The close-up Michelin experience in Mendoza: from the city to the mountains and vineyards

From the urban heart of the city to the Andean landscapes of Luján de Cuyo and the quiet estates of Maipú, the combination of wine tourism, high-end gastronomy, and adventure travel offers unique experiences filled with local flavors, some of which have been awarded by Michelin for their excellence.

Maipú: birthplace of wine with rural charm

Maipú is one of Mendoza’s historic wine regions, known as part of the “First Zone” for producing high-quality wines. Just 20 minutes from the capital, its landscape of vineyards and century-old olive groves offers a picturesque and relaxed rural setting. Travelers can immerse themselves in the tradition of Argentine wine by visiting family-run wineries, wine museums, and olive oil mills, all in a tranquil countryside atmosphere.

Maipú is synonymous with classic wine tourism: tastings under the vines, bike tours through vineyards, and the warmth of its people make it a must-visit for those seeking authenticity and regional flavors. These are the wineries/restaurants awarded by Michelin:

Casa Vigil (Bodega El Enemigo)

• Address: Videla Aranda 7008, Chachingo, Maipú, Mendoza.

• Distinction: ⭐ 1 Michelin Star and ⭐ 1 Michelin Green Star.

This is the home of renowned winemaker Alejandro Vigil, known as the “Messi of wine.” It offers a contemporary tasting menu paired with El Enemigo wines, in a thematic setting.

Espacio Trapiche (Bodega Trapiche)

• Address: Nueva Mayorga s/n, Coquimbito, Maipú, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

The restaurant is located at Trapiche, Maipú’s most iconic winery, founded in 1883. It combines fine dining with historical heritage, using seasonal local ingredients paired with Trapiche wines.

Some standout experiences in Maipú

Historic winery route

Visit century-old wineries in Maipú to understand the history of Argentine wine. Places like Trapiche (with its wine museum) or Bodega La Rural (Wine Museum) allow visitors to walk through vineyards and historic facilities, ending with tastings of Malbec and other emblematic varietals.

Olive oil tasting

Maipú is also land of olive trees. At olive estates like Laur or Pasrai, you can take tours to learn about the production of premium olive oil, ending with tastings of oils and gourmet products. A unique pairing that perfectly complements the wine experience.

Active wine tourism

For the more adventurous, Maipú offers a different way to explore its vineyards. You can go for bike rides along rural paths, sunset horseback rides with views of the Andes, or even hot air balloon flights at dawn over the vineyards to admire Mendoza’s wine landscape from the sky. These adventure tourism activities add adrenaline and unforgettable views to your stay in the region.

Mendoza city: urban gastronomy at the foot of the Andes

The city of Mendoza, capital of the province, is an urban oasis surrounded by trees and irrigation channels, with the majestic Andes Mountains as a backdrop. Cosmopolitan yet relaxed, it offers travelers a culinary scene that blends traditional grills, local markets, and internationally acclaimed signature restaurants.

Among tree-lined streets, you’ll find wine bars and rooftop terraces where you can enjoy excellent local wines. Proximity to the vineyards means the wine culture permeates city life: from the famous Fiesta de la Vendimia to urban tastings, Mendoza perfectly blends city life with viticultural passion.

It also features large green spaces like Parque General San Martín and a rich cultural circuit of museums and theaters, making it the ideal base to explore the province without giving up top-tier comfort and fine dining.

Azafrán

• Address: Sarmiento 765, Mendoza City.

• Distinction: ⭐ 1 Michelin Star.

A flagship of Mendoza’s fine cuisine, Azafrán evolved from a gourmet deli into one of Argentina’s best restaurants. Just steps from Plaza Independencia, it offers a cozy dining room with a visible wine cellar and highly attentive service. It is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Mendoza’s capital, perfect to experience how local products turn into creative haute cuisine.

1884 Francis Mallmann (Bodega Escorihuela)

• Address: Belgrano 1188, Godoy Cruz (Greater Mendoza).

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

This legendary restaurant by celebrity chef Francis Mallmann pays tribute to Argentine fire cuisine. Set in a historic 1884 building with courtyards and clay ovens, it offers a tasting menu that celebrates local traditions.

Soberana

• Address: Av. Sarmiento 705, Mendoza City.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

Just blocks from the main square, Soberana stands out for its “world cuisine” in a modern and elegant space. Located in a renovated mansion with terraces and a glass wine cellar, its menu blends Argentine and regional recipes with French, Italian, and Spanish influences.

Centauro

• Address: Avenida Perú 1156, Mendoza City.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

This intimate restaurant is located in a restored neocolonial mansion, offering a unique charm with various rooms and a patio. It serves 4- or 6-course tasting menus (with wine pairings), focused on organic, local, and seasonal ingredients, many harvested from its own garden.

