Horseback through Maipu, then lunch at Club Tapiz. This 6-hour outing strings together a 90-minute ride around southern Maipu and a wine-paired gourmet lunch at Terruño in Club Tapiz, with hotel transport and a small group. I love the way it mixes rural Argentina views with a proper food stop, not just a quick snack and a photo.

What I especially like is the pacing and the people. You get picked up from Mendoza City hotels or nearby areas, ride with a guide plus a gaucho team, and you are back in the late afternoon, around 5:30, without feeling rushed. Names like Victoria, Exequiel Quiro, Luisa, and Charlie show up in past tours, and that matters because you want clear instruction for the horses and a smooth lunch service.

One consideration: you are outside for a meaningful block of time, around 1.5 hours on horseback, and bottled water is not included. Bring sun protection, plan to hydrate, and make peace with being in the daylight, since this is a weather dependent experience.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small group of up to 8 people, so the day feels personal instead of factory-produced
• Hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan from Mendoza City area, plus the return drop-off in the late afternoon
• A 90-minute ride through Maipu, including vineyards, olive groves, and the Rio Mendoza area
• Lunch at Terruño in Club Tapiz, with a multi-course BBQ style meal and wine pairings
• Vegetarian option available, if you tell them ahead of time

How this horse ride and Club Tapiz lunch fit together

Mendoza can be intense if you pack in wineries all day. This experience takes a different angle: you start with horses in the vineyards country, then you slow down for a serious lunch with wine pairings at a well known winery property.

That order is smart. The ride gets you outside while the light is still good, and it is active in a relaxed way. Then the meal feels like a reward, not an add-on, and you spend your energy on views first, eating second.

Getting from Mendoza to Lunlunta, Southern Maipu

Most days begin with pickup from Mendoza City or the nearby area. The tour info lists a 10:00 start time at the meeting point in Mendoza, and the practical plan described for the day is hotel pickup around 11:00, followed by a 45-minute drive toward Lunlunta in Southern Maipu.

You are not driving yourself here, which is a real value in Mendoza wine country. Roads outside town can be busy, parking can be annoying, and wine day timing can get messy fast. A minivan with air-conditioning also helps because you are usually traveling in warmer hours.

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

The riding portion is about 90 minutes, and it is set up as a scenic loop around southern Maipu. After arriving at the stables in Lunlunta, you meet your trail team, then head out guided through working countryside.

What you actually want from a horse ride in Mendoza is simple: steady pacing, good horse behavior, and a route that shows the region. This one aims for exactly that, with vineyards, olive groves, and the banks of the Rio Mendoza included in the route area.

The reviews back up what matters on the ground: the horses are described as gentle and well taken care of, and first-time riders often find the ride manageable because the gaucho and guide are patient and clear. If you can follow directions, this is a good way to do countryside horse time without needing technical riding skills.

What to watch for during the ride

You will be outdoors and in direct sun. One review specifically calls out the importance of sunscreen for the 1.5-hour time on horseback, and that matches what I would plan for anywhere in Mendoza during warm daylight.

Also, the ride is long enough that you will want to feel comfortable. Wear something you can move in, bring a hat, and consider sunglasses that actually stay put. If you tend to get dry in the sun, you will appreciate having your own water too, since bottled water is not listed as included.

Transition time and why the route matters before lunch

When you finish the ride, the day shifts from farm track to winery property life. You then head to Terruño, the restaurant set within Club Tapiz, a winery and wine lodge complex.

This in-between travel time is where the tour earns its “worth it” factor. You are not hiking for hours between major stops, and you are not spending the entire day in a vehicle. It stays balanced: action, scenery, then a sit-down meal.

Along the way, the day passes through well known areas like Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, and Chacras de Coria. You may not stop at every place, but you get a sense of how Mendoza spreads across wine districts and river corridors.

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

Lunch is the second anchor of the day. You eat at Terruño within Club Tapiz, and the tour includes a multi-course BBQ style meal plus wine pairings.

This is where the experience turns from “nice day trip” into “I would plan my itinerary around this.” Wine pairing is more than getting a glass. It shapes the meal order and helps you taste with intent, especially after time outdoors on horseback.

What the included lunch feels like

The structure described for past days includes a starter, main courses, and desserts, with pairings continuing through the meal. One review mentions choosing a starter, then moving through entree and fabulous desserts, finishing with coffee served hot and a sweet tidbit.

On a practical level, that means you can treat lunch as your main meal of the day. You do not need to line up extra food plans, and that saves time and money.

About service and the team

Lunch service is part of the appeal. People specifically mention staff such as Luisa at Club Tapiz, and it makes sense because a multi-course meal has to run like a schedule, not a free-for-all. You also have the tour guide covering background, which helps you connect the wine and food to place.

