argentina
Clockwise from far left : Tractor at Bodega Lagarde ; outdoor seating area at Fogón ; a bottle of Malbec with dinner at Fogón
the cities of Luján or Mendoza as a base . Start at Bodegas López for a winemaking history lesson that dates back to the 19th century and , after a guided visit among its 90-year old casks , refuel with lunch at award-winning Casa Vigil or Mil Suelos for Argentinian-style barbecue .
Due to Uco Valley ’ s sheer size , be sure to allow plenty of time to explore its many notable geographical indications , such as Los Chacayes and Paraje Altamira , as well as the surrounding mountains on a horseback expedition . The more adventurous can follow in the footsteps of General José de San Martín and undertake a five-day crossing of the Andes .
DINING OUT
In 2023 , Michelin launched its debut guide to Argentina , which focused on Buenos Aires and Mendoza , and it was the wine region ’ s restaurants that picked up more stars than their counterparts in the regional capital . Michelin ’ s big winery winners were Casa Vigil and Zonda Cocina de Pasaje at Bodega Lagarde , which were both awarded single stars as well a green one for their commitment to sustainability ; restaurants Brindillas and Azafrán picked up stars , too . Other commended establishments included 1884 Francis Mallmann at the Escorihuela Gascón , Espacio Trapiche , 5 Suelos — Cocina de Finca at Familia Durigutti , Quimera Bistró at Achaval Ferrer , green-starred Riccitelli Bistró , Fogón ( also at Lagarde ) and Osadía de Crear at Susana Balbo Wines . “ There ’ s been a huge boom in winery restaurant openings over the past decade ,” says Sofia Pescarmona , the third generation to run Lagarde .
“ When we opened Fogón in 2011 , visitors were offered a simple barbecue in our courtyard ,” she says .
“ Upscaling four years later , we then began searching for our gastronomical identity , a mission for excellence to show Mendoza in other ways .”
Lagarde ’ s two restaurants serve different menus that bear a common denominator of regional cuisine and products at their core ; Mendoza is renowned for heirloom tomatoes and roast kid goat . With the bodega ’ s second venture , Zonda , named after the warm yet often destructive Andean wind , Sofia drew inspiration from her family ’ s 1897-constructed winery and the surrounding landscape , a treasure trove of 100-year-old vines and olive trees , to develop an immersive tasting menu experience that goes beyond the pleasures of eating and drinking . Michelin ’ s arrival has put Mendoza on the haute cuisine map , she says , and the guide ’ s annual inspections encourage her team to keep striving .
“ Brazilians already knew what was on offer in Mendoza ’ s restaurants and wineries ,” she says . “ Now , the Michelin Guide has opened us up to a broader global audience , which creates an enormous challenge . Not only does it generate more demanding diners who have made specific detours to eat in Mendoza , but it raises the hospitality bar big time , but in a good way .
“ We stand out , though , with our relaxed attitude and sobremesa ( the table talk that follows a highly enjoyable meal ). Having a good time is part of our DNA — plus , we ’ ll never kick you out !” Sofia adds .
spring 2025 • 55