Restaurant in Mendoza, Argentina
La VinerÃa de Gualtalary
Charming winery restaurant in Mendoza's Uco Valley serving farm-to-table cuisine paired with estate wines. Beautiful mountain views and relaxed atmosphere.
La Vinería de Gualtalary is a winery restaurant in the Uco Valley of Mendoza Province, Argentina, situated on Ruta 89 in the municipality of Tupungato at an elevation that brings cooler temperatures and greater diurnal temperature variation than the Mendoza plains below. The property forms part of a wine estate and the restaurant operates as an open-air and partially covered dining space where guests eat in direct sight of the vineyards against a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes.
The menu follows a farm-to-table philosophy centred on local produce from the estate and nearby Uco Valley farms: hand-made pasta with seasonal accompaniments, grilled lamb chops from regional flocks, and a rotating cheese board sourced from small-scale Mendozino producers. Dishes are designed to complement the estate's wine output, and the wine programme — focused on the host winery's production — allows guests to pair each course with wines made from the very vineyards visible from the table. High-altitude Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay from Tupungato's Gualtallary sub-zone are the principal varieties on offer, widely regarded as among Mendoza's finest.
The atmosphere is relaxed and pastoral rather than formally structured: service is attentive but unhurried, tables are generously spaced, and the pace is shaped by the surroundings. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch only (noon to 5 PM), operating under a schedule suited to day visits from Mendoza city or as part of a broader Uco Valley winery circuit.
Reservations are essential, particularly on weekends from November through April, when demand from Argentine domestic tourists and international wine visitors is highest. The drive from Mendoza city to Tupungato takes approximately 90 minutes, making La Vinería de Gualtalary a half-day excursion at minimum. Visitors combining the meal with winery tours at nearby Gualtallary and Los Chacayes estates should plan a full day.
Signature dishes
- Grilled Lamb Chops — $30
- Cheese Board with Wine — $25
- Homemade Pasta — $20
Hours: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday
Reservations: Essential
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 262 249-2415
Location
Ruta 89, Tupungato, Mendoza
-33.3667, -69.1833 — View on map
Highlights
- Dining amid Uco Valley vineyards with Andean mountain views at high-altitude Tupungato
- Estate wine pairing — every bottle on the list is produced from vineyards visible from the table
- Homemade pasta and grilled regional lamb sourced from farms within the Uco Valley
- Open-air and covered terrace dining in a farm-to-table setting among working vines
- High-altitude Malbec and Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary — among Mendoza's most coveted sub-appellations
Tips
- Reservations are essential — book at least one week ahead on weekends between November and April
- The restaurant serves lunch only (noon to 5 PM); plan to arrive by 1 PM for the best experience and full wine selection
- Combine the visit with a full Uco Valley winery tour — several other Gualtallary estates are within a 15-minute drive
- Pair the grilled lamb with the estate's Cabernet Franc rather than Malbec — the cooler-climate variety is the better match
- The drive from Mendoza city takes around 90 minutes; factor in the return journey when planning the day
FAQ
Does La Vinería de Gualtalary require reservations?
Yes — reservations are essential, particularly on weekends between November and April. The restaurant fills quickly given limited seating and its reputation on the Uco Valley winery circuit.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch only, from noon to 5 PM. It does not serve dinner and is closed on Mondays.
How far is La Vinería de Gualtalary from Mendoza city?
The drive from Mendoza city to the property on Ruta 89 in Tupungato takes approximately 90 minutes. It is generally visited as a half-day or full-day excursion combined with other Uco Valley wineries.
What wines are served at the restaurant?
The wine list focuses on the host estate's production from the Gualtallary appellation, including high-altitude Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. The altitude gives the wines a cooler, more structured profile than lower-elevation Mendoza wines.
Is the restaurant suitable for vegetarians?
The menu has limited but viable vegetarian options including pasta dishes and the cheese board. Guests with dietary preferences should inform the restaurant at the time of reservation.
Accessibility
The restaurant is located on a working wine estate with access via an unpaved road section from Ruta 89. The dining terrace is at ground level. The terrain around the estate may present challenges for wheelchair users; advance contact with the restaurant is advised to arrange appropriate access.
When to visit
November through April for the lunch season; March and April offer harvest-time atmosphere in the vineyards with slightly smaller crowds than the January peak.