on Viator
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When you want Buenos Aires food you can take home, this Palermo cooking class is a fun match. You’ll learn to make Argentine empanadas with a professional guide, and you get wine afterward. The teaching team can include names like Tomas, Carolina, and Daniela, all praised for strong, friendly instruction.

I like that it’s small, max 12 guests, so you get real coaching instead of standing on the sidelines. I also like that the tasting goes beyond one pour, with Malbec plus Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. One possible drawback: transportation isn’t included, and the plan includes wine tasting, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll get there and whether that part works for you.

Key points before you book

BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo - Key points before you book

  • Hands-on empanadas: You make your own Argentine empanadas with ingredients and an apron provided.
  • Small-group pace: Max 12 travelers, about 2 hours 30 minutes total, so you can keep up.
  • Wine tasting with Malbec and Cabs: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc after cooking.
  • Real local food talk: The guide shares context about Argentine food and regional wine culture.
  • Convenient location: Meet at Gorriti 4882 in Palermo, near public transportation.
  • Great for more than couples: Reviews also highlight solo-friendly and family-friendly vibes (with wine tasting still part of the experience).

A Palermo cooking class that gives you dinner plus skills

This is the kind of activity that makes sense on a trip where you want more than a meal. You get the comfort food payoff right away, but you also leave with a method you can repeat at home. The class is centered on authentic Argentine empanadas, and the setting is in Palermo at Gorriti 4882.

The biggest “why” is simple. Empanadas are everywhere in Buenos Aires, but knowing how they are built and why they taste the way they do turns eating them into a deeper experience. If you’ve ever eaten one and thought, I want to understand what makes this version different, this is designed for that moment.

Also, the small-group cap matters. With up to 12 people, the guide can check on your assembly and help you troubleshoot while you’re still in the process. That is how you end up with food you actually feel proud of, not just something you rushed through.

What happens during the cooking portion (and why it feels personal)

BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo - What happens during the cooking portion (and why it feels personal)
The session starts with you joining the group at the meeting point, Gorriti 4882. Then you get oriented and provided with an apron, plus the empanada ingredients you’ll need. From there, your professional guide walks you through making your own empanadas.

The exact recipe steps are not the point. The real value is that you are learning the practical basics as you cook, guided by someone who does this for a living. You’re not just watching a demonstration. You are handling ingredients, following directions, and working toward finished empanadas that you can taste as part of the experience.

From the reviews, one theme shows up again and again: the hosts focus on clear teaching and patient pacing. Tomas comes up with praise for being an expert teacher who also talks about regional food and wine. Carolina gets mentioned for being kind and knowledgeable, with the class feeling welcoming even if it’s your first time. Daniela is praised for making the whole experience feel like a relaxed afternoon where you learn and chat at the same time.

If you’re coming in with zero cooking confidence, that’s not a problem here. The class is structured for beginners to follow along. If you’re an experienced cook, you’ll still like it because you get to compare your habits to the way this is done locally in Buenos Aires.

Wine tasting after class, built around Malbec and Cabernet

BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo - Wine tasting after class, built around Malbec and Cabernet
After the empanadas, the tour moves to wine. The tasting includes Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. You get to try these wines as a set, not just one quick pour.

Why this part is worth your time: Argentine wine culture is a big deal, and Malbec is a popular entry point. But the more interesting angle here is the comparison. By tasting Malbec alongside the Cabernets, you get a better feel for how grape choice changes the flavor and structure.

The guides also use the wines to connect food and culture. In reviews, hosts are described as sharing wine education and pairing guidance, and talking about regional food and wine history. That means the tasting isn’t just sipping. It’s part of understanding why empanadas pair the way they do, and what people actually talk about when they bring up wine with food in Argentina.

Practical note: this is not a full winery tour, and it’s not a long tasting session either. It’s a focused add-on that fits the total running time of about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Timing and meeting point in Palermo, what to plan for

BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo - Timing and meeting point in Palermo, what to plan for
The experience starts at Gorriti 4882, C1414BJN, in Buenos Aires. It ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out where to go next.

