Wine Paradise in South America’s Largest Wine Country
Argentina stands as South America’s premier wine destination, with Mendoza at its heart producing nearly 70% of the country’s wines. The dramatic backdrop of the Andes mountains creates perfect conditions for world-class Malbec production.
Towns and Wine Regions
– Mendoza: The wine capital featuring three main regions – Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and Uco Valley
– Salta: Home to the world’s highest vineyards in Cafayate
– San Juan: Known for Syrah and traditional method sparkling wines
– Patagonia: Cool-climate region producing excellent Pinot Noir
Notable Wine Producers
| Producer | Region | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Catena Zapata | Mendoza | Premium Malbec |
| Bodega Norton | Mendoza | Historic winery, founded 1895 |
| Trapiche | Mendoza | Wide range, excellent value |
| Bodega Colomé | Salta | High-altitude wines |
Where to Stay
– Luxury: Cavas Wine Lodge (Mendoza) – Private villa with vineyard views
– Mid-range: Club Tapiz (Maipú) – Historic winery accommodation
– Boutique: Finca Adalgisa (Chacras de Coria) – Family-run wine estate
– Budget: Hostel Mora (Mendoza City) – Backpacker-friendly with wine tours
Wine Country Dining
– 1884 Restaurant: Francis Mallmann’s famous open-fire cooking in Mendoza
– Casa Vigil: El Enemigo winery’s exceptional tasting menu
– Siete Fuegos: Another Mallmann restaurant at The Vines Resort
– Local Tip: Book asado experiences at wineries for authentic Argentine barbecue
Best Times for Meals
– Lunch: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
– Dinner: 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM (Argentines eat late)
Reservations
Book popular winery restaurants 2-3 months in advance during peak season (October-April).
Wine Shops & Bars
Wine Bars Mendoza City:
– Vines of Mendoza: Over 100 wines by the glass
– Bar Latina: Local favorites with tapas pairings
– Wine O’Clock: Casual atmosphere with expert sommeliers
Wine Shops:
– Lo de Joaquín Alberdi: Extensive collection of rare vintages
– Winery: Chain store with competitive prices
– Regional Wine Shops at Mendoza Airport: Last-minute purchases
Other Shops
Local Specialties:
– Mendoza Central Market: Wine accessories and local products
– Av. Sarmiento: Artisanal leather goods and wine-related crafts
– Palmares Open Mall: High-end shopping with wine boutiques
Attractions
Wine-Related:
– Vines Museum at Bodega La Rural
– Wine Route signs throughout Mendoza
– Harvest Museum in Maipú
Non-Wine Activities:
– Aconcagua Provincial Park: Hiking and mountain views
– Plaza Independencia: City center with artisan markets
– Thermal spas in Cacheuta
Events
Wine Festivals:
– Vendimia (March): Argentina’s largest wine harvest festival
– Malbec World Day (April 17): Citywide celebrations
– Food & Wine Festival (May): Local cuisine and wine pairings
Cultural Events:
– Music in the Vineyards (December-February)
– Tango nights at historic wineries
– Evita Wine Marathon (October)
Appellations
Main Wine Regions:
– Luján de Cuyo: First Argentinian DOC, known for Malbec
– Maipú: Historic wine region, traditional producers
– Uco Valley: High-altitude vineyards, modern wineries
Lesser-Known Areas:
– San Rafael: Emerging region for Cabernet Sauvignon
– Gualtallary: High-end boutique producers
– Eastern Mendoza: Large-scale production area
The Iconic South American Wine Paradise
Argentina stands as the world’s fifth-largest wine producer, with Mendoza at its heart producing 70% of the country’s wines. The high-altitude vineyards and sun-drenched climate create perfect conditions for world-class Malbec and other varieties.
Grape Varieties
- Malbec: Argentina’s flagship grape, producing full-bodied reds with plum and black cherry notes
- Torrontés: Unique white grape variety with aromatic profiles similar to Gewürztraminer
- Bonarda: Second-most planted red variety, creating fruity, medium-bodied wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Thrives in high-altitude regions, especially Mendoza
Main Wine Styles
- Premium Malbec: High-altitude (3,000+ feet) wines with intense concentration and aging potential
- Mountain Whites: Crisp Torrontés from Salta, showing floral and tropical fruit characteristics
- Sparkling Wines: Growing category, primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- Red Blends: Malbec-based blends incorporating Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda
Food Specialties
- Asado: Traditional Argentine barbecue, perfect with bold Malbecs
- Empanadas Mendocinas: Meat-filled pastries native to wine country
- Locro: Hearty stew served at traditional wine estates
- Dulce de Leche: Sweet spread often paired with late harvest wines
Drives & Walks
Mendoza Wine Routes
- Luján de Cuyo Circuit: 20-mile route connecting historic wineries
- Uco Valley Loop: Scenic drive through mountain vineyards
- Maipú Bike Wine Trail: Flat terrain perfect for cycling between wineries
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Classic Wine Tour
- Day 1: Luján de Cuyo tastings and traditional asado lunch
- Day 2: Uco Valley premium wineries and chef’s table dinner
- Day 3: Maipú historical wineries and wine blending workshop
Week-Long Wine Adventure
- Days 1-3: Mendoza’s main wine regions
- Days 4-5: Salta’s high-altitude vineyards
- Days 6-7: Patagonian wine route in Neuquén
Best Time to Visit
Spring (September-November) and Fall (March-May) offer ideal temperatures around 70°F/21°C for wine touring and outdoor activities. These shoulder seasons provide the best experience for vineyard visits with fewer crowds.
Getting There & Around
- Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport in Mendoza connects to major South American cities
- Private drivers are essential for wine tours – many don’t speak English, book through your hotel
- Local buses run between main towns but rarely reach wineries
- Rental cars recommended only for experienced drivers comfortable with mountain roads
Language Tips
Basic Spanish wine terms enhance your tasting experience:
- Bodega = Winery
- Cata = Wine tasting
- Cosecha = Harvest
- Reserva = Reserve wine
- Tintos = Red wines
- Blancos = White wines
Sustainability Efforts
- Water conservation through drip irrigation systems
- Solar power adoption by major wineries
- Organic certification growing among boutique producers
- Sustainable tourism initiatives including bicycle tours
Further Resources
- Wines of Argentina: Official wine organization website with producer listings
- Mendoza Wine Club: Local group offering insider tastings
- Visit Mendoza: Tourism board website with updated events
- Argentina Wine Guide: Annual publication rating top producers
Travel Tips
- Book tastings in advance – most require reservations
- Bring cash – many smaller wineries don’t accept cards
- Pack layers – temperature varies significantly between day and night
- Allow time between tastings – distances between wineries can be substantial
- Stay hydrated – high altitude affects alcohol tolerance
Safety Information
- Travel insurance should cover high-altitude activities
- Emergency number: 911 works throughout Argentina
- Hospital Español in Mendoza city provides English-speaking medical care
- Store wine purchases properly – temperature changes can affect quality
