Mendoza winery restaurants win more Michelin stars
Two more winery restaurants in Mendoza have been awarded Michelin stars, further strengthening the region’s reputation as one of South America’s leading wine and gastronomy destinations. Winery and winemaker-led restaurants now account for almost half of Argentina’s Michelin-starred establishments.
In the third edition of the Michelin Guide in Argentina, two more winery and winemaker-led restaurants in Mendoza have been awarded coveted stars.
Since the Michelin Guide launched in Argentina in 2024, the announcement of its new stars has become one of the most anticipated moments for the country’s wine industry. This is not only because many of the restaurants listed have some of the strongest wine programmes in Argentina, but also because, in Mendoza, a significant number of the starred and recommended restaurants are based in wineries or owned by winemakers.
With the announcement of the 2026 stars on 13 July, two more wine-linked restaurants were added to the Michelin-starred roster: La VidA, at Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, and Cal, at Sitio La Estocada, winemaker Matías Michelini’s Uco Valley estate. It marks a second Michelin recognition for Susana Balbo Wines, whose Osadía de Crear restaurant at the winery in Luján de Cuyo already has a Michelin recommendation.
Mendoza strengthens its Michelin credentials
They join the Michelin stars already held by Alejandro Vigil’s winery restaurant Casa Vigil, Zonda Cocina de Paisaje at Lagarde winery, Angélica Cocina Maestra at Catena Zapata’s winery and Matías Riccitelli’s Riccitelli Bistró.
Wineries and winemaker-led restaurants now account for six of Argentina’s 14 Michelin-starred restaurants. The country’s sole two-star restaurant remains Aramburu in Buenos Aires, which retained its second star for the 2026 edition.
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Mendoza performed strongly overall in this year’s guide, with nine of Argentina’s 14 Michelin-starred restaurants located in the province. Alongside La VidA and Cal, Mendoza city restaurant Centauro also received its first star this year.
Sustainability and wine tourism recognised
Cal received an additional boost with a Michelin Green Star, recognising its commitment to sustainability, local producers and seasonal ingredients. Its 28-year-old chef, Enzo González Petra, also received the Michelin Young Chef Award for Argentina 2026, while Mendoza-based sommelier Camila Torta received the Sommelier Award for her work at Azafrán, in Mendoza city.
More than a dozen winery restaurants and wine estate dining rooms also feature among Michelin’s recommended restaurants in Mendoza. New additions this year include Antigal’s Authentic Flavors, Crux, Clos de Chacras and Diam’s by DiamAndes, joining previously recommended wine destinations such as Ruca Malen, Trapiche, Martino Wines, Alta Vista, Durigutti, Renacer, Bodega Norton, Achaval Ferrer, La Madrid and Fogón at Lagarde.
Boost for Mendoza’s international profile
At a time when Argentina is working to regain international tourism momentum amid an expensive currency and more uneven visitor numbers, the new Michelin stars offer a timely boost for Mendoza. The city reported average hotel occupancy of 53.6% during the 2026 summer season, while tourism leaders have pointed to gastronomy and wine tourism as key tools for strengthening the province’s international appeal.
For Mendoza’s wineries, the guide has become more than a restaurant ranking. It is now an international showcase for the region’s growing ambition as a world-class wine and gastronomy destination.
Amanda Barnes is the drinks business‘ regular South America correspondent and author of The South America Wine Guide.
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