Bodega Lagarde

Bodega Lagarde is one of the oldest wineries in Mendoza (founded in 1897) and was ranked #5 in the world in Forbes' "World's 50 Best Vineyards 2024" — one of the most prestigious accolades in wine tourism. It is located in Mayor Drummond, Luján de Cuyo department (San Martín 1745), 20 kilometers south of Mendoza city (25 minutes by car via RN 40). It has been owned by the Pescarmona family since 1969 — a Mendoza industrialist family that also owns the IMPSA group, a leading South American energy-infrastructure company. They bought Lagarde out of bankruptcy and turned it into one of the country's benchmark premium Malbec producers. Four things set Lagarde apart: (1) its century-old Malbec vines in Mayor Drummond, some planted before 1900 and considered an enological heritage site; (2) the Henry Lagarde icon line and premium wines such as Guarda (icon Malbec, USD 70-120) and Primeras Viñas Malbec (from pre-1900 vines, USD 120-200); (3) Fogón Lagarde, an experiential restaurant that is one of Mendoza's most acclaimed dining rooms — Argentine open-fire cooking under an executive chef (lamb on the cross, suckling pig al asador, smoked river fish, organic vegetables), with a 5-6 course tasting menu paired to premium wines (USD 95-145 per person) served outdoors around visible fire pits with century-old-vineyard views; lunch only, reservations required 2-3 weeks ahead; (4) artisanal sparkling-wine production using the traditional method (méthode champenoise) — the only Mendoza winery with continuous traditional-method output since 1942, producing a Brut Nature on par with European houses (USD 25-45 a bottle). The Forbes Top 50 ranking grades wineries globally not just on wine quality but on the complete visitor experience (facilities, hospitality, gastronomy, scenery, exclusivity, sustainability), with 500+ international voters — Lagarde's #5 worldwide finish in 2024 is one of the highest-ever positions for an Argentine winery (alongside Catena Zapata, Zuccardi and Salentein). The 2026 visit options are: Classic tour (1.5 hrs, USD 35-55, guided tour through century-old vineyards, barrel room and the 1897 founder's house + 4-wine tasting); Premium tour with vertical tasting (2 hrs, USD 65-95, tour + vertical Malbec tasting with sommelier); Lunch at Fogón Lagarde (3 hrs, USD 95-145, the headline experience); and Sparkling-wine tour (2 hrs, USD 55-85, specialized in traditional method). Always book online at lagarde.com.ar 1-2 weeks ahead. Wine lines: Lagarde Single Vineyard (USD 18-30: Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay), Lagarde Reserva (USD 30-50), Henry Lagarde (USD 50-85), Guarda (USD 70-120), Primeras Viñas Malbec (USD 120-200), Brut Nature sparkling (USD 25-45), and the Lía Rica line (a tribute to the Pescarmona matriarch). Annual production ~2 million bottles. Access from Mendoza city: 25 minutes by car via RN 40, no direct public transport. Easy to combine with Catena Zapata (12 km), Luigi Bosca (5 km), Achaval-Ferrer (8 km), or to anchor a stay in boutique-hotel Chacras de Coria (8 km). Best time to visit: March-May (harvest + golden fall) and September-November (spring).

The Four Tour Formats

Classic Tour (1.5 hours)

The standard visit. Guided walk through the century-old vineyards with an explanation of the Mayor Drummond terroir, the French- and American-oak barrel room, and the historic 1897 founder's house. Closing tasting of 4 selected wines (typically Lagarde Single Vineyard Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and a Brut sparkling). USD 35-55. Departures every hour 10 AM-5 PM.

Tour + Vertical Malbec Tasting (2 hours)

Full tour + vertical tasting of 5-6 vintages of premium Malbec (typically Lagarde Reserva, Henry Lagarde, Guarda and optionally Primeras Viñas), led by a specialized sommelier. Compares vintage evolution and terroir. Includes a gourmet board with aged cheeses, artisanal cured meats and olives. USD 65-95.

Lunch at Fogón Lagarde (3 hours) — The flagship

The most memorable Lagarde experience. Short tour + 5-6 course lunch at the Fogón Lagarde restaurant with Argentine open-fire cooking. Signature dish: Patagonian lamb on the cross (4-hour cooking). Other plates: suckling pig al asador, ribeye over coals, smoked river fish, organic vegetables from the on-site garden. Paired with the winery's premium tier (including Henry Lagarde and Guarda). Century-old-vineyard views. USD 95-145 per person. Lunch only (12-4 PM). Reservations required 2-3 weeks ahead.

Traditional-Method Sparkling-Wine Tour (2 hours)

Specialized for sparkling-wine lovers. Visit to the méthode champenoise cellar (the only Mendoza winery with continuous traditional-method output since 1942), with detailed walk-throughs of riddling, dégorgement and dosage. Tasting of 3 Brut Nature sparkling wines from different vintages. USD 55-85.

Fogón Lagarde — Open-Fire Cooking

The Fogón Lagarde restaurant is one of Mendoza's most acclaimed dining rooms, with mentions in international gastronomy press. Concept: traditional Argentine open-fire cooking, reinterpreted with contemporary technique. Outdoor space with visible fire pits where you can see the methods at work: asador (vertical cross), grill, clay oven, smoker. Views over the century-old vineyards. Capacity 60 in shared and private tables.

• Starters: Andean cheese board, artisanal smoked fish (trout, salmon, beef tongue), Mendoza-style empanadas.
• Mains (cooked in front of you): lamb on the cross (4 hours), suckling pig al asador, ribeye over coals, smoked river fish, organic garden vegetables.
• Desserts: regional sweets, artisanal Malbec wine ice cream.
• Pairing: 5-6 wines selected from the premium tier (Lagarde Reserva, Henry Lagarde, Guarda).

USD 95-145 per person with pairing. Lunch only (12-4 PM). Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Closed Mondays.

Combine Lagarde with Other Visits

• Catena Zapata — 12 km, the iconic Mayan pyramid winery.
• Luigi Bosca — 5 km, historic 1901 winery.
• Achaval-Ferrer — 8 km, single-vineyard Malbec icon.
• Vistalba (Carlos Pulenta) — 10 km, home to La Bourgogne restaurant.
• Chacras de Coria — 8 km, premium boutique-hotel base.
• Complete Mendoza wineries guide with 30+ options.
• Uco Valley — 70 km, high-altitude vineyards to extend the wine trip.

Suggested itineraries: 3 days · 5 days · 7 days complete Mendoza.