Guides to Argentina’s Wine Regions
Rediscover the Essence of Argentina: From Humble Beginnings to Global Oenophile Delight with Argentine Malbec
Last updated: October 3, 2024
Introduction
Stunningly beautiful and incredibly diverse, Argentina is nonetheless overwhelmingly associated with one totemic variety: super-trendy Malbec. The area of bearing vineyards has surged in the 21st century, and predictably, many of the country’s bottled exports are of this ubiquitous variety. Top models—Achaval Ferrer’s Malbec is outrageously smooth—have electrified consumers and seduced critics. In the eyes of the world, Argentine Malbec can do no wrong.
Yet this remarkable South American nation, an exciting blend of extreme landscapes and unique cultural influences, has an enviable diversity of grape varieties. This diversity can be traced back to the significant immigration from Spain and Italy in the 1800s. These immigrants brought their knowledge of winemaking and a variety of grape vines, enriching Argentina’s viticultural landscape. Collectors remain fixated on single-vineyard Malbec; however, the best Cabernet Sauvignon is a dead ringer for the most opulent – and expensive – labels of Napa Valley.
Meanwhile, several producers work wonders with other European grapes such as Chardonnay, Barbera, Cabernet Franc (our favorite), Tempranillo, and capricious Sangiovese – taken from Tuscany in the 19th century. And, with vineyards ranging from 500 meters up to nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, much effort is being put into matching varieties to site.
However, the ongoing revolution isn’t simply about altitude. Formerly recherché vineyards and provinces are coming to the fore, including Salta (home to some of the world’s highest climats), the up-and-coming Jujuy, and the newly ambitious Catamarca. These regions are making astonishing progress, with new wineries, improved techniques, and a growing reputation for quality. All of the above are making waves in the wine world, while south of Mendoza, Neuquén, and Rio Negro are also making significant strides.
Today, Argentina offers a promising blend of eclectic terroirs, home-grown and international talent, and a uniquely broad range of topography. Its time has come.
History
Argentina’s history, at times tragic and uplifting, begins with the indigenous people who ranged throughout this vast landmass. They included the hunter-gatherer Querandi and the Puelches of Patagonia. Historians believe that several indigenous Americans, notably the Diaguita, practiced irrigated agriculture in the valleys of the eastern Andean foothills. By the late 15th century, however, the Inca empire had expanded into Argentina’s northwestern regions, absorbing the native Diaguita and Tafi tribes (usually by violent force) into its expanding polity.
Then, the conquistadors arrived. Encouraged by Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Bahamas, a Spanish aristocrat, Pedro de Mendoza, established a small colony on the Rio de la Plata estuary in 1536. Yet this initial venture encountered severe difficulties: the colonists angered the Indigenous Querandi, who soon drove the Spaniards out. Their crime was pilfering food and encroaching on the Querandi’s sovereign territory—Mendoza fled back to Spain four years later. The remaining settlers, meanwhile, relocated to modern-day Paraguay.
The Role of Christian Missionaries
Christian missionaries played a significant role in developing Argentina’s wine industry during this turbulent period. They cultivated native vine varieties in Argentina’s richly varied and fertile soils. One of the first pioneers was Padre Juan Cedron, who, it is believed, took cuttings from a vineyard in Chile’s Central Valley.
In 1557, history records that Jesuit missionaries planted Argentina’s first commercial vineyard at Santiago del Estero – They also built complex irrigation channels that endured for centuries. Their function was to move glacial meltwater from the lower slopes of the Andes to the valley floor below; vines could not survive without irrigation in this extremely arid climate.
This ingenious system encouraged the regional governor, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, to request European grape vine cuttings in the 19th century. It is believed that the first Malbec was planted during this time, introduced by a French agronomist, Michel Aimé Pouget.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires declared its independence from Spain in 1810. This was the start of the country’s golden era, as significant immigration in the second half of the 19th century saw an economic and population boom. Some of the migrants were European winegrowers who imported both their expertise and, more importantly, an expanding palate of noble grape varieties.
Modern Transformation
Unfortunately, much of the 20th century was marked by extreme economic instability – including inflation that ran over 1000 percent! – and massive social and political unrest. As a result, Argentina had little or no export aspirations before the mid-1990s, no sense of belonging to a global viticultural map, contenting itself with producing vast quantities of mediocre wine, often oxidized and aged for years in vast old vats.
