Bodega Lagarde: A Century of Heritage and Modern Winemaking

Founded in 1897 in the historic wine district of Mayor Drummond, Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Lagarde is one of Mendoza’s most revered heritage estates. Acquired in 1969 by the Pescarmona family and today directed by third-generation sisters Sofía and Lucila Pescarmona, the winery balances century-old viticultural traditions with contemporary culinary prestige and pioneering sustainability leadership.

Beyond its ancient 19th-century adobe cellars and ungrafted centenary vineyards planted in 1906, Lagarde is celebrated globally for its gastronomic offerings—anchored by Zonda Cocina de Paisaje, which earned both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star in the inaugural Michelin Guide Argentina.

A Century of Heritage in Luján de Cuyo

When Bodega Lagarde was established in the late 19th century, Mendoza was undergoing its foundational transformation into a world-class wine region following the arrival of the trans-Andean railway. The original adobe winery building, with its thick earth walls, cane-and-mud ceilings, and leafy courtyard gardens, has been carefully preserved to maintain the authentic atmosphere of historic Cuyo.

Under the stewardship of the Pescarmona family for more than five decades, the estate has continuously modernized its winemaking technology—integrating small stainless steel fermentation tanks, French oak foudres, and concrete vats—while respecting the architectural intimacy and artisanal scale of the historic estate.

Ungrafted Centenary Vineyards: Finca Drummond

Surrounding the historic cellar is Finca Drummond, an exceptional vineyard parcel originally planted in 1906. These gnarled, low-yielding vines are planted on their original ungrafted root systems (pie franco), drawing water from the Andes through historic stone irrigation canals.

The alluvial clay-loam soils and mature root architecture produce grapes with remarkable natural balance, concentrated fruit, and supple, velvety tannins. Fruit from these heritage blocks is reserved exclusively for Lagarde’s acclaimed Primeras Viñas collection (featuring old-vine Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon) and the flagship Henry Lagarde cuvée, an icon blend produced only in exceptional vintages.

Michelin-Starred Gastronomy: Zonda and Fogón

Bodega Lagarde is a world-renowned culinary destination offering two distinct dining concepts on the estate grounds:

1. Zonda Cocina de Paisaje (Michelin Star & Michelin Green Star)

Awarded both a Michelin Star and the coveted Michelin Green Star in the 2024 Michelin Guide, Zonda offers an immersive gastronomic exploration of Mendoza’s landscape and cultural roots. The experience begins in the estate’s biodiverse organic vegetable garden and farmyard, where guests walk with chefs to discover local botanical varieties, heirloom vegetables, and native herbs.

Guests then transition into the open-concept kitchen dining room for an unhurried 8- to 10-course seasonal tasting menu. Dishes re-interpret traditional Cuyo recipes through contemporary culinary artistry, paired with library vintages, sparkling wines, and single-vineyard selections from the Lagarde cellars.

2. Fogón Cocina de Viñedo

For a relaxed, open-air vineyard lunch, Fogón offers seasonal multi-course pairing menus served on a shaded outdoor terrace framed by hundred-year-old vines. The menu highlights traditional Argentine wood-fire cooking techniques—including iron planchas and wood-fired clay ovens—pairing pasture-raised meats, fire-roasted seasonal vegetables, and regional artisan cheeses with estate flights.

Sustainability Leadership: The B Corp Commitment

Lagarde is a certified B Corporation, certified since December 2018. This rigorous global standard evaluates a company’s total social and environmental performance across governance, workers, community, and the environment.

Lagarde’s environmental commitments include:

• Organic Agricultural Practices: Maintaining cover crops, natural compost systems, and biological pest control while eliminating synthetic chemical herbicides across estate vineyards.
• Resource Conservation: Precision drip irrigation that conserves scarce Andean snowmelt water, coupled with energy-efficient refrigeration and comprehensive winery recycling.
• Community Welfare: Supporting local educational initiatives and fair labor standards for vineyard and harvest workers across Luján de Cuyo.

The Wine Collections

• Primeras Viñas: Pure, elegant varietal expressions (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah) sourced from centenary vines planted in 1906 and 1930s, aged in French oak for balance and longevity.
• Proyecto Hermanas: A creative, small-production line conceived by Sofía and Lucila Pescarmona that highlights experimental varieties and single-vineyard terroirs from high-altitude Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, including crisp White Blends and fresh, aromatic Cabernet Franc.
• Lagarde Guarda: Structured, food-friendly wines reflecting the classic Primera Zona terroir of Luján de Cuyo.
• Champenoise Sparkling Wines: Lagarde produces traditional method sparkling wines with long lees contact, offering crisp brioche aromas and fine, persistent bubbles.

Visitor Tips and Planning Your Visit

• Advance Reservations: Due to international recognition following its Michelin awards, dining at Zonda requires booking several months in advance. Reservations for Fogón and guided winery tours should also be secured well ahead of time.
• Proximity: Located in Mayor Drummond along Avenida San Martín, Lagarde is one of the most accessible top-tier wineries from downtown Mendoza (under 25 minutes by taxi, remís, or car), eliminating the need for long rural journeys.
• Visit Synergy: Lagarde pairs exceptionally well with a morning or afternoon tour of neighboring Luján de Cuyo estates in Chacras de Coria and Vistalba.