Abrasado (Bodega Los Toneles)

• Address: Lateral Norte Acceso Este 1360, Guaymallén, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

Located in an urban winery just minutes from downtown, Abrasado offers a unique aged beef experience in Mendoza. The menu highlights premium beef cuts at different maturation stages, served with expertise and paired with Familia Millán wines (owners of Los Toneles).

Urban experiences in Mendoza city

Wine circuit in the city

Mendoza’s capital offers urban tastings and top-tier wine bars. Visit Peatonal Sarmiento and the surrounding streets to find specialized wine shops where you can taste wines from different Mendoza regions without leaving the city. At the Mercado Central, you can sample local products (olives, oils, dried fruits) paired with wines recommended by local sommeliers.

Cultural walks and scenic views

Explore the iconic Parque General San Martín, a 400-hectare green lung, and hike up Cerro de la Gloria for a panoramic view of the city framed by the Andes. In the center, Plaza Independencia and museums like the Municipal Museum of Modern Art or the Foundational Area Museum help visitors understand local history.

Local cuisine and nightlife

Beyond the Michelin-rated restaurants, the city invites you to enjoy its traditional cuisine. Try some Mendoza-style empanadas and a glass of Malbec at a folklore peña or neighborhood bodegón. After dark, Av. Arístides Villanueva comes alive with tapas bars, craft breweries, and trendy pubs where locals and travelers toast into the night.

Exploring Mendoza city is the perfect follow-up to a Michelin-starred lunch or dinner, letting you appreciate the more relaxed side of the city of wine. For adventurers, it’s also the departure point for experiences like paragliding at Cerro Arco or easy rafting at nearby Potrerillos Dam, adding a touch of adventure tourism to your urban stay.

Luján de Cuyo: luxury among vineyards and Andean adventures

Luján de Cuyo, known as the "Land of Malbec", stretches at the foot of the Andes offering postcard views of rolling vineyards backed by snowy mountains. It’s a region of contrasts, where century-old wineries with historic mansions and manicured gardens coexist with modern wine tourism projects showcasing cutting-edge architecture.

Luján is synonymous with wine luxury: some of the world’s most awarded Malbecs are produced here, along with exclusive gourmet experiences, from multi-course lunches on vineyard terraces to sophisticated sunset picnics.

It’s also the gateway to the high Andes: within a few kilometers you can go from raising a glass of wine to rafting on the Mendoza River, canopying over a mountain lake, or relaxing in the Cacheuta hot springs. Luján de Cuyo encapsulates the essence of Mendoza by blending adventure, landscape, and fine dining in one destination.

Angélica Cocina Maestra (Bodega Catena Zapata)

• Address: Cobos s/n, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: ⭐ 1 Michelin Star and ⭐ 1 Michelin Green Star.

Located at the legendary Catena Zapata estate – recognizable by its Mayan pyramid-shaped winery – Angélica Cocina Maestra is one of the Michelin Guide’s standout additions. The menu features 7 or 12 creative fine dining courses, designed with a wine-first approach: each dish is crafted to highlight the winery’s historic wines. Along with its culinary star, Angélica earned the Green Star for its strong sustainability commitment.

Brindillas (Vistalba)

• Address: Viamonte 4961, Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: ⭐ 1 Michelin Star.

This small, family-run restaurant offers an intimate high-end dining experience on the city’s outskirts. With limited capacity and personal attention from its owners, Brindillas presents seasonal tasting menus that explore a range of flavors, textures, and techniques in every course.

Riccitelli Bistró (Bodega Matías Riccitelli Wines)

• Address: Callejón de la Reta 5002, Las Compuertas, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: ⭐ 1 Michelin Star and ⭐ 1 Michelin Green Star.

Located in the boutique winery of young winemaker Matías Riccitelli, this bistro has been praised for its zero-kilometer, sustainable approach. Every dish is rooted in local plant-based cuisine, using seasonal ingredients and eco-conscious practices.

Zonda, Cocina de Paisaje (Bodega Lagarde)

• Address: San Martín 1745, Mayor Drummond, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: ⭐ 1 Michelin Star and ⭐ 1 Michelin Green Star.

Located at historic Bodega Lagarde (founded in 1897), Zonda is an innovative concept restaurant that earned dual Michelin awards in its debut. Each dish features local ingredients with contemporary techniques and artful presentation. From Andean herbs and colorful chili peppers to sustainably raised meats, Zonda showcases the region’s culinary biodiversity.

Fogón, Cocina de Viñedo (Bodega Lagarde)

• Address: San Martín 1745, Mayor Drummond, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

This is the original restaurant at Bodega Lagarde, renowned for its rustic vineyard cuisine. The menu is more traditional compared to Zonda, but equally focused on quality. The Michelin Guide highlighted it for preserving the essence of regional cooking in an excellent setting.

