Argentina

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