Yet, it’s a very different story today. Modern Argentina is dynamic and confident, showcasing a growing array of state-of-the-art wineries attracting domestic and international investment. The rivalry between Argentina and its neighbor Chile remains intense.
Winemaking and regional classifications
With a varied topography, healthy domestic consumption, a rich palette of grape varieties, and over 900 wineries, Argentina’s wine industry is in rude health. New styles and up-and-coming grapes – Viognier has shown much promise – are keeping everyone on their toes while global investment remains strong.
The country is now an attractive proposition for every type of consumer: well-heeled collectors, casual drinkers, white wine lovers, and Malbec aficionados. Is there some dross as well? Absolutely, connoisseurs rightly ignore the oceans of table wine from Cereza, the Criollas, Pedro Gimenez, and Moscatel Alejandria. Quality, not quantity, is our focus here.
Key regions
Mendoza
Mendoza, centered on the vibrant city of the same name, has long been Argentina’s export champion. For centuries, winemakers have been growing vines in Central Mendoza and its environs, producing some of the country’s finest reds. What stands in its favor is a combination of high-tech equipment – Mendoza’s wineries are a dead ringer for Napa Valley in terms of splashing the cash – and a treasure trove of bush vines. The temperate climate of Central Mendoza and its gravel terroir only add to its viticultural appeal.
Old vine Malbec is the region’s trump card, aided by a supporting cast of Bordeaux varieties and some surprisingly fresh and elegant whites. Many critics would argue that Luján de Cuyo is Mendoza’s leading subregion, located south of the city. The concentration and power defining Cuyo-grown Malbec are impressive, particularly when the top wines are matured in French oak – a hallmark of most super-premium Argentine labels.
However, it increasingly faces stiff competition from several subzones, including Vistalba, Perdriel, Agrelo, Las Compuertas, and Maipu. Agrelo’s cooler mesoclimate is favored by many investors, while the gravel-rich soils of Maipu yield structured and highly fragrant Cabernet Sauvignon.
However, East Mendoza and San Rafael are dedicated to producing low-quality wines. This is partly a concomitant of simple geography: vineyards are planted at lower altitudes in the zone, and the cooling influence of the Andes is considerably diluted here. Thus, abundant sunshine and ample irrigation from the Mendoza and Tunuyan rivers equals gallons of dross.
However, it’s a very different story in the spectacular Uco Valley south of Mendoza. Although the first vines were only planted in the 1980s, the subregion has become an international trendsetter, attracting the best and brightest of fine wine: luxury goods giant LVMH, Michel Rolland, and Jean-Jacques Bonnie of Château Malartic-Lagravière. Rising to elevations that exceed 1600 meters, the highest vineyards are found in the Tupungato zone, where some truly exceptional Chardonnay is grown – almost Burgundian in its structure and finesse.
Incredibly intense sunlight and cool nights are responsible for the hauntingly beautiful fruit flavors that define Tupungato Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and some exquisite Pinot Noir. Traditional method sparkling wine, a niche but expanding category, can also be imposing: Zuccardi Blanc de Blancs would be our first choice.
Norte
The northernmost of Argentina’s wine regions is home to a roll call of nascent appellations, some of which are starting to establish international reputations. Jujuy, however, is a somewhat obscure part of Argentina’s viticultural map – a small province that is located close to the Chilean and Bolivian borders. The action occurs in the Valle Quebrada de Humahuaca and in the warmer Templados zone further south, where varieties planted at over 3000 meters yield fresh and elegant wines. Today, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Torrontes, and even Sauvignon Blanc can all do well here. However, there is a lot of work left to do before Jujuy becomes an export sensation.
San Juan is a rival to Mendoza in terms of volume—but not overall wine quality. In this scorching and dry climate (less than 90 mm of rain per annum), vineyards completely reliant on irrigation deliver generous crops of Moscatel de Alejandria and Criolla Grande/Chica that are of little interest to oenophiles. But a small revolution is gathering momentum in San Juan, as quality-conscious producers use elevation to craft surprisingly fresh Syrah and Bordeaux blends containing a fair dollop of Malbec.
Meanwhile, La Rioja has little in common with its Spanish namesake. However, it produces some delicious Torrontes in the dry Famatina Valley, a growing spicy Malbec, and good value Tempranillo. Nevertheless, critics are far more excited by the vineyards of Salta, home to what are claimed to be the highest vineyards in the world. Bodega Colomé is the most established name in the Calchaquies Valley.
