Wineries in Argentina are truly heavenly sights. From the majestic Andes acting as a breathtaking backdrop for vineyards in Mendoza, to the reddish deserted wine route of Salta in the north, Argentina’s picture-perfect bodegas serve as the idyllic setting for unforgettable wine tastings.
Argentina has been steadily developing its wine-tourism offer for the last decade or so, and today, most of its wineries feature state-of-the-art wine-making facilities and cellars, superb restaurants, and accommodation in the heart of the vineyards; some are even home to art galleries and wine museums.
A visit to a winery in Argentina does not equal a simple tasting: the activities on offer are original and plenty! Upgrade the usual bodega visit to a premium tasting tour, you can add a cooking class with the in-house chef to learn the secrets of the perfect empanada, a blending workshop to understand the alchemy behind a Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon blend, or a leisurely bike ride among the vines.
For those with gourmand inclinations, there are pairing ateliers to learn how to perfectly match each wine to a regional delicacy or dish, and last, but definitely not least, the quintessential Argentinian experience: a gourmet asado, the traditional barbecue known the world over.
Here are some of the top 15 Must Visit Wineries in Argentina
1. Bodega Catena Zapata
When Nicolás Catena Zapata began running the family winery in the mid ’60s, his grandfather and father were still making wines according to the old Italian traditions. They selected grapes from their historic vineyards and aged them in large oak casks for 3 to 4 years, obtaining oxidized flavors similar to those of sherry. In the ’60s the Catena Family’s best wine was Saint Felicien Cabernet Sauvignon.
Discover more about one of Bodega Catena Zapata’s best wines: Adrianna Vineyard River Stones 2017
2. Terrazas de los Andes
At Terrazas de los Andes we believe that to go beyond in quality we have to cultivate and grow our own grapes. Today, we own the best set of cool climate vineyards in the most recognized apellations in Mendoza, located in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, each of them at its optimum altitude. This mosaic of diverse terroirs and singular wine components are elevated through our blending expertise giving us the luxury to craft the fullest expression of each varietal. All these years of experience taught us that producing fine wine is about understanding and magnifying Nature, while protecting it for the future generation.
Discover more about one of Terrazas de los Andes’s best wines: Parcel El Espinillo Malbec 2017
3. Chacra
Chacra advocates for the highest quality and originality of its wines. The reason these standards are achieved lies in the way its old, ungrafted vineyards are treated organically and biodynamically in a habitat where respect for nature and the deepest engagement in understanding the environment are passionately pursued.
Chacra is comprised of 24 planted hectares: three planted in 1932, 7 planted in 1955, and the remaining planted on an average of 20 years ago.
Discover more about one of Chacra’s best wines: Bodega Chacra Chardonnay Patagonia 2018
4. Trapiche
Since its early days, in 1883, Bodega Trapiche has received worldwide recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. Our full understanding of the land as our most valuable asset, combined with state-of-the-art technology to venture into otherwise unchartered territory, have turned Trapiche into a winery that is constantly challenging what is allegedly known.
The winery pioneered innovations such as the introduction of French varieties, the use of French oak barrels and the production of micro-terroir wines.
Discover more about one of Trapiche’s best wines: Iscay Malbec – Cabernet Franc 2014
5. Viña Cobos
Known historically as the premier wine-growing region in Mendoza. Its high elevation location in combination with a semi-desert climate and low-nutrient, gravelly soils provide ideal conditions for cultivation of quality fruit. The Mendoza River, one of the main sources of water for irrigation of the region, lends identity to the area, influencing the soils and delineating the areas of production.
Located here are the outstanding wine growing districts of Agrelo, Las Compuertas, Perdriel and Vistalba. Altitude varies between 800 m (2,624 ft) and 1,100 m (3,308 ft) above sea level and the cool temperate climate ensures optimum ripening of the grapes. The soil is made up of fine sediments of alluvial origin, with a subsoil comprised of sand and silty clay sediments.
Discover more about one of Viña Cobos’s best wines: COBOS CHAÑARES ESTATE MALBEC (2015)
6. Zuccardi Wines
The combination of multiple microclimates, altitudes, and soil types creates multiple terroirs.
Zuccardi’s challenge is to faithfully interpret them and express their identities in the wine.
Located in the heart of the alluvial plain of the Tunuyán River, this vineyard expresses the characteristic diversity of the chalky soils of Paraje Altamira. At this vineyard, every part of the cycle, from pruning to harvesting, is based on soil type. The winery is in the heart of the vineyard.
Discover more about one of Zuccardi’s best wines: FINCA PIEDRA INFINITA GRAVASCAL 2016
7. Susana Balbo Winery
In 1999, with almost two decades dedicating her talent to national and international companies in the wine business working as a consultant, Susana Balbo decided to make her dream of having a winery of her own come true and that was the moment Susana Balbo Wines put down roots in the heart of Luján de Cuyo Mendoza. After more than ten years of steady growth in foreign markets, another one of her dreams was fulfilled: her children, José, winemaker graduated from UC Davis (California) and Ana, Bachelor of Business Administration from University San Andrés (Buenos Aires) decided to go on with the family tradition and join Susana Balbo Wines team.
