Full Day Wineries in Maipu and Lujan : 2/3 Wineries + 1 Olive Tree

This private winery day in Maipú and Luján is interesting because you get a structured, full-day route across Mendoza’s wine neighborhoods, with a bonus stop on the olive side. I like the convenience of private transportation, and I really like how the day can be shaped around what you want to drink and see, with Marcos bringing that local touch. One thing to keep in mind, the winery entrance fees, wine tastings, and lunch are paid on site, so your total cost will depend on your choices.

Another reason this feels easy is the communication. Marcos stays in touch by WhatsApp and makes changes when plans shift, and the car is described as clean and ready to go. If your driver is Octavio, you get a calm, capable local who helps the day stay on track while you focus on tasting and taking in the countryside.

You’re looking at about 7 to 8 hours for the day, with pick-up in Mendoza and then round-trip returns to the start point. It’s for small groups, up to 4 people, and it’s private, so you are not sharing your schedule with strangers.

Key things to know before you go

• Private, air-conditioned transport with a water bottle, so the day stays comfortable
• 2 or 3 winery stops in Maipú and Luján, plus one olive tree stop for variety
• Marcos customizes the day based on what wineries you want, not a one-size-fits-all script
• Flexible lunch vs visit options, with entrance fees handled on site
• Easy English and smooth WhatsApp updates, which helps if you have questions or need timing tweaks

Maipú and Luján, plus one olive tree: the idea

If Mendoza wine is the main character, Maipú and Luján de Cuyo are two of its best supporting actors. This day trip keeps you in the wine zone without the hassle of figuring out logistics between stops. You get a full outing, not a rushed “grab a tasting and sprint” situation.

The real hook here is the mix. You’re not just going winery to winery. You also include one olive tree stop, which gives your day a food-and-farm angle beyond grapes. It’s a smart way to break up the wine focus and keep the day feeling varied, especially if you are doing this as part of a longer Mendoza trip.

This is also a tour built for you to steer. Marcos can work with your preferences and help line up what you actually want to experience, instead of forcing you into whatever happens to be available. That matters in Mendoza, where winery styles and tasting experiences can feel very different from place to place.

How the day runs, from Mendoza pickup to winery returns

Here is the flow in plain terms. First, you get pickup in Mendoza, Capital Department at the agreed time. Then the plan goes into motion across Maipú and Luján.

One detail that makes this work well is the way you’re collected during the day. The tour includes pickup from the winery locations where you previously made reservations. So you are not stuck waiting around in a parking lot with no plan. You are moving between stops with your driver.

At the end of the winery day, the transport returns you to the starting point in Mendoza. The whole thing runs about 7 to 8 hours, which is long enough to feel like you did something meaningful, but not so long that you lose your energy after the first tasting.

Because this is private transport, you are not juggling the timing of a big bus schedule. That gives you a better chance of keeping the day paced the way you want, whether you go heavier on wine or keep it lighter and more food-focused.

Choosing 2 or 3 wineries, and making it your own with Marcos

Many wine tours are basically “here are three places, good luck.” This one is more flexible. Marcos is described as a local with very good English, and the big benefit is that he can shape your day around the kind of wineries you want.

That customization shows up in a few ways:

• You can plan for 2/3 winery stops, rather than being locked into one exact number from the start.
• If you want a specific winery, Marcos can help coordinate what you want to do there, so the day stays smooth.
• If plans need adjusting late, he can accommodate changes rather than telling you the schedule is fixed and that’s that.

I also like that the experience is set up so you are not trapped in a generic tasting loop. The day is private, so you can ask questions and talk about what you like as you go. When your driver and guide understand the route, the whole thing feels less like a checklist and more like a well-paced day out.

One more human detail that comes through: Marcos and his team feel professional and relaxed at the same time. Communication by WhatsApp is smooth, and he replies quickly when you have questions. That matters because winery days often depend on timing, reservations, and small decisions. When someone handles the coordination, you enjoy the experience instead of managing it.

What to do about lunch and tastings, since fees are on site

Here is the part that can surprise people: entrance fees, wine tasting, and lunch are not included in the tour price. Entrance fees (whether for a winery visit or lunch) are paid on site.

The good news is that you can choose how you want the day to feel:

• If you do not want lunch, you can book a winery visit instead.
• If you want lunch, you can choose the lunch option, with the winery covering what you are paying for during that meal experience.

So how should you think about this?

You should budget based on your own wine appetite. If you are planning tastings at more than one winery, expect those tasting fees to add up. If you choose lunch at one of the wineries, that will also change the overall total.

