Horses, vineyards, and a proper lunch in Mendoza. This small-group day ties together a 1.5-hour horseback ride in southern Maipú and a wine-paired gourmet lunch at Club Tapiz, with hotel transport included. You start from Mendoza City, head out to Lunlunta for the ride, then return late afternoon.

Two things I really like are the easygoing feel of the ride and the way the day keeps you fed without fuss. You ride with docile, well-cared-for horses and you stay in a tight group capped at eight people, which makes the guidance feel personal.

One possible drawback: the ride happens outdoors in strong sun. Plan on being outside for about 90 minutes, so sun protection matters.

Key things to know before you go

• A 90-minute horseback ride in southern Maipú through vineyards, olive groves, and nearby water views
• Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned minivan
• Club Tapiz lunch at Terruño with multi-course BBQ and wine pairings included
• Small group limit of eight for a calmer, more guided experience
• Coffee and/or tea included with your meal, plus alcoholic beverages
• Vegetarian option available if you request it when booking

Why this horse-and-wine day works so well in Maipú

Mendoza can be a lot of drive-and-tour-bus energy. This experience is built like a classic Argentine day: get out into the vineyards on horseback, then sit down to a proper meal with wine.

The value is not just the activities. It’s the order. You move through the countryside before lunch, when you still have energy and you’re not too full to enjoy the scenery. Then you spend the afternoon at a winery estate restaurant where the food and pairings are the main event.

Getting to Lunlunta: the minivan ride and timing that keeps it smooth

Pickup happens at your hotel or hostel in Mendoza City or nearby areas. The schedule runs a little like this: you head out for about 45 minutes to the stables in Lunlunta, Southern Maipú, and the ride begins around midday.

Two time notes to keep straight. The meeting point shows a start time of 10:00am at Gral. Espejo 266, while the day’s flow describes an 11am hotel pickup and a 12 midday start for the ride. Either way, the big idea is the same: you’re not rushing from one place to another all morning, and you’re back in Mendoza City by about 5:30pm.

Transfers are included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. That’s a real plus on a hot Mendoza day when you’re wearing riding clothes and you’ll be sweating before you even get on the horse.

The 90-minute horseback ride: vineyards, olive groves, and the Rio Mendoza area

The heart of the day is the horseback ride. You’ll spend about 90 minutes riding with a guide-led route that focuses on the agricultural side of Mendoza: vineyards, olive groves, and the area around the Rio Mendoza.

What you should expect from the ride itself is a calm, beginner-friendly pace. The horses are described as gentle and easy to handle, and the terrain is presented as flat and safe. That matters if you’re nervous about riding, or if it’s been years since you last held the reins.

You’ll learn as you go. Guides talk about local flora and fauna, wines, olive oils, geography, and culture, so the ride feels less like a photo stop and more like a guided walk—just on horseback. You might hear the day’s narration from different guide personalities, including names like Victoria, Consuelo, Anna, Flor, and Vicky, plus a gaucho and trail guide who help with horse handling along the way.

A practical heads-up: sun and comfort

This is an outdoors ride for about 1.5 hours. Bring sunscreen and consider a hat with a brim, especially if you burn easily. One more comfort tip: wear shoes that can handle a stable environment and a bit of dust. Your feet will thank you later, even if you do not think about them now.

How the route highlights Mendoza’s wine country beyond the winery walls

Even if you’re not visiting a tasting room during the ride portion, the route still shows you how the vineyards shape daily life in Maipú and nearby districts. The ride is based in southern Maipú, but you’ll also connect the dots with the areas surrounding it, including Luján de Cuyo and Chacras de Coria along the broader day.

A big part of the value here is perspective. Instead of only seeing vineyards from a road at a driving distance, you get a slower, ground-level view. On horseback, the lines of the vines, the timing of orchards, and the patchwork of olive groves feel more real.

If you like wine, this helps in a quiet way. You start to understand why these regions work for grapes and how the surrounding geography supports the whole industry. You don’t need to be an expert to get it—you just need a curious eye and a willingness to look beyond the winery sign.

Club Tapiz and Terruño: multi-course BBQ lunch with wine pairings

After the ride, you head to Terruño, a restaurant at Club Tapiz, a winery and wine lodge. This is where the day turns into “take your time” mode.

The lunch is multi-course and centered on a BBQ style meal, and it includes wine pairings throughout. Coffee and/or tea are included at the end, and the meal can include choices like starter and entree options paired with wines, plus dessert.

