Achaval-Ferrer Winery

The basics

Visits to Achaval-Ferrer typically include a guided tour of the vineyard and production area, followed by a seated tasting in a minimalist tasting room with mountain views. Tours often emphasize the winery’s philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for old vines. While not as large as some neighboring estates, Achaval-Ferrer offers a more intimate experience. Some wine-focused tours of the region include the winery as a featured stop, though independent appointments are also available with advance booking.

Things to know before you go

• Advance reservations are required for tastings and tours—walk-ins are rarely accepted.
• Most experiences are guided and last around 60–90 minutes, with English- and Spanish-speaking hosts.
• The winery is not ideal for young children, as it focuses on tasting and education.
• Tastings are seated and include generous pours, so it’s best to arrange transportation or book a tour with a driver.
• The winery is mostly accessible, with paved paths and ramps, but check in advance for specific mobility needs.
• Visitors can often buy bottles on-site, including labels not widely exported.

How to get there

Only about 30–40 minutes away from Mendoza, Achaval-Ferrer is one of the more accessible wineries in the Mendoza Province, but booking a tour will save arguments over who has to be the designated driver for the wine tasting. Mendoza is easy to reach on a short domestic flight from Buenos Aires, and buses (taking eight hours) link the city with Chile’s capital, Santiago.

When to get there

Tastings are only available during weekdays, and mornings are quieter and better for more relaxed tastings. The winery is open year-round, but spring (October–November) and harvest season (March–April) offer the best experience in terms of activities and views. To visit at the most festive time of year, align your trip with Vendimia, Mendoza’s grape harvesting festival. Celebrations start in late January and continue all the way through to March, featuring folklore, music, dance, and plenty of refreshments of the Malbec variety (naturally).

It’s not just meat that pairs with Malbec

A bottle of Malbec accompanied by a juicy steak and chimichurri sauce might seem like the most perfect Argentinian meal, but vegetarians don’t need to miss out. Malbec pairs particularly well with creamy mushroom sauces and melted cheese, particularly blue cheese. Bear this in mind when dining al fresco at the winery’s on-site restaurant, Quimera Bistro.