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Wine Routes in Argentina

Wine routes in Argentina cross several wine producing regions of the Argentine Republic with the aim of boosting national tourism.

Historia

In Argentina, viticulture began with the arrival of the Spanish in 1556, during the so-called colonial period. A clergyman named Juan Cedrón introduced some vine cuttings in what is today’s Santiago del Estero province. Later, a Frenchman, Aimé Pouget, planted a pilot vineyard in the province of Mendoza, introducing some grape varieties from France. During the decade of the 1880s, Tiburcio Benegas planted about 250 hectares of vineyards in Mendoza and he created the country’s first winery, called El Trapiche. Then, in 1985, with the arrival of the railroad to this province, production was boosted, since Buenos Aires was turning into an important wine consuming area during that time. Over the years, vineyards prospered in Mendoza, and some of them even came to have their own railroad station. Currently, Argentine wines are very appreciated in several countries around the world. In Argentina, the viticultural area ranges between 22º and 42º South latitude; it stretches for 2400 km all along the Andes Mountains, from the province of Salta to the province of Río Negro. Ideally, the areas suitable for wine growing must be dry and arid, with a low amount of rainfall and low humidity —an important factor, primarily to avoid vine diseases. Abundant sunny days and a great thermal amplitude favor ripening and concentration of aromas, color and sugar content. Canal irrigation systems are used to carry meltwater from the Andes Mountains. This water descends, turning into rivers and streams which finally end up in irrigation canals and ditches (Spanish: acequias).

Salta Province

In this province, the wine route begins in the provincial capital of Salta, then it goes through some historical villages and finally ends in the town of Cafayate. An Argentine grape variety called Torrontés is used to produce wines, which are often labeled with the same name. However, other grape varieties are also used, such as Malbec, Cabernet Souvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay. Currently, in the towns of Yacochuya and Colomé, at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, some new enterprises are being developed, which seek to find different grape varieties suited to the weather conditions at high altitude.

Tucumán Province

In late 2011, the province of Tucumán joined Argentina’s wine routes through the signing of an agreement among Ente Autárquico Tucumán Turismo (EATT), Corporación Vitivinícola Argentina (COVIAR) and Bodegas de Argentina. This agreement will provide resources for the province to increase enotourism.

Catamarca Province

Also the province of Catamarca is now part of Argentina's wine routes. Its main winemaking centers are located in the dry and arid Western areas of the province —such as Fiambalá, Tinogasta, Pomán, Belén and Santa Maria— where they benefit from an ideal climate for vine growing. The grape varieties which are mainly cultivated include Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Torrontés.

La Rioja Province

In this province of Argentina, viticulture has been practised for many years with excellent products. Crops are mainly located in Chilecito, Felipe Varela, Nonogasta, Vinchina, Villa Castelli, Castro Barros, San Blas de los Sauces, Anillaco, Famatina y Sanagasta. In all these places, the climate is perfect for the production of different grape varieties, so that major wineries are set up in these areas. Wines from La Rioja have obtained international recognition several times. In fact, the Torrontés Riojano, one of the most common Torrontés varieties in Argentina, has won a major award in wine making at international level. More recent and minor acknowledgements confirm the role of the wine sector in this area.

San Juan Province

The Tulum Valley is considered the main grape producer in this province. Its dry and temperate climate makes it ideal for the production of Syrah, the main grape variety for winegrowing in this area. Moreover, other fine and liqueur wines are also produced. The main wineries in San Juan are equipped with modern machinery; indeed, stainless steel vessels are used and refrigeration is controlled by computers. In spite of this, the use of oak has not stopped, and it is still employed to preserve the most precious wines.

Mendoza Province

In this province the main agricultural activity is viticulture. The high quality of its products is renowned worldwide. It is considered one of the Great Wine Capitals and it is the province with the highest national production, corresponding to 60% of the total cultivated area in Argentina. Millions of helectoliters of wine are produced each year by 1,221 wineries using a wide range of grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Malbec, Syrah, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillón and Chenin, among others. White wines and young red wines are a specialty of the northern part of the province, while the largest grape-growing production in Mendoza is concentrated on the eastside. The wide extension of cultivated lands in the province of Mendoza makes it necessary to divide it into different areas, since its climatic features and altitude are very different:

• Northern area: suitable for fruity white wines and young red wines. Its altitude ranges from 600 m. to 700 m.
• Eastern area: in this area the altitude ranges from 600 m. to 700 m. It is the area with the largest production.
• Upper valley of Mendoza River: its altitude ranges from 800 m. and 1,100 m. above sea level and microclimates. All grape varieties are grown in this area, with Malbec standing out.
• Uco Valley: area of cold climate and higher altitude that ranges from 800 m. to 1,400 m. above sea level; vineyards are located in the foothills of Mendoza (Spanish: Precordillera). The wines produced are characterized by their acidity.
• San Rafael: from 450 m. to 800 m. of altitude; in 1993, the Denomination of Origin was established in this area.

Neuquén Province

This is one of the youngest provinces in Argentina's viticulture. It has its own wine route, which is linked to other tourist themes, such as paleontology. In this tour, vineyards and wineries can be appreciated and in some of them gastronomic services can be found. It is in the town of San Patricio del Chañar that the greatest agricultural activity is centred, while wine-growing facilities can be found a few kilometres away. This is where the fruit of the grapevine is industrialised, whose varieties are Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

appreciated and in some of them gastronomic services can be found. It is in the town of San Patricio del Chañar that the greatest agricultural activity is centred, while wine-growing facilities can be found a few kilometres away. This is where the fruit of the grapevine is industrialised, whose varieties are Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Río Negro Province

In the so-called upper Río Negro Valley the largest amount of fruit in the country is produced, mainly apples and pears, in addition to grapes. The town of General Roca is where the greatest winemaking activity of the province is concentrated. Here are located some of the southernmost wineries in Argentina, and excellent varieties of wine are produced, among which sparkling wine, which is made by using methods brought from France. The most developed grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Semillon and Merlot. The region is characterized by winds which create favourable conditions for a dry environment, thus making the vineyards less susceptible to diseases. This is why some of the wines are considered organic.

Córdoba Province

In this province, one of the first Argentine wines was produced, called Lagrimilla, a sweet wine which was taken to Spain by the Jesuits in the nineteenth century. The production takes place in the Colón Department and in the town of Colonia Caroya. This last area is the one that has more wineries and producers, who dedicate themselves to making artisanal wines. The visit to the facilities and their vineyards, followed by wine tasting, has become the main attraction of this route. During the month of March, Colonia Caroya celebrates the provincial festival of the grape harvest, which begins on a Saturday and takes place in honour of the work of the grape producers of this town. The following day, the inhabitants of Colonia Caroya gather with friends, relatives, visitors and tourists to have lunch in the street, under the leafy grove, where they celebrate the end of the grape harvest. This activity is known as Sagra de la uva.

Jujuy, Buenos Aires and La Pampa Provinces

The provinces of Jujuy, La Pampa and Buenos Aires are wine producers in Argentina with their own specific features, due to the special weather conditions which characterize each of these areas.​​​​

The Grape Harvest National Festival

Since 1936, the Grape Harvest National Festival is celebrated yearly in Mendoza during the first week of March, in honour of the men and women who produce wine, from the fields to the industry.