Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting

REVIEW · MENDOZA

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting

  • 5.080 reviews
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • From $89.00
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Turning fire and food into a real Mendoza night. This hands-on Argentine asado is hosted in a home setting with Fede, plus a rooftop terrace view of the city and mountains. You’ll mix in empanada prep while the coals heat up, then eat your way through classic cuts with wine pairings and the famous Fernet con Coca Cola toast.

Two things I especially like: you don’t just watch—you help make empanadas and light the fire, and the evening includes wine tasting alongside the BBQ. One thing to think about first: the terracita needs climbing two flights of stairs, and that can be a deal-breaker for people with mobility limits.

Key highlights you’ll care about

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - Key highlights you’ll care about

  • Small group size (max 5): easier conversation, more hands-on time, less waiting.
  • Hands-on asado basics: you help build the fire so the whole BBQ process feels personal.
  • Empanadas while the coals warm: meal preparation starts early, not after everything’s already cooking.
  • Wine + beer + Fernet con Coca Cola: you get a full Mendoza-style drinks arc, not just one pour.
  • Terrace views, with a weather backup: rain or cold means dinner moves indoors to the living room.

Why This Mendoza Asado Night Feels Local (Not Tour-Factory)

Mendoza is known for wine, sure. But what makes this night worth your time is that it’s also about food culture—how people gather, cook, and talk while the coals do their slow work. You start in a home atmosphere, and Fede keeps the focus on the simple things: fire, meat, empanadas, and sharing a table with good conversation.

I like that it’s set up like a real hosting situation rather than a show. With a maximum of 5 travelers, you can ask questions, get explanations without rushing, and actually join in. And because it’s hosted by a local (Fede), the story behind asado culture and the wine tastings feels connected to daily life in Mendoza, not something read off a script.

The vibe is warm and friendly—people often bond quickly here. It’s the kind of meal night that can turn into new connections, not just a full plate and a photo.

You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Mendoza

The 8:00 pm Flow: Empanadas, Coals, and a Long Meal That Actually Lingers

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - The 8:00 pm Flow: Empanadas, Coals, and a Long Meal That Actually Lingers
The experience starts at 8:00 pm and runs about 4 hours. That timing matters in Mendoza. It gives you enough late-evening momentum to settle in, and it keeps dinner from feeling like a rushed pit stop. You’ll also have time for conversation between the different food stages.

Here’s how the evening usually moves:

  • You arrive and settle in near the meeting point, then head to the terrace area (or indoors if conditions are rough).
  • While the coals are ready, you help with homemade empanadas. This is a key part of the value: you’re not waiting around for food; you’re participating in it.
  • When the BBQ is underway, the asado unfolds in stages, with classic meats and sausages coming out as everything cooks properly.
  • After the main spread, you finish with dessert and a traditional closing toast: Fernet con Coca Cola.

The 4-hour length is ideal for this style of dining. Asado isn’t supposed to be fast. If you like meals that feel paced—fire first, then food—this schedule fits perfectly.

Helping Light the Asado Fire (and Learning Why It Matters)

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - Helping Light the Asado Fire (and Learning Why It Matters)
A lot of “BBQ experiences” stop at eating. This one gives you the process. You help build and light the asado fire while Fede teaches you how it’s done. That might sound like a small detail, but it changes the entire night.

When you understand fire basics—how the coals are prepared, how the cooking starts—you end up appreciating the food more. You’re tasting the result of patience, not just heat. And because you’re involved early, you’re also more present during the wait.

If you like learning through doing, this is the part you’ll remember. It’s not just technique; it’s also how asado culture treats cooking as a shared moment. Even if you’ve never cooked outdoors before, you get pulled into the rhythm.

What’s On the Grill: Morcilla, Chorizo, Matambre, Beef (Plus More)

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - What’s On the Grill: Morcilla, Chorizo, Matambre, Beef (Plus More)
The asado lineup you can expect is classic Argentine BBQ style. The menu includes:

  • Morcilla (blood sausage)
  • Chorizo
  • Pork matambre
  • Beef

You’ll also have homemade empanada(s) as the coals get going. And there’s a local dessert at the finish—so the meal isn’t just meat and drinks.

Here’s the practical tip: if you’re unsure about trying morcilla, this is still a great moment to ask Fede what to expect and how it’s traditionally eaten. In many Argentine tables, it’s part of the BBQ “starter” experience, not some weird add-on. You can also pace yourself—there’s more food here than a typical restaurant “app + main” setup.

If you’re a meat lover, this is straightforward and satisfying. If you’re not a big eater of sausage or blood products, you’ll want to make sure your preferences are clear when you arrive. The experience is set up for comfort and accommodation, and you can ask questions right away.