It’s also described as near public transportation, which is helpful because transportation is not included. In other words, you’ll want to arrive with a simple plan: use transit, or confirm your ride timing if you’re going by car or app taxi.

Because the class includes cooking and then wine, I suggest wearing something comfortable and easy to move in. You’ll likely be standing and working at a station, and you don’t want to spend your time adjusting clothes or worrying about stains even with the apron.

If you’re visiting mid-afternoon, this tour can be a great way to break up the day. It’s long enough to feel like an experience, but short enough that you still have dinner plans after.

Small-group value at $47 per person

At $47 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for more than ingredients. You’re paying for:

  • A professional cooking guide
  • An apron and empanada ingredients
  • Wine tasting with Malbec plus two Cabernet varieties
  • A small-group format that supports real coaching

If you tried to replicate this on your own, you’d need a recipe, ingredients, cookware access, and someone to explain the method. Here, the structure is the value. It’s a fixed-time class with a host who can correct your approach before you’ve gone too far.

Another value factor: you’re not only eating. You’re learning and then tasting in the same setting. That combo is why people rate this so highly, including solo travelers and couples.

Who this class suits best

This tour fits several types of travelers well:

First-timers to Argentine food

If empanadas are on your must-eat list, you’ll get more satisfaction out of them by learning how they’re made. You’ll also likely feel more connected to the food scene when you can discuss it beyond flavor.

Food-and-wine fans

The tasting lineup is straightforward, and the education comes with it. Even if you’re not a wine expert, it gives you a guided way to taste and compare.

Solo travelers

Reviews highlight it as a good solo activity, including cases where people joined last minute and still had a good experience. With a small group, you’re less likely to feel lost or ignored.

Couples and friends

It’s social without being chaotic. You’ll cook side-by-side, then share the tasting afterward.

Families with kids, with one caution

One review mentions a family setting with kids who had a great time making food. Still, the tour includes wine tasting, so if you’re traveling with minors, it’s smart to confirm how the tasting part is handled for children before you go.

What to look for in a host, based on what works here

A cooking class lives or dies by the host. The strongest reports mention a few qualities:

  • The guide is friendly and patient while you cook
  • Instruction is practical and easy to follow
  • The host gives context about Argentine food and wine
  • The group conversation keeps things lively without dragging

Names that show up in praise include Tomas and Carolina, plus Daniela. There’s also mention of Lorde and Thomas. The takeaway for you is that the experience is built around real teaching and conversation, not just a silent cooking demo.

If you’re booking for someone who’s nervous about cooking, prioritize an experience like this where the guide is praised for making people feel at ease.

Things to consider before you book

A few practical points to think through:

You need to be comfortable with wine included

Wine tasting is part of the experience, and the wines listed are Malbec and Cabernet styles. If you don’t drink wine, you might still enjoy the cooking, but the tour format includes the tasting portion.

Transportation is on you

The tour meets at Gorriti 4882 and ends there. Since transportation is not included, plan your route based on where you’re staying.

It’s a short class, not a cooking marathon

Two hours 30 minutes is enough time to learn, cook, and taste, but it’s not a multi-day workshop. If you want hours of technique drills, you might prefer a longer course.

Should you book this empanada cooking class and wine tasting?

I think you should book it if you want a high-impact afternoon in Buenos Aires. You’ll get hands-on cooking, a small-group setting, and a focused tasting with Malbec and Cabernet wines. It’s a good way to understand Argentine food culture beyond just ordering off a menu.

You might skip it if you strongly dislike wine tasting or you’d rather do a pure food tour without any alcohol component. Also, if getting to Gorriti 4882 is hard for you and you don’t have an easy transit or ride plan, the “no transportation included” detail matters.

If you do book, aim to come hungry and ready to learn. By the end, you should be able to look at an empanada and say, I know what went into this, not just I enjoyed it.

FAQ

How long is the empanada cooking class and wine tasting?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the group size limit?

The activity has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the tour meet?

The start point is Gorriti 4882, C1414BJN, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What wines are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a professional tour guide, an apron, empanada ingredients, and the wine tasting.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included.

Are tips included?

No. Tips are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You get free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

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