The big thing you’re paying for here is not only food—it’s the pairing experience and the setting. Lunch happens at a winery estate environment, so you get the sense of place without needing to plan a separate winery day. Staff attention matters too, and you can expect service that keeps the meal moving at a relaxed, hosted pace.

Vegetarian option is available

If you don’t eat meat, request the vegetarian option when booking. That’s explicitly offered, so you don’t have to gamble on guessing what will be available on the day.

Small-group size: why eight people changes the feel of the day

This tour caps at eight travelers. That changes everything. The group stays calm, the guide can keep track of riders who need help, and you’re not lost in a crowd when questions come up.

It also helps the guides do their thing. People like Ricky, Charlie, Exequiel Quiro, and Luisa have been part of past days in different roles, and the pattern is the same: clear instruction, a good sense of humor, and enough time to talk without feeling rushed.

The tour may also be operated by a multi-lingual guide. If you want the day explained in a specific language, it’s smart to mention it when you book, because the guide team can vary.

Price and value: what $210 per person buys you in Mendoza

At $210 per person, you’re paying for a full half-to-near-full-day package, not just a ride. Here’s what’s included: all transfers, the horseback riding experience, and lunch at Club Tapiz with wine pairings. You also get coffee and/or tea, plus alcoholic beverages, and insurance is included.

To judge value fairly, count the real costs you’d otherwise face. A guided horse experience with a lunch stop, winery-based dining, and wine pairings would usually require separate reservations and separate transport planning. By packaging it together—without making you drive or coordinate multiple bookings—you buy time and simplicity.

One more value point: the schedule is efficient. You’re picked up in Mendoza City, out in Lunlunta for the ride, then back by about 5:30pm. That means you keep your evening free for dinner or a casual walk in town instead of spending your whole day commuting.

What to pack for a sunny ride and a winery lunch

You don’t need a lot, but a few basics will make the day easier.

• Sunscreen and a hat (the ride is outdoors for about 90 minutes)
• A light layer for after the ride, since the schedule can run into late afternoon
• Comfortable shoes for stable surfaces
• Sunglasses if you like to protect your eyes from bright light
• A refillable water bottle can be handy, because bottled water is not included

Keep in mind you’ll have coffee/tea and wine during lunch, so plan your pace afterward. If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about taking photos, bring a camera strap or secure pocket so you’re not constantly juggling gear while mounted.

Who should book this tour, and who might want a different plan

This is a great fit if you want a Mendoza day that balances outdoors time with a sit-down gourmet meal. It works well for couples, solo travelers, and families because the ride is described as easy and safe, and the group size stays small.

It’s also ideal if you don’t want to build an itinerary from scratch. Hotel pickup, transfers, riding, and a wine-paired lunch are all handled in one go.

It might be less ideal if you’re looking for intense riding challenges or steep mountain trails. This route is focused on vineyards, olive groves, and nearby water views with a calm riding pace, not a technical adventure ride.

Should you book this Mendoza horseback ride plus Club Tapiz lunch?

Yes, if you want a smooth, story-rich day that pairs the countryside with a real winery lunch—without turning the day into a checklist. I especially think it’s worth it if you’re traveling during warmer months and you like the idea of getting outdoors early, then transitioning to a hosted meal with wine pairings.

If you’re sun-sensitive, pack for it and you’ll be fine. And if you have dietary needs, book with the vegetarian option request so the lunch plan matches you.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and when do we return?

Pickup is arranged from Mendoza City or nearby areas, and the day returns to Mendoza City around 5:30pm. The meeting point information lists a 10:00am start time at Gral. Espejo 266, so confirm what applies to your hotel pickup.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback riding portion lasts about 90 minutes.

Where does the tour start, and where does it end?

The day starts with pickup from your hotel or hostel in Mendoza City or environs, and it ends back at the meeting point in Mendoza.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to a maximum of eight travelers.

Is lunch included, and does it include wine?

Yes. Lunch is included and it features a multi-course BBQ meal with wine pairings. Coffee and/or tea are included as well, along with alcoholic beverages.

Can you accommodate vegetarian diets?

A vegetarian option is available. You need to advise the provider at booking.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

The ride is designed to be accessible. The horses are described as calm and easy to ride, and the experience is geared toward a relaxed pace.

Is bottled water included?

No. Bottled water is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling within 24 hours of the start time does not receive a refund.