5 Suelos – Cocina de Finca (Durigutti Family Winemakers)

• Address: Calle Cobos 8250, Las Compuertas, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

In the heart of Las Compuertas, surrounded by vineyards, lies the restaurant of the Durigutti family winery, whose name “5 Suelos” refers to the estate’s diverse terroirs. The experience is truly farm-to-table, offering two tasting options: a 5-course menu named "5 Suelos" and a more elaborate 14-course menu called "Historia". Each dish is carefully paired with Durigutti wines.

Osadía de Crear (Susana Balbo Wines)

• Address: Cochabamba 7801, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended (⭐ Michelin Green Star 2025).

At the elegant Susana Balbo winery, a pioneer in the Argentine wine industry, Osadía de Crear offers haute cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Its spacious terrace and rooms with vineyard views set the scene for a signature menu that reinvents traditional Mendocinean recipes with international techniques. Chef Flavia Amad leads the kitchen, blending local soil and fire: from a gourmet-style deconstructed locro to braised ribeye with emulsified chimichurri.

Ruca Malen Winery

• Address: Ruta 7, Km 1059, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

Ruca Malen was one of the first wineries in Mendoza to offer paired tasting menus, turning lunch at the winery into a gourmet ritual. In its restaurant overlooking the Andes, guests enjoy a seasonal 5-course menu, with each dish paired with a different house wine. The Ruca Malen experience reflects the philosophy of "living the wine": zero-kilometer gastronomy in harmony with premium labels, in a stunning natural environment.

Renacer

• Address: Calle Brandsen 1863, Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

Renacer Winery, renowned for its elegant Malbecs, hosts a boutique restaurant surrounded by gardens and vineyards. The menu blends Cuyan flavors with international techniques, creating refined yet comforting dishes.

Quimera Bistró (Achaval-Ferrer Winery)

• Address: Ruta Provincial 86 s/n, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

At the Achaval-Ferrer estate – one of the most prestigious boutique wineries – Quimera Bistró offers high-end cuisine paired with the iconic Quimera wine line. The space features a cozy dining room surrounded by barrels and a terrace overlooking vineyards and the Andes. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch after a winery visit, where time slows down between Malbec sips and gourmet delights.

La Vida (SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites)

• Address: Viamonte 4762, Chacras de Coria, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• Distinction: Michelin Recommended.

Set within the refined boutique hotel of Susana Balbo in Chacras de Coria, La Vida delivers a gastronomic experience for those seeking the highest sophistication. The restaurant redefines fine dining in Mendoza. Chef Flavia Amad offers a tasting menu that reinterprets Argentine classics using avant-garde techniques, with each step paired with premium wines curated by the hotel’s sommelier, including rare bottles from Susana Balbo’s private cellar.

Unmissable experiences in Luján de Cuyo

Tours of iconic wineries

Luján is home to some of the most renowned wineries in Argentina. You can enjoy guided tours and tastings at Catena Zapata (don’t miss its iconic pyramid and cult wines), Bodega Norton (pioneering underground cellars), Chandon (sparkling wines in a French-style estate), or Bodega Lagarde, among many others. These tours offer the chance to explore historic vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, toast with some of Mendoza’s best vintages.

Adventure in the Andes

From Luján, various adventure tourism activities depart into the Andean foothills. In Potrerillos, a valley just 60 km away, you can go rafting at different levels on the Mendoza River, kayak or paddleboard on the reservoir surrounded by mountains, or ride a zip-line over canyons. For mountain lovers, Route 7 leads to the Aconcagua Provincial Park: although two hours away, many use Luján as a base for day treks around Puente del Inca, or to climb smaller peaks with views of the "Colossus of the Americas."

Wellness among the vineyards

Luján de Cuyo is also a destination for relaxation and luxury. Several resorts and vinotherapy spas offer rejuvenating experiences using grape-based products (like grape seed oil massages or Malbec wine baths). A must-visit is the Cacheuta Hot Springs, a mountain spa where you can soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Relaxing there after a day of exploring and toasting at sunset with a glass of local wine is truly unforgettable.

Gastronomy and panoramic views

Take advantage of the outdoor tables that many Luján wineries set up among their vineyards. A rustic lunch beneath the pergola at Casa Vigil Chachingo (Maipú) or a Sunday brunch at Entre Cielos Wine Hotel & Spa (Vistalba) lets you enjoy local cuisine with stunning views of the Andes. As evening falls, opt for a gourmet picnic at a boutique winery or a 4x4 tour through the high-altitude vineyards of Gualtallary (a bit further south, in Uco Valley), glass in hand. These experiences blend scenery and flavor, creating lasting memories.

Mendoza, with its three wine and culinary regions – the city, Maipú, and Luján – offers a complete and close-up Michelin experience. Few places in the world allow travelers to enjoy, in a single day, a luxury lunch among vineyards, an afternoon of mountain adventure, and a sophisticated dinner in the city.