Empanadas and wine sounds simple, and it works. This small-group class lets you make empanadas from an Argentine recipe and then switch gears to a guided tasting of premium reds like Malbec and Cabernet styles. I especially like the hands-on cooking time and the wine education that gives you a reason for every sip. One possible drawback: one reviewer said the filling leaned heavily onion-forward, so if you dislike onions, keep that in mind.

The set-up also feels designed for conversation, not just a quick factory demo. In the stories from hosts such as Catalina, Valentin/Valentine, Lourdes, Fernando, and Tomás, you can see a pattern: clear instruction plus room to ask questions, with a small group size (often around seven). Just know there’s no hotel pickup, and you’ll want to arrive on time at Gorriti in Palermo.

Key things I’d want you to notice before you book

Empanadas are hands-on, not just watched

You taste multiple Argentine varietals: Malbec plus Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

Small group size makes it easier to talk, not just follow

You get both cooking instruction and wine context from the guide

The session is weather-proof and runs rain or shine

Palermo location and a 2-hour clock that keeps it fun

This experience is based in Palermo, with a meeting point on Gorriti. The good news for your itinerary is the time: it’s only 2 hours. In Buenos Aires, that’s the sweet spot for doing something memorable without burning your whole afternoon.

Another practical detail: there’s no hotel pickup, so plan to get yourself to the meeting point. You should also arrive about 5 minutes early so the group can start together. Also, the meeting address shows up as Gorriti 4882 in one place and Gorriti 4886 in another—use the exact address listed on your confirmation, and if there’s any mismatch, double-check before you walk over.

And yes, it runs rain or shine, which is a big deal when your dinner plans are already a little chaotic.

Cooking empanadas: how the class translates into food you can repeat

The core of the activity is a small-group cooking class where you make empanadas using an authentic recipe. What I like about this setup is that you’re not just eating a snack and leaving. You’re learning how to put one together—from the dough approach to the filling process—so you can recreate it later.

The format matters. Because it’s small group and timed, you get instruction while you’re actually working. That’s why the empanadas feel like the point rather than a side quest. Multiple guides named in reviews—like Fernando and Tomás—were praised for explaining the recipe clearly, step by step.

One extra note from reviews: you may get guidance beyond the empanada itself, since at least one guest singled out a chimichurri accompaniment as a highlight. If you care about how the food comes together as a plate, that kind of add-on can turn the meal from good to memorable.

The only caution on the filling

One review flagged that the filling tasted mostly of onion, calling it out as a possible mismatch with what people expect from Buenos Aires empanadas. This doesn’t mean your class will be the same, but it is worth noting. If onions are a personal dealbreaker, you might want to tell the guide right away that you prefer minimal onion.

The wine tasting part: what you gain beyond just drinking

After (or alongside) the cooking steps, you’ll do a guided tasting of Argentine wines. The varietals listed are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. That trio is a nice choice because it covers different styles under the broader Argentina red umbrella.

What makes the wine tasting more valuable than a standard pour-and-smile session is the teaching component. The guide covers:

• the characteristics of the grapes
• winemaking methods in Argentina
• the distinctive features that shape each wine’s particular flavor

If you’ve ever tasted a wine and thought, I liked it but I don’t know why, this is exactly the missing piece. You learn how to connect flavor to choices made in the vineyard and winery, even if you’re not a wine expert.

Reviews also point to the fact that guides talk in a friendly way, not a lecture way. People mentioned that hosts like Catalina and Valentin made the tasting feel relaxed, while still giving real context. Another nice touch: some guides also offered food and city recommendations during the experience, which is practical when your plans for the evening are still fuzzy.

Small-group energy: why 2 hours feels longer (in a good way)

This isn’t a big group tour. It’s a small group cooking and tasting experience, and one guest counted around seven people. On top of that, another review described a scenario with just one couple, which made it feel personal.

That small-group size changes the whole rhythm:

• You ask questions while you’re cooking, not after you’ve already moved on.
• You don’t wait forever for attention.
• You actually talk with your host and with the people in your group.