However, the area under vine has ballooned to just over 4000 hectares, and the number of wineries has increased since the early start-up days. To the south is Cafayete and its lower elevation climats: Torrontes and Sangiovese are proven success stories in these very arid vineyards. As elsewhere, irrigation is an essential part of life in northwest Argentina.
Catamarca is the most embryonic of this diverse lineup, traditionally associated with table grapes and lackluster plonk. However, a younger generation of ambitious winegrowers are developing the region, mindful of the declining market for cheap supermarket dross. Some very promising Torrontes, Malbec, and Bordeaux blends are being made on the banks of the Abaucan River and under the rain shadow of the Andes. Their most attractive qualities are rich varietal character and bracing acidity (due to the altitude). Yet very little premium wine manages to leave Argentina – or indeed the wider region.
Patagonia
A region of extraordinary beauty, Patagonia (twice the size of California) contains more jaw-dropping scenery than any other part of Argentina. Many visitors come here simply to get away from it all; however, a burgeoning wine culture is developing in the provinces of Neuquen, Rio Negro, and Chubut, home to some of the most southernmost vineyards in the world. And, unlike San Juan and Catamarca, artisan producers and small farms dominate this region – Patagonia has no global brands. Yet the hype continues as European investors, not least Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, produce exciting wines from Burgundy’s two signature varieties.
Indeed, it is hard to imagine a more elegant and suave expression of Pinot Noir than Bodega Chacra’s Lunita; the Chardonnay produced in collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot is equally brilliant. These are bright, precise, and structured wines underpinned by ripe acidity and exceptional length.
But, unlike Mendoza, Patagonia is not obsessed with high terrain. Many vineyards are planted at about 300 meters above sea level, and much of Patagonia is a barren desert punctuated with verdant landscapes close to the rivers and eastern flank of the Andes.
Nevertheless, Antarctic influences keep temperatures down at night, while strong winds keep vine diseases such as powdery and downy mildew at bay. The net result is a far cooler climate than one will encounter in Mendoza and the far north regions, which is responsible for the super-fresh character that defines Patagonian dry whites: Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling both shine here.
Likewise, there is much to recommend in the medium-bodied Malbec wines that resemble Cahors in their spicy profiles and lighter structure. Once a non-entity in the Argentine wine community, Patagonia has become Argentina’s answer to the Old World.
Argentina WIne Regions Map Download Argentina WIne Regions Map
Geography and terroir
The second-largest country in South America, Argentina wrote the book on captivating scenery: glaciated Andean peaks, cacti-dotted deserts, crystal clear lakes, and mountain vineyards are commonplace in this outdoor paradise. To the west is Chile, and its world-famous wine regions – Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay also share a border with Argentina.
Today, the country is the fifth largest wine producer in the world, boasting 215,000 hectares under vine, spread across 14 provinces. However, Mendoza drives Argentina’s growing international success, as over 80 percent of Malbec wines are made in the region. In every sense of the word, Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital.
High-Altitude Vineyards
Its vineyards are located northwest of Buenos Aires on the eastern side of the Andes (Santiago is fewer than 50 minutes by air). Like many Argentine vineyards, Mendoza has become a global celebrity due to the abundance of high-altitude terrain; the average elevation is over 900 meters above sea level. Yet, the awe-inspiring vineyards of Salta go one step further, rising to a jaw-dropping 3000 meters. In Europe, ripening berries at these vertiginous altitudes would be impossible.
In Argentina, however, such topographical advantages are regarded as quotidian. Due to intense sunlight and high elevation, vines yield generous crops of well-flavored, deeply colored grapes that showcase beautiful freshness into the bargain; diurnal temperature variation is one of the country’s greatest assets. Indeed, up to a 36°F temperature range is more common in Argentine vineyards than almost anywhere else in the world.
Nevertheless, it is nearly too easy to achieve phenolic ripeness in the hot climates of Mendoza and Salta, mainly because there is little or no disease in the dry mountain air. Local soils, meanwhile, tend to be relatively young and rich in alluvial matter: large volumes of silt, clay, and sand particles. The upshot is that high alcohol and voluptuous concentration are not rare commodities in Argentina. You’ve come to the right place if you desire soft tannins and exuberant fruit.
However, conditions in Argentina are not perfect by any means, and growers know that consumers are turning away from fruit-bomb wines in their droves; crunchy fruit and moderate alcohol are the height of fashion in 2024. This has been the catalyst for Argentina’s pathological obsession with high-altitude viticulture, while winemakers attempt to deliberately slow ripening by controlling drip irrigation to produce balanced and elegant wines.
