Argentina is a country renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich culture and exceptional wines. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza to the high-altitude terroirs of Salta and the Uco Valley, Argentina’s wine regions offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just a casual enthusiast, exploring these regions offers an unforgettable journey through bold reds, crisp whites and the stunning landscapes that define each wine’s character. Uncork the secrets of these world-renowned vineyards and let your imagination (and wanderlust) run wild with dreams of high-altitude adventures, vines and vintages, all just a phone call away from becoming reality.
Argentina is a country renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich culture and exceptional wines. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza to the high-altitude terroirs of Salta and the Uco Valley, Argentina’s wine regions offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just a casual enthusiast, exploring these regions offers an unforgettable journey through bold reds, crisp whites and the stunning landscapes that define each wine’s character. Uncork the secrets of these world-renowned vineyards and let your imagination (and wanderlust) run wild with dreams of high-altitude adventures, vines and vintages, all just a phone call away from becoming reality.
Even if you’re not well-versed in wine, you’ll likely have heard of Mendoza. The largest wine region in South America, its wines are shipped far and wide all over the world. Immerse yourself in this oenological epicentre, framed by the stupefying Andes and enriched by the wonders of nature and human ingenuity.
An oenophile’s nirvana, Mendoza is Argentina’s premier wine region. Home to high-altitude vineyards (which often double as boutique hotels as well) and a unique climate (influenced by the surrounding Andes Mountains), it is responsible for almost 80% of the country’s wine production. Full-bodied Malbecs are the self-proclaimed ‘land of sunshine and wine’s’ signature, having been produced in the region for well over 150 years, but you can also expect a robust array of Cabernet, Tempranillo and Chardonnay.
Spend a few nights on estates such as The Vines, an hour and a half outside the city, where villas overlook 1,500 acres of pristine vineyard and activities are strictly oenological. Think berry tasting, grape stomping and creating your own custom blend to take home. Visit nearby wineries for an introduction to Argentina’s wine-making process—budding sommeliers should take special note of its local growers’ innovative blends and evolving experimentation with sparkling wines. Or, plan a visit around the Fiesta de la Vendimia, or Wine Harvest Festival, on the first weekend of March. Watch on as the city’s bishop blesses the grapes and join in the fun at Carrusel where brightly decorated floats parade through the streets, showering revellers with grapes and flowers. Mendoza is more than just wine though. From the nearby Alta Montaña where hiking trails and hot springs await, to its low-rise city centre, replete with trendy bodegas (naturally), leafy squares and bustling food markets, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the region’s effortlessly relaxed vibe.
From Mendoza, we recommend travelling an hour by air to Santiago, Chile’s capital. Lose yourself in Bellavista’s edgy art scene, pause at the top of San Cristóbal Hill or head an hour out of the city to the Maipo Valley, where more vineyards and historic country estates await.
Mendoza is split into 3 main subdivisions; Uco is unarguably its largest and most important. With over 300 different brands of wine available for tasting, its terroir is almost unparalleled, making it one of the premier destinations for wine lovers worldwide.
Though within Mendoza, the Uco Valley deserves a moment of its own. The highest and newest wine sub-region within Mendoza, 999 metres above sea level, it is prized for its quality, climate and remarkable soil. Perfected over thousands of years by rivers carrying snowmelt from the Andes, the valley’s well-drained soils put just enough stress on the vines to produce low yields and intensely concentrated fruit. The result is standout Malbecs. Known for their inky colour and rich, aromatic depth, you’ll be hard pressed to find better, especially if you choose to stay at Casa de Uco. Gain insight into the intricate process of winemaking at this world-renowned wine resort set at the heart of a 320-hectare vineyard-lined estate. Indulge in soothing vinotherapy treatments infused with Malbec-extract, collaborate with a sommelier to craft your own blend or hop on two wheels to explore the vines independently.
The Uco Valley’s extended ripening season also works wonders for white grapes like Chardonnay and Torrontés. Sample them at standout wineries such as Zuccardi Valle de Uco, a rustic bodega featuring its own farm-to-fork restaurant and tasting room, which also excels in reds like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The choice is almost endless.
Swap the Uco Valley’s decadent vineyards for the boundless lakes of Bariloche. Just a 2-hour flight south, it’s Argentina’s Austria; home to temperate forests, endless hiking trails and some of the best chocolate in the Southern Hemisphere. The ultimate pairing to your recently purchased Mendozan wine.
If you’re after a more off-the-beaten-track intimate wine experience, Salta is the spot. Pair wine tastings at the uber-luxurious House of Jasmines with adrenaline-fuelled adventure to the Salinas Grandes salt flats and Purmamarca, a tiny village that sits at the foot of the famous Hill of the Seven Colours.
Tucked away in Argentina’s remote northwest, Salta is truly striking. Squeezed between steep mountains, its generous sprinkling of well-preserved, elegant colonial architecture stands in striking contrast to its surrounding ochre canyons, salt flats and flamingo-dotted lakes. Venture to the nearby sun-drenched slopes of the Cafayate Valley, home to 75% of the region’s vineyards, to experience ‘high altitude wines’. With a climate defined by intense heat and brisk, cool nights, this soaring valley (1,683 metres above sea level) is ideal for crafting vibrant, fruity wines with rich, well-developed tannins. Bold reds are its hallmark, particularly Malbec, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat coming in close second. But it’s not all about reds; Torrontés Riojano, a fragrant white, is widely regarded as Salta’s standout.
Use House of Jasmines, a charming century-old estancia bordered by eucalyptus trees, as your base to explore. Just 15 minutes from the city centre, it offers everything from traditional Argentinean gastronomy and Iberian charcuterie to cocktail workshops and wine tastings. Rooms are equally sumptuous, bathed in soft beige interiors and overlooking the surrounding gardens, pool and the majestic Andes. Or venture to Finca Valentina, a little further from the city, for a peaceful retreat into the countryside where its 7 intimate suites make you feel like the world is yours alone.
Linger in the north a little longer, specifically in the Iberá Wetlands, where the second-largest wetlands in the world house a staggering 4,000 plant and animal species. Responsible for 30% of Argentina’s biodiversity, it’s the slice of wild that’ll complete your Argentinian adventure, especially if you choose to stay at Rincon del Socorro.