Wine Tasting in Mendoza: Pairing as Part of the Party

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - Wine Tasting in Mendoza: Pairing as Part of the Party
This isn’t only a BBQ dinner. You’ll also do wine tastings during the evening, with wines that are meant to play well with what you’re eating. Mendoza is a wine region, so the tastings make the meal feel more “Mendoza” than generic Argentine food anywhere else.

In addition to wine, the evening includes beer. That creates a nice drinks progression: beer for casual sipping while the cooking gets underway, then wine as flavors and courses shift.

Then comes the finishing ritual: a final toast with Fernet con Coca Cola. This one is worth treating like a cultural stop, not just a novelty. It’s become a signature in Argentina, and here it’s placed right at the ending when the meal has fully landed.

If you like structured tastings, you’ll appreciate that this isn’t “one glass and done.” It’s woven into the night’s pacing.

Rooftop Views, Two Flights of Stairs, and the Indoor Plan B

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - Rooftop Views, Two Flights of Stairs, and the Indoor Plan B
The terrace is part of the appeal. You get a view of the city and the mountains while the BBQ unfolds. It’s a strong sense of place, especially in Mendoza when the air changes in the evening.

But there’s a very real practical note: to reach the terracita, you climb two flights of stairs. If you’re traveling with heavy bags, have limited mobility, or just don’t love stairs at night, factor that in before booking.

The good news is you’re not stuck in bad weather. If it rains or gets too cold, the dinner moves indoors to the living room. That keeps the experience on track, and it’s also a comfortable setup for conversation if the sky doesn’t cooperate.

Veggie Option: Ask Early, and Expect a Real Menu Match

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - Veggie Option: Ask Early, and Expect a Real Menu Match
If you don’t eat meat, you’ll want to plan ahead. The experience says you can request a veggie option. Don’t wait until the last second—reach out as part of booking so Fede can prep appropriately.

What you shouldn’t expect: a vague “salad instead.” Since this is hosted in a home setting with real prep time, asking for a vegetarian option makes more sense than hoping something will magically appear at the table. If your diet is strict (no animal products at all, for example), you should clarify that when you request the veggie option.

Price and Value: What $89 Buys You (Beyond the Meat)

Mendoza: Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting - Price and Value: What $89 Buys You (Beyond the Meat)
At $89 per person for about 4 hours, the value comes from the full bundle:

  • you eat multiple asado items (including beef, matambre, chorizo, and morcilla),
  • you also get homemade empanadas,
  • drinks include beer, wine tastings, and Fernet con Coca Cola,
  • plus there’s dessert,
  • and you get the hands-on teaching side (fire + empanadas), not only dining.

Restaurant dinners can be expensive in major wine towns, and “BBQ dinner” at a restaurant often means you get one slice of the experience. Here, you get process + food + drinks + culture in one hosted night. The small group size also helps the host spend time with you rather than rushing through everyone.

It’s also easier to justify when you compare it to paying separately for a tour, tastings, and a full dinner. In this format, those pieces are part of one event.

Who This Mendoza Asado Experience Fits Best

This is a great match if:

  • you want a hands-on food evening, not just a meal,
  • you’re comfortable trying classic Argentine items like morcilla and matambre,
  • you enjoy talking with a host who explains what you’re eating and why,
  • you like smaller-group experiences (max 5).

It’s also a smart pick for couples and solo travelers. The setting encourages conversation, and the group stays small enough to feel personal. If you’re someone who prefers big tourist crowds, this may feel too intimate—and that’s usually the point.

Should You Book This Mendoza Asado and Wine Tasting?

I’d book it if your idea of a perfect Mendoza night includes food learning, real hospitality, and a BBQ that comes with wine and a proper Argentine ending toast. The combination of emphasis on participation (empanadas + fire) and the full evening flow (meats, wines, dessert, Fernet con Coca Cola) makes it feel like you’re buying into a local tradition, not just a meal.

I’d pause if stairs are an issue for you, since getting to the terrace requires climbing two flights. And if you’re strongly vegetarian, message for the veggie option early so your meal can be handled properly.

If you want one night in Mendoza that’s equal parts BBQ, wine culture, and hanging out with a friendly local, this is an excellent choice.

FAQ

What time does the Mendoza asado experience start?

It starts at 8:00 pm.

How long does the experience last?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the host?

The meeting point is Av. Ejército de los Andes 346 1b, M5521JNA Mendoza, Argentina.

Is it a small group?

Yes. The group size is limited to a maximum of 5 travelers.

Can I request a vegetarian option?

Yes. You can ask for a veggie option.

What happens if it rains or it’s cold?

If weather is bad, the dinner takes place indoors in the living room.

Is the terrace accessible?

The terrace requires climbing two flights of stairs, so plan for that.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time.

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