Impact of Climate Change
Historically, vineyards and irrigation channels were positioned so that vines could be literally flooded with meltwater off the Andes, producing massive yields of inflated berries that were ‘punch drunk’ on sunshine and moisture.
Global warming, however, has drastically reduced the amount of snowfall on the mountain peaks, so traditional flood irrigation is being replaced with boreholes and sophisticated drip irrigation. However, in times of severe drought, local authorities may limit irrigation to preserve human life.
Like California, this has become a major concern for Argentine wine producers. Conversely, spring frost attacks are another growing problem in the cooler areas, in addition to hail storms during the growing season. In 2023, many growers lost over 70 percent of their potential crop due to severe frosts and then, to compound matters, punishing drought. Many growers invest in special anti-hail nets that shield against overexposure to intense UV light.
Facts & Figures
Key wine styles
- Malbec, full-bodied red wines; a diverse selection of dry whites; a small volume of sparkling and dessert wine
Appellation structure
- 106 official wine appellations are called "Geographical Indications."
Hectares under vine
- 215,000
Average annual production
- 8.4 million hectoliters per annum
Approximate number of producers
- 984
Exclusive Expert Insights
Insight by Anne Bousquet, CEO & co-owner at Domaine BousquetThe number one trend influencing viticulture and winemaking has to be sustainability. This is a global shift, but Argentina is one of the leading countries in this area. At Domaine Bousquet, for example, we have been organic from the outset – we have had organic certification since 2005 – and operate with a 360 degree approach to sustainability.
We are also increasingly biodynamic, with two of our ranges Demeter-certified. And we achieved both Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC™) and B Corp certification in 2022. Whilst the estate has always been organic, we have also worked hard to convert other vineyards in the Gualtallary region to organic; we support the administrative and financial side.
Our aim, in fact, is to convert the whole of Gualtallary to be organic in the next few years because we are absolutely convinced that this is the only way we can preserve our increasingly fragile planet.
Another significant trend is ‘beyond Malbec’; whilst this grape is and will remain absolutely central to production in Argentina, producers are increasingly focused on a diverse range of varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for the reds and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for the whites, particularly in the more premium styles.
This expansion is not only broadening the wine market but also leading to a greater breadth of styles, particularly more elegant wines from the cooler climate areas of Argentina.
In terms of wine tourism, we are seeing consumers actively seeking out wineries with a sustainable focus, in line with the rise in eco-tourism in general. For us, welcoming guests to Gaia Lodge and our restaurant is so rewarding as we are able to communicate our sustainable approach in a very impactful way.
Wine Regions of Argentina
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Explore Catamarca, Argentina: A land of robust reds, aromatic whites, and a burgeoning, quality-focused wine scene. Discover more! Read more
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Explore Jujuy Wine Region—home to the world's highest vineyards, unique terroir, and culturally rich wines from Argentina's indigenous heartland. Read more
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Explore La Rioja, Argentina's unique wine region. Discover diverse vineyards and lesser-known varietals beyond Malbec. A true hidden gem! Read more
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Explore Salta, Argentina's high-altitude wine region, home to the world's loftiest vineyards and the exquisite Colome mountain wine. A unique, secluded gem. Read more
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Explore San Juan's viticulture evolution. Discover the shift from bulk to boutique with premium wines crafted from unique, high-altitude vineyards. Read more
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Mendoza
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Explore Mendoza, Argentina's wine capital, with 150,000 hectares of vineyards and over 1,000 wineries, showcasing the rich history and unique terroirs Read more
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Discover Luján de Cuyo, the Napa Valley of South America, and its diverse, high-quality wines just 20km from Mendoza. Explore more today! Read more
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Discover Maipu, Mendoza's treasure trove of fine wines. Explore its rich terroir and diverse vineyards for an unrivaled wine experience. Read more
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Explore Uco Valley, Argentina—home to premium wineries, organic viticulture, and Malbec, nestled in the Andes' foothills Read more
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Patagonia
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Explore Patagonia's stunning landscapes and thriving wine industry, where cool-climate varietals meet breathtaking scenery Read more
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Explore Chubut, Patagonia—home to unique cool-climate wines and a rich cultural blend. Discover its beauty and viticultural promise Read more
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Discover Neuquén, Argentina's vibrant wine region, blending cool-climate varietals with a pioneering spirit. Read more
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Explore Rio Negro, Patagonia's premier wine region. Discover its history, unique terroir, and world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Read more
Key Grape Varietals
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Criolla Grande
Criolla Grande is a grape variety predominantly grown in Argentina, especially in the Mendoza region, where it is often blended with the Cereza grape. Despite its widespread cultivation, it is not known for producing high-quality wines. Typically, the grapes produce pink or occasionally white wines that are considered bland and mainly consumed locally.
