Built in 1901, Bodega Benegas is a boutique winery with impressive wines and a family tree with roots that stretch back to the earliest days of the Mendoza wine industry. Located in Luján de Cuyo, just 20 minutes south of Mendoza City, Benegas Winery produces approximately 30,000 cases annually – a far cry from its high volume history.  The downsize however, allowed the family company to focus on producing some of Mendoza’s most beloved wines, even if the Benegas label isn’t taking the world by storm.

Legend has it that the Benegas family was the first family to bring French noble grapevines to the desert soils of Mendoza. Whether or not such rumors are true, this historic family’s pivotal role in the development of Mendoza’s wine industry is undeniable.  Tiburcio Benegas is considered one of the three founders of the wine industry in the Americas.  Argentine-born Tiburcio moved to Mendoza in 1864 and inherited his winemaking passion and know-how from his father in law.  Today, that tradition is kept very much alive at this boutique winery that still remains very much a family affair.

Built in the typical Mendoza style, the winery consists of high cane ceilings and thick adobe walls, many of which are adorned with the owner’s expansive Patagonian poncho collection. Benegas winery exudes a kind of edited rustic elegance, it is steeped in history and includes a small exhibit of 1880’s winery equipment and a 100-year old record book. In the selling off of the majority of the family business, the Benegas team was able to focus on a single project: producing fine French style blends and a line of single varietals.

The Benegas family sources their grapes from some of the region’s oldest vines, including from Finca Libertad Vineyard, which contains grapevines ranging from 60-120 years old.

What to buy when you’re there: Benegas Lynch Meritage

This French Bordeaux-style blend is a must-buy wine at Bodega Benegas.  It is Cabernet Franc blend incorporates Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Every glass is full of a lush ruby color, aromas reminiscent of sweet fruit, smoke, and ripe plum.  On the palate the Benegas Lynch Meritage is full-bodied, with a velvety finish and final notes of toast.

Our team of highly passionate, skilled trip planners wants to get to know you so we can construct the perfect getaway.  We pull from our large network of local winemakers, adventurers, chefs, artists and more to introduce you to a side of Mendoza, Argentina that you won’t see with any other tour agency.

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