If you want this day to feel calm, the service matters. You are not waiting forever for each course, and you can actually enjoy the experience instead of constantly watching the time.

Vegetarian option

A vegetarian option is available, but you have to advise when booking. If you need specific dietary handling beyond vegetarian, share the details during booking too, since the tour lists a request process for dietary requirements.

Small group size: why up to 8 people is the difference

The maximum group size is 8 travelers. That is a meaningful detail, because a horse ride can get awkward when a group is large. More people also means longer transitions, more time waiting at gates, and less flexibility if the day needs adjustment.

In this kind of outing, smaller groups usually mean you get:

• Clearer instruction for horse handling
• More time to ask questions about vineyards, olives, and the Mendoza region
• A quieter lunch rhythm, since your table and pacing are less chaotic

Past participants also highlight bilingual guidance. The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, and one review mentions bilingual support in English and Spanish with a guide named Ricky. If you prefer to ask questions and get real answers, this is a good setup.

Price and what $210 per person is really buying

The price is $210 per person, for about 6 hours total, including transfers, the horseback ride, and lunch with wine. On its face, that sounds like a lot, but Mendoza day trips can get expensive quickly when you add transport, a quality meal, and guided activities.

Here is how the value stacks up:

• You are paying for transport into southern Maipu and back to Mendoza City, not just a pickup and drop with no help.
• You are paying for horse access and guiding, which is a real cost component, especially when the horses are handled by trained gaucho staff.
• You are paying for a multi-course lunch with wine pairings at Club Tapiz. That is the spend that often costs more on its own if you build your schedule independently.

If you compare this to doing a winery lunch plus separate activities, this package often looks like the simpler path. You also avoid the headache of timing between places, which is underrated value when it is hot and daylight is limited.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you want a Mendoza day that feels both local and relaxed. I think it works best for couples, solo travelers, and small families who want one signature countryside activity plus a proper meal.

It is also a good option if you are curious about the region but do not want to spend the whole day hopping between tasting rooms. The ride route connects vineyards and olive groves to the river area, then the lunch gives you the wine and food link in one place.

You might want a different choice if you:

• Hate being outside in the sun for around an hour and a half
• Want bottled water included, since it is not listed as included
• Are expecting a heavy winery tasting day with multiple stops, since the focus here is the ride and one standout lunch location

Practical tips to make your day smoother

I would plan around heat and sun first. Wear sunscreen, bring a hat, and consider sunglasses. If you get motion sickness easily, also think about how long you will be in the minivan and bring what helps you.

Also plan your day around the meal. Breakfast is not included, so eat before pickup if you can. Lunch is substantial, and with wine pairings included, you will likely be satisfied for the rest of the day.

If you have dietary needs, make them clear during booking. Vegetarian is available, but it needs advance notice, and specific dietary requirements should be provided up front.

Finally, bring a small mindset shift. This is not a high-adrenaline ride. It is a countryside stroll on horseback with guides and a focus on scenery and comfort, then a sit-down gourmet lunch.

Should you book this Mendoza horseback and Club Tapiz lunch?

Yes, if you want one well paced half day that combines three things people come to Mendoza for: vineyard countryside, gentle guided horse time, and a wine-focused gourmet lunch at a major winery estate. The small group size, the hotel transport, and the multi-course lunch with pairings are the core reasons this feels like good value, not just another activity.

I would book it particularly if you are the type who likes a clear plan. You get picked up, you ride, you eat, and you are back in time for an evening in Mendoza City.

You should hesitate only if the idea of being outdoors in strong sun for 1.5 hours does not sound appealing, or if you prefer wineries spread across multiple tastings. For most people, though, this is one of those rare Mendoza days that balances fun and comfort without turning into chaos.

FAQ

What is the total duration of the horseback ride and lunch tour?

The tour runs for approximately 6 hours.

When do they pick you up in Mendoza?

Pickup is described as starting around 11am from your hotel or hostel in Mendoza City or nearby areas. The start time is also listed as 10:00am at the Mendoza meeting point, so confirm the exact pickup timing for your location.

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The horseback ride is about 90 minutes.

Where do you have lunch after the ride?

Lunch is at Terruño, a restaurant located in Club Tapiz, a winery and wine lodge.

Is the group size small?

Yes. The experience is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

The ride is set up for an easy, guided experience, and the horses are described as well behaved. You will be guided by a trail team and gaucho.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, and you should advise at booking if you need it.

Is bottled water included?

No. Bottled water is not listed as included, though coffee and/or tea and alcoholic beverages are included.