7 Argentinian Destinations with Vineyards that You Didn't Know about
Mendoza, of course, but did you know that there are other locations with vineyards and wineries across Argentina? The country of wine has a huge wine culture, and today, we reveal which geographic points you should visit apart from the great classic.
The art of fine drinking is a very-well maintained discipline in Argentina. Spirits drinks make way into different parts of the country, distilling flavours imbued with roots and local culture. One of the greatest protagonists is the reddish liquid that finds its preferred location in the province of Mendoza. So much so that the World’s Best Wine Capitals chose it as Argentina’s wine capital, in addition to positioning it among the best worldwide. Well, this is no news: Mendoza’s vineyards embraced by the Andes Mountains offer a wonderful itinerary that includes landscapes, tasting, and gastronomy. Now, what if your compass points in other directions? The answer is clear: you’ll get the same vista and wine quality. Mendoza’s leadership in the subject is irrefutable, but in Argentina, there is always room for a little more. These are the destinations that also stand out in the wine industry.
La Pampa
A place that promises two things: top-notch meat and its matching pairing. With 335 hectares of vineyards, La Pampa stands up as a potential producer of grape elixir, with 25 wineries under development. The route is traced from north to south, from Pichi Huinca to 25 de Mayo. Wine tourism continues to grow in the region, integrating gastronomy, wine, and recreational activities to attract tourists from all over the world. What vines can you try? The classic Malbec, of course, and other reds, such as Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Tanat.
Córdoba
Although the classic drink from Córdoba is Fernet, its Wine Paths don’t fall behind. Ten wineries, 17 artisan producers, and 21 home producers join the tour crossing the province among mountains, rivers, vineyards, and its typical colours. The agroecological and climatic properties of the different regions provide different characteristics to each varietal: the north, Sierras Chicas, Traslasierra, Calamuchita, and Punilla are some of the most outstanding. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Isabella (raspberry) are the most-consumed grapes. You can complement the activity with guided tours, tastings, and regional dishes.
Salta
The heart of the only completely native vine; the destination of colourful mountains and local dishes: Salta, the province nicknamed ‘La Linda’ (beautiful) and not in vain. These fertile lands are a paradise for the Torrontés, the most famous white wine in Argentina. Thanks to the sunny climate, little rainfall, and locations of 3,000 metres above sea level, the vine grows like weeds. Freshness, aromatic intensity, and fruity and floral touches are some of its features. The most important production area in Salta? The Valles Calchaquíes, with vineyards at around 1600 metres above sea level.
Bodega Colomé, the country’s oldest winery with more than 180 years of operation, was ranked 35th among the best in the world by The World's Best Vineyard.
Chubut
The route with southern wines found the perfect home in the south of Argentina, more precisely in Chubut. The area displays key elements, such as 200 planted hectares, extreme climate, frosts demanding constant care, and a wide diversity of soils, which result in a good range of wines. To pair the tulip season with wines, Trevelin is a great place in October. Intense flavours on your palate and a rainbow of flowers on the horizon, what else could anyone need?
La Rioja
Another must in the Torrontés scene. As it is part of the same region as Salta (NOA, North of Argentina), the hot and dry climate with little rainfall favours the development of the vine. The red, green, and yellow colours typical of La Rioja are enough to get you packing you bag and booking a ticket. But if you take into account the aroma of Torrontés and the 19 wineries of the Rioja’s Torrontés Route, one of the most interesting tours of the province, you’ll be doubling down. White is not your cup of tea? Don’t worry, this province has you covered: choose among Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and Syrah.
Wine in La Rioja is much more than just a drink: it is a shared culture. And you can enjoy it visiting a winery and the wine museum, taking a tasting course, practising sports in the vineyards and, of course, savouring its first-class gastronomy.
Santiago del Estero
The first province to cultivate vine plants. Legend has it that a Chilean priest was called for a mass in Argentina and, as wine was needed for the celebration, he brought some seeds from the neighbouring country. The rest was history, and the plantations began to spread not only in Santiago, but throughout the country. The culture of the red is increasingly growing in this province, which has an artisanal winery that takes up the vine’s traditional origins. Taster menus, guided tours, and landscapes are the constants of the equation.
Buenos Aires
The province of Buenos Aires is present in the wine tourism itinerary, which is ideal for those who make a quick visit to Argentina’s capital and want to have an extraordinary sensory experience without going too far away. Tandil, Villarino, Chapadmalal, Cañuelas, Berisso, Sierra de la Ventana, and Coronel Pringles offer an extra dimension in the wine route, allowing people to visit wineries and vineyards, taste vines mixed with culinary works of art, and tour around the interior of the province with cement, sand dunes, and sea.