Bodega Colomé, located in the Calchaquí Valley of northwest Argentina, is a mountain estate that boasts one of the highest vineyards in the world. According to the winery, altitude is more than just height – it is energy. The estate produces unique wines that perfectly match the utterly unique experiences it offers. With a 0-kilometre carbon footprint, the winery’s organic farm and orchards are utilized to create seasonal cuisine, and the onsite museum is dedicated solely to American artist James Turrell.
Established in 1831, Bodega Colomé is the oldest working winery in Argentina. Swiss businessman Donald Hess purchased the winery in 2001 and became enamoured with the prospect of producing top-quality wines in a challenging environment, a mission he has handed down to his stepdaughter Larissa and her husband Christoph.
The winemaking process at this altitude is a feat, with thick-skinned grapes necessary to withstand the intensity of the sun and cool conditions elongating the ripening period. The result is wines with simultaneously powerful flavour and acidity when successfully handled. The ‘Altura Máxima’ range comes from the highest plots, 3,111 metres above sea level, using Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Malbec, among other varietals.
The estate’s commitment to fully biodynamic farming and minimal intervention in the winery conveys the terroirs with purity. Yields are kept low to encourage concentration, with grapes manually harvested and sorted down to individual berries. Fermentation is with native yeasts, and the whites are so robust that they don’t need any oak influence, though the reds may see some old barrels for subtlety.
Bodega Colomé is a heavenly hideaway that offers an escape from the rest of the world. With its breathtaking views, nine boutique rooms with private balconies, horse riding, swimming, and a restaurant that utilizes the estate’s organic farm and orchards to create seasonal cuisine, it is a prime spot for stargazing and quiet reflection amidst nature’s sheer expanse.
