On the seemingly endless list of excuses to come and visit Argentina one of the most popular and amazing is probably that of wine, the protagonist of our post today.
A rgentina´s unique landscapes and climate have turned this country into one of the most outstanding and internationally acclaimed in this matter.
In addition to Malbec – of which Argentina happens to be the greatest producer in the world- there is so much more to be discovered. Marcela Rienzo, a member of the governing board of the Argentine Association of Sommeliers, describes this experience as a “bottled landscape”, which enables visitors to get to know different places in Argentina through wine.
She highly recommends tasting wines from the 18 wine-growing provinces in our country. While the wines from Salta and Mendoza are a must in this sampling experience, she insists that travelers should discover the variety and wealth present throughout the Argentine territory. “I would suggest a wine tour departing from Patagonia, going on to Buenos Aires, and up to Córdoba, San Luis, San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tucumán and culminating in Entre Ríos”.
San Martin de los Andes
Wine Route in Argentina
As our invited expert well explains, we should acknowledge the magnitude of the wine-growing activity in a country that is home to three main regions, each with a different soil type and diverse climate features: the high altitude in Northern Argentina, the aridity of Cuyo and the plains in Patagonia. Worth mentioning are also the new ventures arising by the Atlantic Ocean, in Buenos Aires province.
The country is home to at least 2,000 wineries, many of which offer vineyard and winery tours. The Head of Wine Institute Salta and Sommelier Jorge Luis Gallo, shares some useful tips before we set out on this type of tour.
El Calafate
“What makes this route so exceptional is not only the diversity of soils, climates and altitudes of the different wine-growing regions, but also the fact that most wines are good value for money”. Mr. Gallo also admits that there are other reasons to go on this tour. “The variety of sceneries, the possibility to sample a wide range of wines and learn about diverse methods of production. Each winery, each small business tries to showcase their work and art in a more personalized way, thus adding value to the whole experience”.
“You must be willing to learn and enjoy. The key is to have a good time and learn not only about the wines but also about the cuisine in each region.” The expert goes on to say that the locals in the different areas as well as the landscapes and even the regional jams represent an important factor in the whole experience.
Should I be a wine connoisseur to go on the wine route?
This is one of the questions most frequently asked by our travelers when planning to set out on one of these tours. “There are those who are very knowledgeable about this subject matter and are seeking to learn more about the features of production,” Mr. Gallo adds. However, he also points out that visitors don´t need to be experts to take pleasure in such tours, as there will always be guides ready to assist and inform them.
What are the best wineries in Argentina?
Many of the wineries mentioned in this special edition have been acknowledged as some of the best in the world. In “The World´s Best Vineyards” 2021 edition, Zuccardi Valle de Uco topped the list as the best wine tourist destination in the world. Catena Zapata won the 7th position and other vineyards like Trapiche, El Enemigo Wines and Colomé also ranked high on this prestigious list (18th, 24th and 35th, respectively).
Zuccardi – Valle Uco
Northwest
Most renowned wines: Torrontes, Bonarda, Malbec, Syrah
The Northern region is home to wineries in Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman and Catamarca. 6,230 hectares in which the altitude of the vineyards ranges from 750 to 3,329 meters above sea level. Here the winemaking tradition dates back to the XVII century in Valle Calchaquies, though it is Cafayate that stands as the main wine producer in the region with 60% of the vineyard area. Both the landscapes and the extreme altitudes will take your breath away here.
Cafayate
Colome Winery and Estancia
In the midst of the Valles Calchaquies, this estancia and winery represents one of the most renowned and iconic in the region. It features one of the highest vineyards in the world, which ensures stunning views of the Northern landscapes. It is located on the stretch between Cafayate and Cachi – two other landmarks where to enjoy the best wineries in the region.
Bodega Colomé – Salta
Etchart Winery
This winery based in Cafayate not only owns a beautiful philosophy that combines tradition and the conservation of nature but it also boasts premium wines that will simply amaze visitors.
