Argentina Wine Country: Buenos Aires and Mendoza - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires - Afternoon City Tour

Welcome to Argentina! Renowned as the "Paris of South America," and the "Queen of El Plata," the capital city of Buenos Aires is defined by passion. This is exemplified in the rich tango heritage and its citizens' limitless enthusiasm for fútbol (soccer), which is closer to religion than a sport here.  

When you arrive at the airport, your driver will be waiting to take you in a private car to your hotel where you can relax. But make no mistake: the city will beckon you. Thankfully, you'll get to know Buenos Aires on a four-hour tour, starting in the city center. Discover Plaza de Mayo, the city's main square and home to Argentina's Presidential Palace, also known as Casa Rosada (or "Pink House"). The plaza was the epicenter of the May Revolution of 1810, which ignited this former Spanish colony's quest for independence. You may recognize the front balcony of Casa Rosada, where dictator Juan Perón gave famous speeches beside his glamorous wife, Evita. 

Facing Plaza de Mayo is Metropolitan Cathedral, the principal Catholic church in the city; the building was consecrated in 1791 but its earliest origins date back to the late 16th century when a humble chapel first sat on the current site. You'll also explore San Telmo, BA’s oldest neighborhood which boasts a vibrant tango and arts scene. Its antique markets, cobbled streets dotted with faroles (French street lamps), and old brick buildings with wooden balconies all contribute to the unique bohemian vibe. Sundays are especially abuzz as the main street market comes alive around Plaza Dorrego.

Wander the well-preserved historic neighborhood of La Boca, which is nearly as old as San Telmo. This colorful area is known for La Bombonera, the home stadium of Boca Juniors, one of of the city's main soccer teams. Make a note to return to colorful Caminito Street, a pedestrian zone teeming with old restaurants and tanguerías, later this evening for music, wine, and perhaps some dancing. Your tour will finish in the Recoleta neighborhood, where national icon Evita Peron rests in the famous Recoleta Cemetery. 

Day 2: San Antonio de Areco Estancia Tour - La Porteña or similar

Today, you'll immerse yourself in Argentina's gaucho lifestyle while spending a full day in the Pampas at one of the nicest estancias (farmhouses) in San Antonio de Areco.

This charming town is located about an hour from downtown Buenos Aires and is notable as being ground zero for Argentine gaucho tradition. San Antonio de Areco abounds with folk history, so much so that it inspired famed Argentine author José Hernández's epic poem "Martín Fierro." The fictional narrative is told not unlike a ballad as it recounts the exploits of its eponymous hero as he endures life on the frontier. The poem is a national treasure and represents the spirit of rural Argentina, which you'll feel all around you in San Antonio.

Upon arrival, you'll take a tour to the colonial village before being welcomed at the estancia with a traditional Argentinean picada and barbecue. After lunch, you'll have options for enjoying the grounds with walks and horseback riding (or rides on a sulky). You'll return to Buenos Aires after the excursion in time for dinner and time to linger at a café or bar for a nightcap.

Day 3: Buenos Aires to Mendoza

Your transfer will pick you up at your hotel, to take you to Aeroparque (the domestic airport), to board your flight to Mendoza, nicknamed the "Napa of the South." Once you arrive, you'll be taken to your hotel in Lujan de Cuyo, where you can rest up before your wine adventure begins in the morning!

Day 4: Wine tour at Lujan de Cuyo

Today's eight-hour excursion will take you through Mendoza's three main regions, all of which shine in this premiere grape-growing and winemaking area. The central region — including Godoy Cruz, Guaymallén, Maipú, and Luján de Cuyo — is considered the first viticulture area, and is a quick fifteen minutes from the city. The Uco Valley — including Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos — is roughly 70 miles from the city and sits at the foot of the Andes mountains; the region is considered the youngest wine area and features modern and technology-oriented vineyards. The South region, including Alvear and San Rafael, is located about 140 miles from Mendoza and is renowned internationally for its stellar vineyards. 

After driving through swaths of vineyards in the central region, you'll stop at three wineries which highlight different facets of the area's history and biodiversity. You'll taste varietals along the way, learning about the different approaches, flavors, and philosophies of each vintner. And of course, you'll sit down to a delicious lunch to pair with your favorite pour. 

Day 5: Wine tour in Uco Valley

Located at the foot of the towering Andes, the Uco Valley is the Argentine mecca for wine lovers eager to sip perfectly balanced Malbec and Sémillon and is home to a number of other bold and complex varietals. As in Mendoza's counterparts in Spain, Tuscany, and the Mediterranean, you can discover local takes on red favorites like Barbera, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Merlot. White wine lovers will find Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontés and Chardonnay, not to mention innovative and inviting blends.

Today you'll taste flights from two different wineries and delve deeper into your discovery of each vintner's approach to the ancient winemaking craft. You'll also enjoy lunch at one of the vineyards. Pick up a bottle or two to take with you to your hotel, or wander the picturesque grounds, taking in the Andean skyline and the peaceful serenity of the valley floor. 

Day 6: Fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires

After breakfast, you'll fly back to Buenos Aires, where you can make the most of your free time: enjoy some retail therapy in the trendy Palermo district, visit the incredible exhibits at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or the unmissable Latin American Modern Arts Museum (MALBA), or pack a picnic and watch the world pass by from the Plaza de Mayo. 

You'll spend your final evening in style with a gourmet dinner and show at the glamorous Gala Tango. You'll meet your driver outside your hotel and, upon arrival to your evening destination, will be instantly transported thanks to the venue's gorgeous French-style decor, beautiful architecture, and amazing attention to detail. Relish this feast for the senses, complete with a distinctive menu, complemented with wines from one Argentina's most exclusive wine-houses.

You'll be treated to the spectacle of an elegant, refined tango and folklore show: hear traditional orchestration by a quartet (comprised of a piano, large concertina, two violins, and double bass), performances by two tango singers and four sets of expert dancing partners. You'll also be swept away by the music from a charango, a small Andean stringed instrument, and a demonstration by boleadoras, gauchos trained the traditional lassoing technique that uses a weighted leather string.

If you're feeling inspired after the show, hit the dancefloor at a hotspot in the uber-chic Palermo Soho subdistrict or stroll the city, bathing in the illumination of its streetlamps, soaking up the last drops of Argentina's seductive romance and irresistible charm. 

Day 7: Departing Buenos Aires

After you enjoy one last breakfast in Buenos Aires, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onto your next unforgettable adventure.