Discover Argentina’s
Wine and Wineries

Only recently have Argentina’s wines become more popular in the world wine market. Up until the 1980s most of the country’s wines were kept within the border to be consumed by the Argentineans themselves. But now, they’re having a new lease of life.

The vineyards of Mendoza

Argentina’s wines mostly come from the Mendoza area. Here the grapes can ripen to maturity in the arid heat from the abundant sunshine whilst being irrigated by the melt from the Andes. The snow capped mountains in the distance make a wonderful backdrop to the rolling vineyards beneath.

Mendoza is a beautiful city and if wine is of interest to you, then it’s well worth a visit. Between wineries and oil refineries, the city is obviously wealthy which can be seen from its numerous boutiques and fancy restaurants. A short two day tour can easily be arranged from Buenos Aires.

There are around 370,000 acres of vines around Mendoza and some of the more famous wineries can be found here. Most of them welcome tours and it’s easy to hop on a bike from Mendoza to see several vineyards. Alternatively, there are plenty of tours by car or bus available as well.

Two highly recommended wineries are Trapiche and La Familia Ruttini. Both are from the Mendoza region and are highly regarded wine making families. In many reputable restaurants, you’ll find both on the wine list.

Argentina is well known for its red varieties. The Argentineans tend to favor the richer flavors of the reds as it accompanies the dishes served up, especially steak which Argentina is so famous for. White varieties are becoming more and more popular too, but you’ll find it’s the reds that dominate menus and tasting selections at the vineyards.

Stuart enjoying a glass of malbec wine

Two varieties dominate – the malbec and the cabernet sauvignon. For the whites, the focus is on chardonnays and chenin blancs. The latter three are being grown more to meet export demand, rather than local tastes – a sign of the rejuvenation of this industry.

Choose a hearty malbec to pair with your tender beef, game or hard cheeses. It’s delicious and a must-do during your vacation.

If you can’t make it to wine regions from Buenos Aires, there are several places to taste the delights of Argentina’s wines in the city itself. Aside from the finer restaurants, you can sample wines in several wine shops and the more exclusive wine bars around the city.

Some of the better shops include:

Parras
(Local 22 y 23, Galeria Alvear, Avenida Alvear 1777, Recoleta) has an exquisite selection of fine wines, all of which you can taste – just be prepared to buy.

Winery
(Corrientes 302) is a new chain that has many modern premises all over the city with a great selection of Argentinean wines. Many of the stores have wine bars attached and offer wine by the glass, bottle or taster selection (see below for one such store).

Winery shop and bar – at Avenida Leandro Alem 880

After Argentina’s wine, why not discover the culinary delights of this amazing country.

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