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Chenin Blanc
Chenin blanc is a white wine grape varietal from France's Loire Valley Wine Region. It's a highly versatile grape that produces delicious, light-bodied wines.
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
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Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
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Torrontes
Torrontés is a distinctive white grape variety from Argentina, known for its strong aromatic qualities featuring jasmine, lychee, and orange. It includes three sub-varieties: Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino, and Torrontés Mendocino, with Torrontés Riojano being the most celebrated for its quality. Predominantly cultivated in Argentina's high-altitude vineyards, the cool nighttime temperatures help preserve the grape's acidity and enhance its aroma, essential for creating refreshing and high-quality wines.
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Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano)
Experience Trebbiano Toscano's Renaissance: Aromatic & Fresh Bianco Toscana IGT from Petrolo. The Future of Italian White Wine
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Barbera
Barbera, a prominent northern Italian grape, is best known for its role in Piedmont's Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti wines, producing fresh, light-bodied reds with low tannins. While closely associated with Piedmont alongside Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, Barbera grows in various Italian regions, including Emilia-Romagna, Puglia, Campania, Sicily, and Sardinia.
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Bonarda (Croatina)
Croatina: Italy's hidden gem in red wine. Explore its unique characteristics and the challenge of crafting single-varietal expressions.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
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Cereza
Cereza, a pink-skinned grape cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Listan Negro, is widely grown in Chile and Argentina, primarily for low-quality white wines and some rosé blends. Named "cherry" in Spanish, it lacks distinctive flavors. Originally from Spain, it's often blended with Criolla Chica (Listan Negro or Mission) for basic jug wines. Although valued for high yields, a shift towards higher quality has reduced its cultivation.
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Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
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Malbec
Delve into Malbec, a dark, small grape native to France, cherished for its thick skin and exceptional flavors. 🍇🍷
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Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine varietal closely related to the Vitis vinifera grape and produces the most sought-after red wines in the world.
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Sangiovese
Unearthing Sangiovese: Italy's Ancient Grape with a Complex History. Explore its journey from Etruscans to modern-day excellence.
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Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
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Tempranillo
Discover Tempranillo: Spain's iconic red grape. From Ribera del Duero to Toro, it yields concentrated wines. Explore its synonyms and unleash its prowess.
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Argentina gastronomy
Believe the hype: Argentina’s food scene is a glorious melting pot of indigenous, Spanish, and Italian influences, with some avant-garde trends chucked in for good measure. Indeed, while Argentina has thousands of parrillas (steak restaurants that are always fun and lively), red meat isn’t the only thing on the menu.
For example, in Mendoza and Buenos Aires, you’re just as likely to come across small plate restaurants serving gourmet fare, with a copious amount of Malbec on standby. Meanwhile, The pasta and pizza are comparable to the finest dishes in Rome. And don’t get us started on Argentine helado (ice cream). It is delicious to the point of ecstasy.
Argentinean Wineries Recommedn by Cellar Tours
Mendoza
Norte
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Alto 3
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Bemberg
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Bodega Amalaya
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Bodega Colome
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Bodega El Esteco
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Bodega Chanarmuyo
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Bodegas El Porvenir de Cafayate
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Finca Las Moras
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Familia Zuccardi
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Michel Torino
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Plenilunio
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Pasarisa Angulos
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Pyros
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Terrazas de los Andes Reserva
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Nearby Charming Towns and Cities
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Discover Buenos Aires: a blend of historical charm and vibrant culture, from its rich indigenous past to the lively birthplace of Tango
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Discover Mendoza: a desert gem with lush vineyards, Andean views, vibrant city life, and a rich history, offering a unique Argentinian experience.
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Discover Buenos Aires: a blend of historical charm and vibrant culture, from its rich indigenous past to the lively birthplace of Tango
Read moreDiscover Mendoza: a desert gem with lush vineyards, Andean views, vibrant city life, and a rich history, offering a unique Argentinian experience.
Read moreFurther Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
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If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.