Handmade in Mendoza

This 2.5-hour cultural excursion takes you beyond the souvenir stores and into the minds of the makers. The majority of the experience is spent exploring Mendoza’s only artisan market where every single item is made at the hands of native communities and Mendocino families, often using methods passed down through the ages. Hosted by Julieta, a bilingual guide, you will have the opportunity to converse with craftspeople producing top-quality leather goods, gaucho apparel, handwoven crafts, and more. Every artisan has a story to share and this experience facilitates meaningful conversations that flow. Julieta has also curated a leisurely stroll through the city's boutiques where she'll help you find thoughtful, authentic gifts that represent Mendoza's soul. Subject to the day, you may also visit a workshop where ancestral weaving and basketry is still taught by hand. If this is of particular interest, log in and message Julieta via the Chat function to enquire about availability first.

Julieta has created the only shopping experience in Mendoza that focuses exclusively on handmade items handcrafted locally. Besides wine, Mendoza has a legacy for leather goods, silver jewelry, woven textiles carrying traditional Andean designs, ceramics merging Indigenous and modern techniques, and facón knives carried by gauchos. Julieta will steer you far from the tourist traps and help you locate authentic pieces created by traditional artisans who work with their hands and hearts. This is a fully interactive experience where you’ll talk directly with the makers and hear the significance and stories behind each piece. On special days, you may be fortunate to experience an intimate demonstration of works in progress. In her role as your cultural translator, Julieta will ensure you connect with each object and its maker beyond surface level (and the price tag). There is no obligation to purchase any items: this experience also works as a peek into the lineage arts and crafts.

Born and raised in Mendoza, Julieta offers an insider’s perspective on the local region through engaging conversations and unique experiences. After spending years guiding throughout Argentina and Chile, she has returned to her home city with a vision to show a different side to Mendoza. Julieta's experiences mix a keen knowledge of culture, crafts, history, and wine with spontaneity and humor. As the host of this cultural shopping excursion, Julieta will guide you to where the truest crafts live and reveal the stories behind them. She’ll foster meaningful connections with the makers, the materials, and the meaning behind each piece. By conversing with the artisans, you'll be elevated from a simple shopping experience to a culturally stimulating activity.

Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle (Julieta provides fresh water for refills to avoid single-use plastics). If possible, bring tote bags in case you wish to purchase any items. There is no obligation to make any purchases but you may find it hard to resist picking up some handmade treasures.