Bodega Etchart – Cafayate
La Puna
Surrounded by the stunning scenery of Cachi, and only a few kilometers away from that town, lies Puna Winery. Four of their wines have been awarded international prizes, like their Reserva Malbec in “Virus International Award Lisboa 2020 and 2021”, or their Torrontes, which won the silver medal in 2021 in Lisbon and England.
La Puna – Salta
Piatelli Winery
Piatelli has wineries in Cafayate and Mendoza. Its breathtaking landscapes turn the whole experience into a real privilege for visitors. The terroir is one of their specialties.
Bodega Piatelli – Salta
El Porvernir Winery
As a family-owned winery, their philosophy is revealed in each of the processes of winemaking: knowledge, tradition and a great love for wine. Torrontes, Malbec and Tannat, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot, among other varieties.
Bodega El Porvenir – Salta
Cuyo
Most renowned wines: Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Torrontes.
Cuyo´s winemaking activity is concentrated in the provinces of La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza, the latter being the most popular as a wine tourism destination.
This region concentrates 95% of the total planted area in the country, a figure that gives an idea of their prominence, the wealth of their terroir and the awe-inspiring winegrowing tradition of the place. With a semi desert climate and framed by the influence and majesty of the Andes, the vineyards range in altitude from 430 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
Mendoza
Zuccardi
Suffice to say that Zuccardi has been chosen- for the third year in a row- as the best winery in the world by “The World´s Best Vineyards” academy. A fact that proves beyond a doubt the wealth of their wines as well as the quality and great value of each of their wine-sector products. Their mountain wines captivate the whole world.
Bodega Zuccardi – Mendoza
Andeluna Winery
A unique establishment inspired by the moonlight and the exceptional landscape surrounding it. Their exquisite wines are too extraordinary for description.
Andeluna Winery – Mendoza
Catena Zapata Winery
And when you thought nothing could be more impressive, as you face this winery you will be proved wrong. Its Mayan-inspired architecture further enhances that connection between nature and the amazing world of wines. Premium quality, beauty and a scenery that will simply take your breath away.
Catena Zapata Winery – Mendoza
Chañarmuyo Winery
Along with their high-quality wines this place offers visitors the chance to spend the night in their traditional Guest House, which is usually described as an “oasis in the desert”.
Chañarmuyo Winery – La Rioja
Patagonia
Most renowned wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir.
This last region on the list comprises La Pampa, Neuquén, Río Negro and Buenos Aires. This vast territory features a large thermal amplitude, which turns it into a very special place for winegrowing.
The cultivated area is no greater than 1.92% but it does represent the variety of wine that can be found throughout the country. Here lie the southernmost vineyards in the world. The constant winds from the west and the long hours of sunshine per day (the effect of latitude) are among the many factors that make the wineries in this region so exceptional.
Rionegro
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Miras Winery
Their philosophy, “Grape-Man-Wine”, represents the characteristics of the region as well as the human labor behind each wine produced. Miras boasts several international awards and it is regarded as one of the best in Argentina.
Miras Winery – Rio Negro
Bodega al Este Winery (Buenos Aires) :
Far from the traditional vineyards, this venture reflects the great progress of the region in winegrowing. While at the winery, visitors may create their own “personalized wine” with a blend that most represents them.
Bodega al Este Winery – Buenos Aires
Bodega del Fin del Mundo Winery
At the foot of the majestic Ararat Mount this Armenian family created a spectacular winery that has expanded their business to the Argentine territory, where they established Bodega Fin del Mundo, which is run by Eduardo Eurnekian and his niece Juliana Del Aguila Eurnekian.
Viñedo Bodega Fin del Mundo – Neuquén
Bodega del Desierto Winery
Their philosophy is about “Inspiration, perseverance and a true respect for the soil we work on”. And indeed, their wines are shaped by the unique terroir that results from the desert soil, the wind, the sun and the River Colorado.
Bodega del Desierto Winery – La Pampa