I will also point out something useful from real-world experiences. On at least one version of this kind of winery day, a guide arranged a multi-course lunch setup at a bodega, including wine with the meal. That suggests lunch is often a more involved experience than a quick snack. Still, you should treat the exact meal inclusions as something you confirm with the winery directly when you book your lunch option.

Bottom line: your guide can help you decide what makes sense, but the actual on-site costs depend on what you choose at each stop.

Transportation details that affect your comfort and timing

The transport part is not just a formality. In Mendoza, distances and traffic can eat your energy, so having the right vehicle and a driver who can keep the schedule manageable is a big value.

Included in the tour:

• Private transportation
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Water bottle

And since the tour is private, you avoid the “wait time tax” that comes with larger group tours. You also get a more flexible day. If you want to slow down after a tasting, or if a stop runs long, you are not stuck with a hard bus departure time for everyone else.

One practical advantage from the guide experience is that Marcos helps coordinate the day so you are actually ready at each pickup point. Reviews note that he can work with last-minute changes and organize timing, even when there is a meeting in the middle of the tour. That tells me he is not just driving, he is thinking about the whole flow.

Also, since it is described as near public transportation, you are not locked into a weird location. You can handle your own plans around it if you need to.

Money math: the real value of $103.50 per group

The price is listed at $103.50 per group (up to 4). That is a group rate, not a per-person rate. So value depends heavily on how many people you bring.

Here is the simple way to think about it:

• If you fill the group with 4 people, you are roughly dividing that base cost by four, and the transport portion becomes quite reasonable.
• If you go as 1 or 2 people, you still get the benefit of private transport, but the per-person share will feel higher.

Either way, remember what you are paying for. The tour includes the car, air-conditioning, water, and the coordination of moving you between stops. The on-site costs are separate, including entrance fees and any tastings or lunch you choose.

So you are buying convenience and reduced stress, not just the right to walk into wineries. And convenience in Mendoza wine country is often worth it, because getting between stops yourself can turn into a half-day math problem fast.

One more value note: Marcos’ ability to customize matters here. If you can match the itinerary to what you actually want, you are less likely to waste money on wineries you would not pick on your own.

Best fit: who this private tour suits best

This is a strong choice if you want structure with flexibility.

I especially think it fits well for:

• Small groups who want privacy and no bus schedule.
• Couples or friends who already know what styles of wineries they like, and want help locking in the best match.
• People who want English support and smooth communication, since Marcos is noted for very good English.
• Families who need the day to be inclusive and easygoing. One experience described Marcos as accommodating with a 5-year-old, which hints that he is comfortable adapting pacing and decisions.

It may be less ideal if you are the type who hates any planning at all. You will still make some decisions and pay on site at wineries. But if you are okay with that, the tour does a lot of the heavy lifting.

Also, if you plan to do multiple activities across Mendoza during your stay, this kind of full-day winery route gives you a big anchor day. It helps because it is around 7 to 8 hours, long enough to feel like a real excursion.

Tips to get the smoothest wine day in Mendoza

You do not need a lot of extra prep, but a little strategy helps.

First, decide your lunch approach ahead of time. Since lunch is not included, choosing lunch vs. just winery visits changes your on-site budget and your pacing. If you want a more relaxed schedule, leaning toward visits with fewer add-ons can keep you from feeling rushed later.

Second, be ready to pay entrance fees on site. That means bring a payment method that works where you’re going. I would also keep some cash as backup, just in case.

Third, use WhatsApp to confirm timing and any changes. The day is coordinated, but quick messages help prevent confusion about where pickups happen, especially if you adjust your winery plan.

Finally, keep your pace realistic. A full day with 2 or 3 wineries plus an olive tree stop is fun, but it is still a full day. Hydrate, take breaks between tastings, and don’t try to turn it into a race.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a private, low-stress winery day that you can shape around what you like, with Marcos and a driver handling the moving parts. The base price makes sense when you split among up to 4 people, and the included transport plus air-conditioning can save you time and energy.

Skip or rethink it if you want the entire experience fully priced and prepaid. Since winery entrance fees, tastings, and lunch are paid on site, the final cost will depend on your choices. If you are hoping to avoid any extra payments beyond the tour rate, this might not fit your style.

If you want my quick rule: if you are planning to visit more than one winery and you value convenience, this is a good Mendoza choice.

FAQ

How long is the full day winery tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 to 8 hours.

Is this tour private, and how many people can join?

Yes, it is a private tour/activity, and the price is per group up to 4.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a water bottle.

Are winery entrance fees, lunch, or tastings included?

No. Entrance fees to the wineries are not included, and lunch and wine tasting are also not included. Entrance fees (visit or lunch) are paid on site.

Can I choose whether to include lunch?

Yes. If you do not want lunch, you can opt for a winery visit instead. What you choose affects what you pay on site.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.