Few locations provide you with the opportunity to enjoy wines amidst the stunning Andes mountains and lush valleys like Argentina. Argentina has been producing award winning wines since the beginning of the 19th century. Its high-altitude vineyards and perfect climate have transformed the wines of Argentina into a global powerhouse. If you love Malbec, then you know this rich, velvety red wine is perfect for cozy nights, hearty meals, and indulging in deep conversations with friends about life.Â
Argentina is the fifth-largest wine producer in the world and has become a hotspot for wine tourism attracting visitors from around the globe to sip wine with a little bit of adventure. If you truly want to understand Argentina’s history, food and traditions, there is no better way to do it than through the magnificent wines of the region.
What makes Argentina’s wine so extraordinary? It’s not just the Malbec—it’s the Andes, the sun, and a culture that turns every sip into a story.
Take a trip down south to discover one of the most fascinating wine regions around. High-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, Salta, and beyond contribute to the country’s unique wine flavors. As such, the wines of Argentina have secured their space in the award books and are sure to become a part of your regular repertoire. This guide will provide you with everything you need to make the wines of Argentina a part of your next international adventure.
3 Reasons to Explore Argentinian Wines
Argentina has solidified its reputation as a top-tier wine producer, frequently winning international awards. The wines consistently shine at international competitions like the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge. In recent years, some of the most famous Argentinian wineries have earned prestigious accolades. The hospitality in the region is unmatched. All of the vineyards are incredibly welcoming with staff that is eager to introduce you to their great wines.
Signature Varietals
Malbec is Argentina’s signature wine, it became synonymous with Argentine wine after being introduced from France. With notes of plum, blackberry, and chocolate the Malbec reigns supreme in Argentina. Which is a great drink to pair with Argentina’s amazing steaks.
One of the premier Malbecs of the region is Catena Zapata produce outstanding wines that highlight the complexity and elegance of the grape.
But there’s a few more varieties that you’ll want to explore while you are here.
For one of the most unique white wines of the region, try a Torrontés. It’s the white wine that you didn’t know you needed. Head over to Salta’s Cafayate region for sampling of Torrontés. For the best tasting experience in the region stop into Bodega Colomé. Walk away with at least one bottle, then stop into a local shop for some spicy empanadas and you’ve got yourself a nice afternoon snack.
And don’t miss the opportunity to sample Bonarda at Bodega Iaccarini in San Rafael where you’ll find an underground wine bar.
Affordable and Immersive Wine Tasting Experiences
Enjoying the wines of the region is relatively inexpensive. In Argentina you’ll find many wineries offer tastings at a fraction of the cost of a tasting experience in Napa or Bordeaux. That said, you may need an appointment to enjoy a full tasting experience.
You won’t want to pack in more than 2 tastings per day as they really give you a sample of everything. And if you’ve chosen right, you will enjoy your wine paired with an amazing lunch.
I typically skip the tours of the facilities to maximize my time however, some of the vineyards have really interesting stories that are worth exploring. There is so much pride in the wines and what the regions are producing and it would be a shame to not participate in the full experience at a couple of the vineyards.
Standard tasting experiences range from $10–$20 USD per person. This will generally include 3–5 wines, often with an introduction to the winery’s history and production methods. For a more in-depth experience with a multi-course meal pairing, expect to pay $50–$100+ USD per person. If you are feeling adventurous, try a smaller or family-run bodega that often offer tastings for as little as $5–$10 USD. Just be prepared for a more intimate experience.
Wine Tours with a Scenic Backdrop
Most wine destinations have an incredible scene. The rolling hills dotted with vineyards and tons of sunshine are ideal for sipping wine and relaxing. Argentina has something extra special to offer with a view of the Andes mountains framing your experience.
The stunning views of the Andes add a punctuation mark to a tasting experience. Take the time to indulge in the experience with a platter of cheese or other nibbles to complement your wine.
If you are doing a self driving tour, you should note that the vineyards are not really close to each other and you may have to traverse some pretty interesting terrain between them. But roads are very well maintained making it easy to drive.
When planning your wine tours, consider booking online or through local tour operators to get reasonable discounts. Allow for at least 1 hour for a full tasting experience (and the conversation that goes with it). If lunch is included, then you want to add another hour to your timetable.
Additionally, research recent award-winning bottles and include those wineries in your itinerary. It’s a great way to taste globally recognized wines straight from the source. Of course, save some room in your luggage or make sure you’ve factored in taking a few bottles back with you into your plan.
