From the north to south, here, we are going to give a summary of the obligatory stops that any lover of wine and the vine should include in their wine tour itinerary.
onsidered one of the world’s major wine producers, there’s a whole host of reasons why Argentina is worthy of this accolade. In the last few years, the country’s winegrowing map hasn’t stopped growing, with more and more provinces that can boast their own harvests of this ancient drink.
Here, we’ll explore Argentina’s best winemaking destinations, which offer great wines, as well as the ideal backdrop to savor every last drop.
Cafayate
Only three hours from the city of Salta is the Cafayate region, where 70% of Valle Calchaquí’s total vineyards can be found. It’s not surprising that, for this very reason, the region’s wine cellars have taken center stage of Argentina’s wine tourism industry. Due to the region’s unusual climatic characteristics (it has 300 days of sun per year, little humidity and a pronounced temperature range), the high-altitude wines of this area – and especially the Torrontés variety – have for years earnt international recognition.
If you want to feel like you’ve really got to know Cafayate, there’s nothing better than putting aside two to three days to visit some of its main vineyards and wineries.
El Porvenir
Located only a few meters from the main square, it feels like the past and present have come together under the same roof in this family-run wine cellar. After making a prior booking, travelers will have the chance to see the manufacturing process of their main vines (Torrontés, Tannat, Malbec and Syrah) and taste them in the winery’s bar in the company of experts.
Piatelli
The formidable Piattelli vineyard is only 15 minutes from the center of Cafayate. Inside its restaurant, visitors can taste some of the main varieties of this label – Torontés, Malbec, Malbec-Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon – while they enjoy the head chef’s specially prepared menu of regional cooking. All this, with a one-of-a-kind view of the colorful valleys in the backround.
El Esteco
Nestled on the mythical Route 40, El Esteco invites you to discover the terroir of the region from its ranch of more than 480 hectares, located in outstanding natural surroundings. Anyone who has the time shouldn’t miss staying the night in Patios de Cafayate, the colonial hotel adjacent to the vineyard’s ranch, one of the most legendary hotels in this area.
Anyone who doesn’t want to miss out on visiting one of Argentina’s emerging wine destinations during their trip should read on below for some of the best options:
Vineyards in Jujuy
Fernando Dupont Winery
Listed as the first winemaking business of Quebrada de Humahuaca – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site –, this winery, located in the picturesque town of Maimará, San Salvador de Jujuy, boasts four hectares where tvarieties such as Malbec, Carbenet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc are grown, using a system that looks to rekindle the spirit of ancient harvesting techniques. Anyone who makes it to this charming corner of northern Argentina will be able to appreciate the region’s hills in all their splendor, with a truly outstanding example of high altitude wine in their hand at the same time.
The Vineyards of Perchel
Traveling only 15 kilometers from Tilcara, you’ll arrive at the Vineyards of Perchel, the region’s highest organic winery. Malbec, Syrah, Tannat and Cabernet Franc can be found amongst its three hectares of vines which are spread across the hillside (2670 meters above sea level). In these historic lands of thousands of years of wine cultivation, visitors can pair their wine tasting with another great delicacy that the local food scene has to offer: empanadas.
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Patagonia, the New Star of Wine Tourism
Humberto Canale Winery
Patagonia’s cold nights and intensely sunny days have a lot to do with the identity of Alto Valle de Río Negro’s wine production. It’s right here that Humberto Canale, one of southern Argentina’s most important wineries, can be found. Created in 1909, it currently boasts five hectares fully dedicated to exclusive cultivation of various vines that can be tasted in different corners of Argentina and the world. Anyone visiting this legendary spot will be able to experience a live tasting sessions, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the fascinating museum.
The Winery of Rio Elorza
Anyone who wants to taste more of Patagonia’s wine variety shouldn’t forget to make a stop in Rio Elorza. Located only 15 kilometers from Neuquén, this boutique winery has everything necessary to charm wine lovers. Tourists who include this stop in their tour will be able to explore the winery in the company of experts, in order to really understand the zone’s production processes, as well as take part in a tasting – by means of reservation only – of the different varieties that this label has to offer: Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to name a few.
The Best Vineyards of Greater Buenos Aires
Costa & Pampa, Trapiche
If you’ve never been lucky enough to visit a coastal vineyard, you mustn’t miss Costa & Pampa during your trip around Argentina – the experimental winemaking project of the well-known winery Trapiche – which can be found in Chapadmal, a province of Buenos Aires. Only a few kilometers from Mar del Plata, the emblematic spa-resort town of the Atlantic coast, it’s clear what this winery has to offer: visitor have the chance to taste wines with an notable oceanic influence, while they enjoy the peace and tranquility of the surroundings and rural scenery, which many dare to compare to the French countryside.
Finca Don Atilio
Finca Don Atillio, a vineyard where travelers can enjoy stunning rural scenery and two hectares of fields cultivated with Syrah, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Tannat, can be found in the Uribelarrea region, a province of Buenos Aires. What’s more, anyone who’s lucky enough to end up here has to make sure that they also visit the center of this tiny town of only 900 inhabitants, and lose themselves in the past when walking through the charming streets full of colonial houses.
So, what are you waiting for to plan your wine tour of Argentina?
