Sip & Savor: Private Tour of Three Charming Wineries

If you want a high-quality Mendoza wineries day without doing the planning math, this private three-winery loop is a smart pick. You start with a sparkling-focused stop (or an alternate), then move into Malbec country, and finish with a chef-driven lunch paired with Susana Balbo wines.

Two things I really like about this experience are the private, air-conditioned pickup and drop-off and the way the day is split across wineries with different specialties. You get a relaxed pace that lets you enjoy each stop instead of feeling rushed between them.

The main drawback to consider is the cost, at $180 per person. It is worth it if you want admissions, tastings, and lunch built in, but if you are trying to keep costs low, you may want a lighter DIY plan.

Key takeaways

• Private vehicle and hotel pickup so you skip the stress of arranging rides between Mendoza wineries
• First stop can switch between Chandon and other wineries based on your tastes and what is available
• Piattelli Agrelo includes a premium tasting of six reserve wines, plus a guided facilities tour
• Malbec comparison is part of the experience with Mendoza and Salta included in the tasting
• Lunch is a highlight at Osadia de Crear in the Susana Balbo Wines stop, paired with her wines
• Admission tickets are included across all three winery visits

A Private Mendoza Wine Day That Actually Feels Private

This is the kind of wine tour that suits how most people want to travel, you pick the day, and the rest runs smoothly. It is private, meaning it is only your group in the vehicle, with a dedicated guide and no waiting for a larger tour bus.

The format also helps you get a more “real day” feel. You spend real time at three wineries in Mendoza, instead of popping in for quick photos and then getting shuffled out again.

Best of all, the route is built around variety. You do not just repeat the same tasting room twice. You move from sparkling wine country (if you choose Chandon) to Malbec-focused Agrelo, then finish with a standout lunch pairing at Susana Balbo Wines.

Price and Logistics: What the $180 Per Person Gets You

At $180 per person for about 8 hours, this is not a bargain tour. But you are not just paying for a driver and a bus ride either.

You are paying for a bundled day that includes:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Admission tickets included at each winery stop
• A tasting experience at the second winery
• A gourmet lunch with wine pairings at the third winery

That matters, because Mendoza winery days can add up fast once you price admissions, tastings, and lunch separately. Even if you are a casual wine drinker, the “everything handled” part is real value.

Also, timing is part of the deal. The day is designed around three visits, with 1 hour at the first stop and 2 hours at each of the next two. You get a full-day rhythm without the feeling that you will be stuck waiting around for the whole afternoon.

Stop 1 at Bodega Chandon: Sparkling Wine First, One Hour Worth of Access

The day starts at Bodega Chandon if you are a sparkling wine lover. Chandon is the headliner here, and the tour is set up so that your first stop matches that preference.

You get about 1 hour on site, with the admission ticket included. That is enough time to settle in, enjoy the winery experience, and get your bearings before moving to the heavier Malbec part of the day.

If you prefer wine over sparkling, the tour is flexible. The first winery can be swapped for Terrazas de los Andes Winery, Budeguer Winery, or Huarpe Winery depending on dates, language, and availability.

Practical tip: when you book, tell them your preference clearly. If you want a smoother day, you want the first stop to set the tone you actually want.

Stop 2 at Piattelli Agrelo: Six Reserve Wines Plus Malbec From Mendoza and Salta

The second stop is Bodega Piattelli Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo, a zone known for high-level grapes. Piattelli is described as being in Agrelo and sharing terroir with iconic names like Catena Zapata, which signals you are in serious wine country.

This is a longer stop at 2 hours, and it is not just a walk-through. The experience includes:

• A premium tasting of six reserve wines
• A guided tour of the facilities
• A tasting menu that includes Malbec from both Mendoza and Salta

That Mendoza versus Salta angle is one of the most useful parts of the whole day. Argentina’s Malbec can be different depending on where it comes from, and you get to taste those differences in one sitting. It is a fast way to understand why wine people love talking about origin and not just brand names.

The setting also helps. Piattelli is described with a serene lake and beautifully landscaped gardens, so you are not stuck in a plain tasting room with no atmosphere. It makes the guided time feel easier and more scenic.

One more nice detail: Piattelli can be replaced with Terrazas de los Andes, Huarpe Winery, or Budeguer based on availability and other practical factors. So if one winery is not possible on your date, the tour is still meant to keep the day moving.

Stop 3 at Susana Balbo Wines: Osadia de Crear Pairing Lunch

The final stop is Susana Balbo Wines, and it has a built-in story. Susana Balbo is noted as the first female in Argentina to graduate as winemaker, which gives the visit extra meaning beyond the usual tasting-room talk.