One reviewer also mentioned that the timing felt nicely structured, with conversation encouraged between tastings and steps. That’s important because the worst version of this kind of class is where the wine comes first, everyone chats too long, and the cooking goes sideways. Here, it sounds like the session stays paced so you get both.

What the experience feels like from start to finish

Here’s the practical flow you can expect in a typical run of this kind of class, based on what’s emphasized in the description and reflected in feedback:

First, you’re at the Palermo meeting point and you start together with a professional tour guide. Then you move into the hands-on cooking portion, following the recipe to prepare empanadas. Because it’s designed as an authentic Argentine class, the emphasis is on doing it yourself—so you can eventually take the method home.

Next comes the tasting portion. You’ll sample the wines—Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc—with the guide explaining what to notice and how Argentine winemaking can influence the result. The best part is that you’re not treating the tasting like a separate event. It’s part of the same cultural meal framework: food and wine connected on purpose.

Finally, you eat what you made. That matters more than you’d think. Many classes stop at cooking and send you on your way. Here, you get the pay-off right away, and people explicitly praised how delicious the empanadas and wines were.

Price and value: what $49 buys you in real travel terms

At $49 per person for 2 hours, this is one of those Buenos Aires activities that can feel like good value—if you actually want both sides of the experience: cooking and wine education.

You’re paying for:

• a guided cooking class with ingredients provided
• a professional guide
• the tasting itself

The value equation is strongest if you:

• enjoy learning by doing
• want a local-style activity beyond walking around neighborhoods
• like wine but want some structure so tasting feels meaningful

The main value consideration is that there’s no hotel pickup. If you’re far from Palermo, the time and transit cost to get there can make the deal feel less tidy. On the other hand, Palermo is easy to reach from many central areas, so it often works out fine.

Also, one review called it expensive. That’s a fair reaction in a city where free and low-cost food tours exist. My take: if you care about both making empanadas and understanding the wine, this price can make sense. If you mostly care about eating, you may prefer a simpler food plan.

Logistics that matter on the day

Here’s how to keep it smooth.

• Meeting point: Gorriti in Palermo (Gorriti 4886 is listed as the key address). Arrive 5 minutes early.
• No hotel pickup: plan your own way there.
• Rain or shine: the activity runs even if the weather turns.
• Languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
• Age limit: not suitable for children under 18.

One more helpful travel note: at least one guest said the staff were accommodating with luggage, letting them leave bags for a bit so they could walk around the neighborhood after. That’s not something you should assume will happen every time, but it’s a reassuring example of how the team can work with real schedules.

Who this empanada and wine class fits best

This is a great match if you want a food-forward activity that also teaches you something. Specifically:

• Wine lovers who want context: you’ll learn about Malbec and the Cabernet varietals, plus how Argentine winemaking shapes what you taste.
• People who learn by doing: you’ll make empanadas, not just watch.
• Short-on-time visitors: 2 hours is efficient, and it’s a clear plan when your free time in Buenos Aires is limited.
• Small groups and couples: the small size helps the experience feel more relaxed and conversational.

It’s not ideal for families with kids under 18, since the class isn’t suitable for younger guests.

Should you book this empanadas and wine experience?

If you like the idea of learning a local dish and pairing it with a guided wine tasting, I’d book it. It’s a strong combo: hands-on empanadas plus a structured tasting of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc in a small group.

I’d think twice only if either of these is true for you:

• You’re extremely price-sensitive and just want the cheapest way to eat in Palermo.
• Onions are a dealbreaker for you, since one guest reported an onion-heavy filling.

Otherwise, this is the kind of Buenos Aires experience that gives you more than a meal. You leave with skills you can actually use later, plus a better sense of what you’re tasting when you order wine.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is listed on Gorriti in Palermo (Gorriti 4886 is provided as the meeting address). Arrive 5 minutes early.

What’s included in the price?

You get the empanadas cooking class, a professional tour guide, empanadas ingredients, and wine tasting.

What wine types are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup/drop-off is not included.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

Is this activity suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

Does the class happen if it rains?

Yes. It takes place even if it rains or shines.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How big is the group?

It’s a small-group class. One review mentioned a group size of about seven people, and in at least one case it was very small.