Dear Wine Lovers... Mendoza Is Calling

From boutique family estates to world-renowned vineyards, join us as we explore five wineries in Mendoza, Argentina. Each offered its own unique blend of history, hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional wines. Discover which winery earned our highest rating—and why one experience deserved more than five stars!

SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE SERIES

Tamara Driver

8/14/20263 min read

With us being in wine country, our Mendoza experience wasn't just about drinking wine—it was about discovering the craftsmanship, passion, and stories behind every bottle. Each winery had its own personality, making every visit a little different from the last.

Our Mendoza Winery Lineup

Susana Balbo – innovation and pioneering leadership
Bodega Rolland – French expertise meets Argentine vineyards
DiamAndes – modern elegance in the Uco Valley
Antigal – history, hospitality, and exceptional wines
Trapiche – historic excellence and world-renowned Argentine wines

🍇 Susana Balbo (★★★★½)

Susana Balbo Wines left a lasting impression. Founded by Argentina's first female winemaker, the estate perfectly blends innovation, tradition, and the breathtaking beauty of the Andes. Every detail—from the award-winning wines to the warm hospitality—reflected a genuine passion for excellence.

What made this visit even more special was that we were the only guests at the time. The intimate setting allowed us to enjoy a personalized experience with a kind and welcoming host. It was the perfect start to our wine adventure, earning 4½ out of 5 wine stars.

🍷 Bodega Rolland (★★★★★)

Nestled against the Andes, Bodega Rolland beautifully combines French winemaking tradition with Argentine terroir. Founded by renowned Bordeaux winemaker Michel Rolland, the winery offers elegant architecture, spectacular views, and outstanding wines.

This winery earned a perfect 5-out-of-5 wine stars rating. The scenery was stunning, the tour was excellent, and our host absolutely stole the show. Funny, engaging, and full of personality, he made the entire experience amazing. Honestly, we'd give him five stars all by himself! 😅

🍇 DiamAndes (★★★★★+)

If we had to choose one winery that completely wowed us, it would be DiamAndes. Located in the Clos de los Siete wine region, everything about this visit felt exceptional. The mountain views were breathtaking, the winery was beautifully designed, and the wines were outstanding. Even better, we enjoyed an intimate lunch overlooking the vineyards that was every bit as memorable as the wine itself.

This wasn't just a 5-star experience—it felt like a 10-star experience. Everything was simply perfect.

🍷 Antigal (★★★★★)

Walking into Antigal felt like stepping into history. Housed in a restored winery dating back to the late 1800s, it blends old-world charm with modern winemaking. Our tasting took place in a beautifully decorated stone room tucked away beneath the winery. With no windows, just elegant décor, wine, and delicious treats, it created one of the most unique tasting experiences of our trip. For atmosphere alone, Antigal deserves 5 out of 5 wine stars.

🍇 Trapiche (★★★★)

As one of Argentina's oldest and most iconic wineries, Trapiche offered a fascinating look into the country's rich winemaking history. The historic buildings, expansive vineyards, and impressive production facilities showcased more than a century of craftsmanship.

We rated Trapiche 4 out of 5 wine stars. While the winery itself was beautiful and the wines were very good, it involved quite a bit of walking and stair climbing. Unlike several of the other wineries, there were no food pairings—just wine. Still, it's an excellent stop for anyone wanting to experience one of Mendoza's legendary wineries.

Our Final Thoughts

One thing we quickly learned is that no two wineries are alike. Some excelled because of their intimate atmosphere, others because of their scenery, food, history, or extraordinary hosts. Together, they gave us a wonderful appreciation for why Mendoza has become one of the world's premier wine destinations.

Have you visited any of these wineries? Which one would be at the top of your list? We'd love to hear your favorite!

Next Stop...

Wine wasn't the only memorable experience in Mendoza! Next, we'll share a heartwarming encounter at the Infamous Italian Restaurant, where one grandmother reminded us that kindness speaks louder than words—and that sometimes, language doesn't matter at all. Come along and see why. ❤️