Buenos Aires: Arrival, Wine Bars & Historic Parrillas (Days 1–3)
Three days exploring cosmopolitan wine bars in Palermo Soho, historic bodegones in San Telmo, and world-class steakhouses before heading west to the Andes.
Setting the Stage in the Capital
Buenos Aires is where Argentina’s wine culture comes alive in urban form. Before heading to the quiet vineyards of Mendoza, spending 72 hours in the capital gives you an essential palate calibration: how Argentines actually drink wine with food, the rise of low-intervention nat-wines, and the theatrical drama of the traditional asado.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag Recovery & San Telmo Bodegones
Land at Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP). Settle into your hotel in Palermo Soho or Recoleta. Spend your afternoon wandering the leafy cobblestone streets and coffee shops.
- Evening Wine Bar: Head to Pain et Vin (Palermo) or Naranjo Bar (Chacarita) for a guided flight of small-producer Criolla, Torrontés, and old-vine Semillon.
- Dinner: An unhurried dinner at a classic neighborhood bodegón like El Obrero or Don Julio for your first taste of dry-aged Ojo de Bife paired with a structured Luján de Cuyo Malbec.
Day 2: Architecture, Modern Gastronomy & Speakeasy Wine Lounges
Explore the French-inspired boulevards of Recoleta, the historic cemetery, and the grand Teatro Colón. In the afternoon, book a private sommelier tasting in a private cellar.
- Afternoon Tasting: Visit Aldo's Restorán Vinoteca in Palermo — sommelier Aldo Graziani curates over 500 labels from independent, terroir-driven winemakers.
- Dinner: Modern Argentine tasting menu at Anchoita or Crizia, pairing Patagonian oysters and river fish with high-altitude mountain whites (Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay, Salta Torrontés).
Day 3: Palermo Vintage Markets & The Traditional Asado Experience
Dedicate your final city day to the craft of meat and fire. Take a morning stroll through the botanical gardens or the San Telmo antique fair (if Sunday).
- Lunch: A 4-hour closed-door Asado Experience where you learn the secrets of chimichurri, salmuera, and fire management. Read our complete Asado Wine Pairing Guide.
- Evening Flight Preparation: Pack your bags and get ready for your 1h 45m domestic flight to Mendoza the next morning. Read our guide on Flights from Buenos Aires to Mendoza.