The history of wine in Argentina began with Spanish colonization in the 16th century. At that time, the clergy needed wine for Mass. In the 1850s, a French winemaker was appointed by Argentine President Sarmiento to develop the wine industry in Argentina: traditions, grape varieties, production methods, and geographical choices… Everything was carefully planned! A century later, thanks to European immigration, Argentina focused on the quality of its wines and continued to refine its craft.
Today, it ranks among the world’s best wines and has become the leading wine producer in South America and the fifth-largest globally.
What sets Argentina apart is its combination of high-altitude vineyards at the foot of the majestic Andes Mountains and a very dry climate. As a result, the vines are rarely affected by insects or diseases. Very few pesticides are used, which explains why Argentine wines are of such high quality while remaining environmentally friendly.
The vineyards are located in the Mendoza region at the foot of the Andes Mountains, in the Altiplano region of Salta, and in northern Patagonia.
Argentina’s signature grape variety is Malbec, which you’ll find in intense wines with flavors of dark fruit and floral notes. Torrontés, meanwhile, is the dominant white wine in the Salta region, where the wines are aromatic with floral flavors.
The Argentines’ warm hospitality is well-known; they are true bon vivants, and Malbec pairs perfectly with asado (Argentine grilled meat)! The Argentines will be happy to share their passion for their wines with you, much to the delight of food lovers. The most curious and adventurous among you won’t be disappointed: expeditions into the great outdoors, encounters with gauchos, and marveling at breathtaking landscapes will pair perfectly with your exploration of local wines.
Bright sunshine, an average temperature of 25 degrees, a glass of Malbec in hand; and beyond the glass, a dreamlike landscape: vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see at the foot of the Andes!
Meetings with Argentine winemakers, charming and unique accommodations, a journey combining wine, scenery, and fine dining…
Discover Argentine wine tourism on a wine-tasting getaway from Mendoza to Salta, the capital of northwestern Argentina.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a connoisseur, discover the secrets behind Argentina’s finest white and red wines: blending, biodynamic winemaking, certified organic wines, and, of course, the iconic Malbec from the Mendoza region.
This 13-day getaway is the perfect complement to a customized trip to Argentina, as the regions of Mendoza and Salta can be rounded out with a few days in Patagonia. It’s a wonderful way to broaden your horizons with new flavors and explore Argentina’s wine-growing heritage.
The country with the largest area planted with Malbec in the world is Argentina. This grape variety is the country’s signature wine. Introduced to Argentina in the mid-19th century, the variety adapted very well to all of the country’s wine-growing regions and began to be cultivated extensively, thanks to its hardiness, vigor, and ability to produce fine wines. Today, there are many different styles of Malbec, ranging from young, simple wines to more full-bodied wines after extended barrel aging, as well as rosés, sparkling wines, and sweet wines, such as Port.
In any case, its primary aromas highlight notes of ripe plums—and sometimes mint—delighting the palate with elegant, rounded tannins.