Discover more about one of Susana Balbo’s best wines: NOSOTROS SINGLE VINEYARD 2014
8. Bemberg Estate
The origins of the Bemberg Family can be traced back to the second half of the 16th century in the small town of Langenberg, Germany. It was here where Conrad zum Bimberg—the oldest known ancestor of the family, according to family records—owned a large plot of land where he began growing his first vines, a fascinating activity that, centuries later, still runs deep through their veins.
Although family records connect this Family’s early origins with Conrad zum Bimberg’s birth, many actually pinpoint the Family’s true starting point in the first half of the 19th century, highlighting the figure of Otto Peter Bemberg as its’ founder. In 1850, Otto emigrated from the Old World and embarked himself on a journey to South America, where he eventually settled in Argentina. It was he who laid the foundations for the Family, remaining loyal to his European roots.
Discover more about one of Bemberg Estate’s best wines: Pionero 2014
9. Marcelo Pelleriti Wines
Marcelo Pelleriti, has managed to become a benchmark for worldwide enology. His career has led this young Argentine professional to stand among the best and today it is the only Latin American winemaker to obtain 100 points Robert Parker. Has over 30 vintages of experience between Argentina and France, learned to play the vineyard, and achieve excellent results in the production of its wines which are recognized worldwide.
Marcelo is currently winemarker at Monteviejo winery, located in the field of Clos de los 7 in Tunuyan, one of the privileged areas for viticulture in Mendoza. For over 15 years aimed at Bordeaux vintages of Chateau La Violette and Chateau Le Gay, both owned by the Pere-Verge family like Monteviejo. All his experience became Marcelo a renowned winemaker in the world of wine.
Discover more about one of Marcelo Pelleriti’s best wines: FELIPE STAITI VALLE DE UCO HONOR 2015
10. Achaval Ferrer
Achaval Ferrer is an Argentinian wine producer based in the Uco Valley, in the famously high-altitude wine region of Mendoza. The estate is known for its high-quality wines made predominantly from Malbec, usually with the addition of other classic Bordeaux varieties.
The estate was founded in 1998, following the purchase of a vineyard in the Uco Valley. In 1999, the founders went looking for land on a north-facing slope, which was rare in Mendoza as the majority of the vineyards are on slopes facing either east or south. Achaval Ferrer decided to purchase a run-down vineyard, which became Finca Altamira.
Discover more about one of Achaval Ferrer’s best wines: Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2016
11. Bodega El Esteco
The Calchaquí Valleys region is probably one of those few places in the world that deserves to be admired, more than understood. The very nature of this location awes the visitor: among the lush vegetation of the Yunga forest, the rivers and rocky mountains, there emerges, unexpectedly, a stretch of desert where magic happens. Standing at an ideal altitude of 1,800 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level, with its ever-present sunshine and perfect temperature range, the environment is perfect for the creation of high-end wines.
It is at the heart of this valley where El Esteco stands, with its nearly 1,000 acres of vineyards condensing all the spirit of the region in their fruit. At a hidden, unthought-of location for the production of great, unique wines.
Discover more about one of Bodega El Esteco’s best wines: CHAÑAR PUNCO 2016
12. Rutini Wines
Discover more about one of Rutini’s best wines: Apartado Gran Malbec 2016
13. Pulenta Estate
The Pulenta Family has been linked to Argentine viticulture for four generations. The children of the winemaker Antonio Pulenta and descendants of Italian immigrants, Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta, gave birth to Pulenta Estate in 2002, bringing experience and the most skilled workforce.
The tradition, knowledge, and experience of the family acquired during 100 years since the arrival of Angelo Polenta y Palmina Spinssanti to Argentina, live today in Pulenta Estate.
Our mission is to produce a limited series of great wines, proudly made in Argentina.
Discover more about one of Pulenta Estate’s best wines: Pulenta Gran Corte VII 2015
14. MATIAS RICCITELLI
Matias Riccitelli was born in Cafayate, Salta, a little village in the north of Argentina, a place where you can actually breathe wine. He moved to mendoza with his family, where he studied winemaking, few years later Matias became as a winemaker for one of the most prestigious wineries in Argentina. A traveler and a tireless dreamer, after taking part of countless harvests all over the wine world, where he gathered lots of anecdotes, he eventually decided to join these experiences with Jorge Riccitelli’s teachings (his father and mentor) and he established Riccitelli Wines in 2009.
Discover more about one of MATIAS RICCITELLI’s best wines: MALBEC VIEJOS VIÑEDOS EN PIE FRANCO 2017
15. Kaiken Winery
The Kaikén winery was built in 1920 by Italo Calise. In those early days, the winery also made olive oil, destilled beverages, and tartaric acid.
Today, the winery has the capacity to make 7 million liters of wine. Fermentation takes place in 12,000 – 30,000 liter tanks, which are ideal for small batches if superior quality wine. We also have 100,000 liter tanks to age wine.
The spirit if Kaikén permeates throughout the winery. With 1,500 barrels for aging and concrete tanks for a more efficient use of energy through innovative biodynamic practices, our processes meet the highest quality standarsds of contemporary winemaking.
Only imagination pushes the limits.
A challenge is just a starting point for further development. Just when you think you made it, the line moves away a little further in an infinite spiral… unless you want to give up.
Discover more about one of Kaiken’s best wines: Kaiken Mai Malbec 2016
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