Food and Wine Pairings: Asados, Empanadas, and Beyond
Argentina is known for amazing steaks. In fact, one of the top 10 restaurants in the world Don Julio is right in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This low key spot works magic with steaks and serves some fabulous wines along side of them. Their reputation means, you’ll find a long line of others waiting to get a taste of the amazing steaks. It moves pretty fast and you’ll be glad you stayed.
Argentinian wines are crafted to complement local dishes like asado (grilled meats) and locro (hearty stew). They are bold and quite smooth which might mean you will easily finish the entire bottle in one sitting.
Of course make sure you save some room for dessert as pairing your wine with dulce de leche or artisanal chocolates is the perfect complement to any meal. It is Argentina after all.
The Wine Regions of Argentina
Argentina is filled with incredible wine regions each of which are worthy of exploring. There are 4 primary regions producing wine that you’ll likely have on your radar.
Mendoza is the most notable wine region of the country and you could spend days sampling Malbec as it makes up 75% of Argentina’s vineyards. It’s this region that put Argentina on the map for its fine wine production. Here you can visit Zuccardi Valle de Uco which has been listed as one of the best vineyards in the world. We made a stop at  Bodegas El Enemigo, Casa Vigil for a wonderful lunch with wine pairing that made for a fabulous afternoon. This vineyard received highest rating ever given to a pure Cabernet Franc so make sure you have it on your list.
We popped into Bodega Gimenez Rii in the prestigious Uco Valley. It is typically one of the most recognized high-end wine regions in Mendoza. Here we had the opportunity to meet the vineyard owners while grabbing a wonderful lunch at the onsite restaurant.
Patagonia in the south of Argentina, offers a cool climate which is great for cool climate white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. You can also find a few notable Pinot Noir and Merlots here. Yet, less than 2% of Argentina’s vineyards are in this region.
In the North region of the country, you’ll find Salta and Catamarca which are Argentina’s highest elevation wineries. Here you can visit El Esteco, Patios de Cafayate which is considered one of the highest altitude vineyards in the world. Here you can tour the vineyards, do horseback riding or simply sit and relax around the pool.
Finally the coastal region of the Atlantic offers cooler climate wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Albariño. You might find visiting this region a bit more challenge than most and vineyards a bit harder to get into.
Pairing Food with the Wines of Argentina
As mentioned earlier, many of the vineyards in Argentina will do a full wine tasting with lunch or dinner. In fact, most of the ones that we tried had a lunch with wine pairing. And they don’t skimp on the pours. These are full glasses of wine and you are likely having 4-5 different ones. With that in mind, you may want to consider hiring a driver or joining a prearranged tour.
Try Bodega Vistalba in Lujuan De Cuyo for a beautiful food and wine pairing on their gorgeous patio. Or stop into one of my favorites Bodegas El Enemigo, Casa Vigil. They offered a 4 course food and wine pairing that was absolutely amazing.
My Perspective
Driving through Argentina’s wine region was one of the most challenging wine drives I’ve ever done. The vineyards were pretty far apart making visiting multiple vineyards in a day pretty tough. That said, Argentina, the drive is easy and the views of the Andes mountains are breathtaking. The high-altitude vineyards, signature varietals like Malbec and Torrontés make it one of the more interesting wine experiences you will find.
From gourmet food pairings to immersive winery experiences, there’s something for every wine lover in Argentina We even found one vineyard with a great selection of sparking wines. If you are really feeling like making the most of your time in South America, make a hop over to Chile to experience the wines there. Check out my blog on The Best Way To Discover Chile’s Wine Region for more details on what to expect there.
Which Argentinian wine would you love to try first? Comment below! And don’t forget to Subscribe for more tips on turning your travel dreams into reality—whether it’s wine-tasting in Argentina or your next global adventure!
FAQs About Exploring the Wines of Argentina
Q: When is the best time to visit Argentina for wine tourism?
The best time is during the harvest season, which typically occurs in March and April. Many wineries host festivals and special tours during this period, offering a vibrant way to experience Argentine wine culture.
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish to enjoy wine tours in Argentina?
While it helps, many wineries offer tours in English. Hiring an English-speaking guide can enhance your experience and ensure smooth communication.
Q3: How far is Mendoza Wine region from Buenos Aires?
The Mendoza wine region is approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Buenos Aires, which translates to about a 1.5-hour flight or a 12-14 hour drive. Most travelers opt for a quick flight to maximize their time exploring Mendoza’s renowned vineyards and wineries.
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