Discover Argentina Vineyards On La Ruta del Vino

Argentina is one of the world's largest wine producers, with Argentina wine tours listed as one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. With more than 1,300 wineries in Argentina, tourists can follow La Ruta del Vino through the foothills of the Andes Mountains to discover the robust reds and fruity whites that have made the region so famous with oenophiles. Join us as we discover the best Argentina vineyards, one sip at a time.

A History of Wine in Argentina

During the 16^th century, Spanish settlers brought vine cuttings to Argentina so that the missionaries who came with them would have wine for the celebration of the Catholic mass. Over the next two centuries, the cultivation of these cuttings was moved to Mendoza and San Juan, where the climate was more favorable for Argentina vineyards. By the 19^th century, Malbec grapes from France were introduced into the region, and the wine industry started modernizing its production. Today, wine has become a top export for Argentina, making the country the fifth-largest wine producer in the world.

Following An Argentina Wine Map

Argentina’s wine route covers several provinces and wine-producing regions. The route spans more than 1,200 miles; includes everything from Argentina vineyards to wineries to bodegas; and offers a variety of wines, such as malbecs, cabernet sauvignons, chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, syrahs, merlots, and more. Argentina wine tours showcase the diverse landscape of Argentina, from the high altitudes of Salta and Jujuy to the low-lying lands of Chubut and Patagonia.

No matter what region you visit, however, make sure to sample the three top varietals of wine the country produces!

• Malbec wine: Argentina’s main grape variety is Malbec. Originally grown in France, vintners imported the variety after discovering it grew well in Argentina, especially the Mendoza region. Malbec red wines pair well with barbecued meat, pasta, and cheese. You can drink Malbec wine when it's young and fresh or after it has aged in barrels.
• Torrontes wine: This native variety is the foundation for most of Argentina’s white wines. Argentina vineyards in the Norte wine regions of Salta and La Rioja are famous for their Torrontes white whites, which are fruity and floral, light to medium-bodied, and dry. Torrontes wines pair well with spicy food as well as Argentinian favorites like empanadas and tamales.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: More than 35,000 acres of this grape variety are planted across Argentina. Most new plantings are in premium growing zones, like Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Three distinct cabernet styles have emerged in Argentina: warm-weather cabernet, cool-climate/high-elevation cabernet, and northern cabernet. Each style is influenced by the landscape and climate in which it is grown, with unique flavor profiles and characteristics reminiscent of regional differences.

Top Wine Producing Regions in Argentina

If you look at an Argentina wine map, most of the country’s vineyards can be found in the Mendoza region, nestled at the base of the Andes Mountains. Here, the ample sunshine and snowmelt for irrigation create unique growing conditions that result in the country’s signature Malbecs. However, vineyards can be found scattered across the country, not just in Mendoza. Come along with us on a virtual Argentina wine tour and discover the top wine-producing regions of this South American Country.

• Mendoza: This region is located in Western Argentina, on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Sub-regions include Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley, San Juan. Mendoza has the largest concentration of Malbec vineyards in the world. Cool nighttime temperatures contrast with intense daytime temperatures, which slow the ripening process of the grapes and prolong the growing season. The region experiences little rainfall; instead, grapes are irrigated with runoff from the Andes snowmelt.
• Northern Argentina: This region includes the provinces of San Juan and La Rioja. Top wine-producing cities include Salta, Cafayate, El Arenal, and Los Molinos. Set against the arid Andes, the vineyards of Northern Argentina are home to the highest-altitude vineyards in the world, where elevation levels influence the flavor of the grapes with earthy characteristics. Malbec wines are very popular in this region.
• Patagonia: Patagonia is the southernmost region of Argentina. Provinces include Río Negro, La Pampa, and Neuquen. This desert region has a cool, moderate climate that extends the length of the growing season, making the whole ripening process for the grapes slower. This allows the grapes to develop rich character while retaining acidity. Pinot Noir wines are very popular in this region.
• Central, Eastern, and Atlantic Argentina: Argentina's newest wine-producing region is located along the eastern coast of the country, on the Atlantic Ocean. Popular cities to visit for wine tastings include: Santiago del Estero, Cordoba, Buenos Aires, Chapadmalal, and Médanos. The development of vineyards in this region is new, so it is not part of the traditional Argentina wine map. However, the area has enough rainfall to implement dry farming, with strong winds from the Atlantic and a naturally cool temperature. Varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Albariño thrive in these conditions.

When Is the Best Time to Plan Argentina Wine Tours?

The best time to visit Argentina vineyards would be during the harvest season, which runs from March to April. This is when the activity at vineyards and wineries is at its peak, and the weather is perfect for wine tours and tastings. And, if you truly want to experience a unique cultural phenomenon, plan your trip to coincide with Argentina’s National Grape Harvest Festival! The Fiesta de la Vendimia begins in January and culminates in March, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to Mendoza, where wine is celebrated with an abundance of traditional cuisine, folk singing and dancing, and a contest to crown the Queen of Vendimia.

Sipping Your Way Across Argentina

Whether you want to sip a glass of Malbec in Mendoza or indulge in a bottle of Albariño in bustling Buenos Aires, there’s no shortage of vino to be found in Argentina! If you want to get a taste of the country’s best vineyards, booking one of Gondwana Ecotours Argentina wine tours is your best bet. Leave the planning to the experts and get ready to enjoy Argentina’s vineyards, one glass at a time. Salud!