Explore 6 charming wineries in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, including MAAL, Durigutti, Kaiken and Riccitelli, with Michelin recommendations and unforgettable vineyard experiences.
Luján de Cuyo is often introduced as the birthplace of Malbec. That’s true. But beyond the big names and historic giants, there’s another side to this region.
Smaller projects.
Personal stories.
Restaurants that surprise you.
Golf cart rides through the vines.
Spaces where you actually feel welcome.
If you’re looking for wineries with character, personality, and memorable experiences, these six are worth your time.
MAAL Wines
MAAL is bold, creative, and slightly rebellious. The project focuses on expressive Malbecs that highlight texture and freshness rather than power alone.
The style is modern and precise, with careful use of oak and a strong sense of identity. Wines like MAAL Biutiful and Bestial show how Malbec can be playful and serious at the same time.
Durigutti Family Winemakers – Finca Victoria
Durigutti is rooted in family and vineyard work. At Finca Victoria in Las Compuertas, the experience goes beyond the tasting room.
Their wines are elegant and terroir-driven, with a strong focus on single vineyards. The on-site restaurant has also received international attention. Durigutti Finca Victoria earned a Michelin Green Star in the Argentina guide, recognizing its commitment to sustainability. The food is seasonal, local, and thoughtfully paired with their wines.
It’s a place where wine, landscape, and gastronomy feel connected.
Kaiken
Founded by Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes, Kaiken bridges Chile and Argentina, bringing experience from both sides of the Andes.
The winery is polished but welcoming. Wines range from fresh, fruit-forward styles to more structured, age-worthy expressions like Mai Malbec. Consistency is one of Kaiken’s strengths, along with a clear house style.
Ramos Generales, the winery’s restaurant, is a local favorite. It focuses on Mendoza cuisine with careful wine pairings and a relaxed atmosphere. Signed by famous chef FRANCIS MALMAN (Netflix Chef Table Season 1 Episode 7) it is widely praised for its quality and hospitality.
Kaiken is ideal if you’re looking for reliability, good food, and a beautiful setting without formality.
Matías Riccitelli Wines
Riccitelli combines innovation with respect for old vineyards. Matías Riccitelli works with high-altitude sites and heritage vines, producing wines that are vibrant, textured, and often slightly unconventional.
The real standout here is Riccitelli Bistró. The restaurant earned one Michelin Star as well as a Green Star in the Michelin Guide Argentina. That combination reflects both culinary excellence and a strong sustainability focus.
The menu is vegetable-driven, seasonal, and creative, designed to match the winery’s fresh and expressive style. Dining here feels contemporary but grounded in the landscape.
For travelers who care as much about food as wine, Riccitelli is a must.
Bodega Lamadrid
Lamadrid has a quiet charm. Located in Agrelo, it feels intimate and relaxed, surrounded by vineyards and a big garden with pieces of art.
The wines focus heavily on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a classic style that emphasizes balance and structure. Labels like Matilde and Gran Reserva show depth without excess weight.
The restaurant, BOCHEROS, is cozy and welcoming. Michelin Guide recomended. It’s the kind of place where you linger over a long lunch and a second bottle. No rush. No pressure.
Lamadrid is perfect if you want something authentic and unpretentious.
Finca Bandini
Finca Bandini is one of the newer boutique projects in Luján de Cuyo, and it has quickly built a strong reputation.
One of the highlights is the golf cart ride through the estate. You move slowly between old vines, learning about soil, regenerative farming, and the philosophy behind each parcel. It feels immersive without being staged.
The estate feels modern and carefully designed, with wide views and elegant spaces. Their wines lean toward refined, clean expressions of Malbec and Cabernet Franc, often praised for their balance and clarity.
The restaurant offers thoughtful pairings and a scenic setting that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
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