You spend about 2 hours here, and the highlight is the meal. At the winery’s Michelin Guide restaurant called OSADIA DE CREAR, you enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with Susana’s wines.

This is one of those Mendoza moments where wine turns into something you can taste alongside food, not just drink on its own. Pairings make a difference, and the lunch is designed to be part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Also, this is where the day often converts people who think they are not “wine people.” When the pairing is done well, it is easier to notice aromas and flavors you might otherwise miss.

The Guide Makes the Day: Patricia’s Calm, Local, Well-Timed Approach

A big reason this tour consistently lands well is the way it is run. Many people focus on wineries, but the day quality comes from the guiding and pacing.

In this case, the guide is often Patricia, and the style shows. She contacts in advance through WhatsApp and sets out a timetable, so you know what to expect before you leave the hotel.

The best practical part is the pacing. The day is described as organized and not rushed at any of the three stops. That matters because Mendoza wineries can feel like a blur if you are constantly moving at full speed.

Driving also matters on a wine day. Patricia is described as a careful driver, and she brings local knowledge along the way. That helps you understand what you are seeing, and it keeps conversations natural instead of turning into a slideshow.

There is also evidence of flexibility. When a flight cancellation disrupted a schedule, Patricia accommodated a last-minute change. On a wine tour, that kind of contingency planning is the difference between a stressful day and a smooth one.

Getting the Most Out of the 8-Hour Rhythm

This is a full day, about 8 hours, built around three winery visits. That is ideal if you want a complete Mendoza wineries taste in one go, but it means you should plan for a slower start and a long finish.

Here are a few common-sense moves that help you enjoy it more:

• Drink water early, and keep doing it between tastings
• Eat something light before pick-up, even if you are expecting lunch later
• Pace yourself, especially since you will taste multiple wines across the day
• Wear comfortable shoes, because winery surfaces can vary

Also, if you know you like sparkling wine, start by leaning into the Chandon option. If not, swapping to Terrazas de los Andes, Budeguer, or Huarpe for the first stop can make the day feel more coherent with your tastes.

The itinerary is structured, but your preferences still get considered. That is a big deal for a private experience.

Who This Private Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This suits you if:

• You want easy logistics and hotel pick-up and drop-off
• You like a day that combines tastings plus a serious lunch
• You care about Malbec origin and want Mendoza and Salta in the same tasting flow
• You prefer a private group experience with a dedicated guide

It may not suit you if:

• You want a cheaper day and are happy to DIY everything
• You want extra time at one winery and are fine sacrificing variety
• You do not drink much wine and prefer lighter tasting experiences

One more point, the tour is meant to work for most people since it is designed as a typical full-day activity with a set structure. If you have special mobility needs, it is worth checking directly with the operator before booking, just to make sure the day matches your comfort level.

Should You Book This Three-Winery Private Tour?

I would book this tour if you want a well-structured, three-stop Mendoza wineries day where the tastings and lunch are part of the package, not something you have to arrange on your own. The mix is smart, sparkling or an alternative up front, Malbec-focused learning in Agrelo, then a paired lunch at OSADIA DE CREAR.

I would skip it if you are budget-first or if you already know you want to spend most of your day in just one winery. In that case, a single-property visit can feel more relaxed, and you can keep costs lower.

If you do book, send your preferences early, especially whether you want Chandon for sparkling wine or want the first stop switched to one of the alternatives. That small choice helps the whole day feel like it fits you.

FAQ

How long is the Sip & Savor private winery tour in Mendoza?

The tour runs for about 8 hours (approx.), with time at three wineries.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Which wineries are visited on this tour?

The planned stops are Bodega Chandon, Piattelli Agrelo, and Susana Balbo Wines. Some wineries can be swapped depending on availability and other factors.

Are admission tickets and tastings included?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for all three stops. The Piattelli Agrelo stop includes a premium tasting of six reserve wines, and the Susana Balbo Wines stop includes a paired gourmet lunch.

Can Chandon or Piattelli be replaced with another winery?

Yes. Chandon can be swapped for Terrazas de los Andes Winery, Budeguer Winery, or Huarpe Winery. Piattelli can also be changed for other options such as Terrazas de los Andes, Huarpe Winery, or Budeguer, depending on dates, languages, and availability.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

It is private. Only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, unless you book within 3 hours of travel. In that case, confirmation is provided as soon as possible, subject to availability.