Lunch in Argentina Wine Country

In February 2020, Francis Mallmann, Argentina’s most famous chef, teamed up with Bodega Kaiken, a winery near Mendoza. They first opened a food truck that served gourmet sandwiches. In 2021, they left the truck for this permanent open-air restaurant run by executive chefs Diego Salvador Irrera and Javier Luengo. Both chefs worked in Mallmann restaurants for decades. The sandwiches are still available, like the lomo with pancetta, Argentine cuartirolo cheese and housemade mayo. The expanded menu focuses on meats and vegetables grilled over an open flame. Try the tenderloin wrapped around avocado, tomato, chili and mascarpone. Or a salad that combines smoky sweetbreads with baby arugula, radishes and cherry tomatoes. The service is impeccable as well.

Altamira is an emerging section of the Uco Valley, about 70 miles south of Mendoza city. Here, Cundo Cocina restaurant opened in December 2020 on a family-owned vineyard. Chef Seba Juez worked at world-renowned El Bulli in Spain and applies the techniques he learned abroad to local produce. He creates sophisticated dishes such as sweet and creamy roasted squash with turmeric, yogurt, pumpkin seeds and black garlic, topped with a poached egg. The wine list is from Altamira—including the owners’ Presente Wines—so a meal here is an opportunity to taste rare local bottles.

Huentala Winery is an ambitious operation in the Gualtallary region of the Uco Valley. In 2022, it opened a 250-seat version of its restaurant. Panoramic views of the vineyard and the signature outdoor art complement the creative cuisine. Diners pick four dishes from 12 diverse options, including trout over creamed corn and goat dumplings with mushrooms in broth. For each dish, the staff offers house wine pairing options. A light sunset menu is also available for later arrivals and the winery’s overnight guests.