THE WINE ROUTES
Argentina offers a wide range of experiences related to wine. And nothing is as good as following one of the three main routes in order to live a multifaceted experience, appreciating wine through all the senses.
Those loving wine-growing activities initiate a journey of multiple sensations extending through a number of provinces, from the Northern part of the Andes to the Patagonian valleys, all of them joined by the astonishing National Route 40, where travelers will be accompanied by delicious aromas, tastes, textures and colors as well as imposing views that will dazzle them on each step.
This experience invites both experts and amateurs eager of adventure to find a special wine, since the rich diversity offered by the Argentine soil and its wonderful ecosystems provides wines with different nuances. Travel around all these sceneries and enjoy the unequalled culture of Argentine wine.
THE REGION OF CUYO
THE REGION OF CUYO
Towards the Andes Range, after a 2-hour flight from the city of Buenos Aires, are the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, best known for their wine and olive production. These are the lands of vineyards mostly growing Malbec wine, native to France but having found in this region the best terroir. Few minutes away from the city of Mendoza, in the regions of Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and Guaymallén, are the famous and oldest wineries that started the argentine red wines to be recognized worldwide.
Along a route going through many vineyards and small towns, about a 2-hour drive from the city, you will reach Valle de Uco, where the Andes Range is at its highest and where the worldwide known Malbec grape achieves its best quality. It is in this rural area where exclusive boutique hotels are found, surrounded by the magnificent landscape offered by the Andes in the background and wineries offering wine tasting accompanied by exquisite gourmet gastronomic combinations. In Mendoza you will find the best red wines: Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Bonarda, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
NORTHWEST
NORTHWEST
After a 2-hour flight from the city of Buenos Aires to the North is the province of Salta, known as “Salta, la linda” meaning “beautiful Salta”, and its capital city of the same name. This province hosts the highest vineyards in the world: Yacochuya at an altitude of 2000 m, and Colomé at 2300 m above sea level, offering an exceptionally varied enotouristic experience.
The most important wine region in the province of Salta is Cafayate, a 3-hour drive south from the city, near the unique Quebrada de las Conchas, with its astonishing rocky formations. Cafayate is located in a valley surrounded by colourful mountain chains rising 1700 m above sea level, with more than 300 sunny days a year, and a temperature reaching 18°.
The typical variety of this region is the white wine known as Torrontés.
PATAGONIA
PATAGONIA
The new wine production regions in Northwest Patagonia are located in the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro, an area characterized not long ago only for its production of apples, peaches, pears and plums.
The new internationally well-known and award-winning undertakings produce medium- and high-quality wines known as “cold region wines”. The greatest virtue of the area is the strong wind and poor rains, causing the environment to be dry, thus preventing diseases. This is translated into the possibility of organic wine elaboration, with no addition of agrochemicals.
Although this zone does not provide lodging in the vineyards, the city of Neuquén is used as its base. With the exception of a few large wineries (such as Bodega del Fin del Mundo, NQN, Familia Schroeder and Humberto Canale), these are generally small, family businesses. A large quantity of varietals are found in these lands, although Merlot and Pinot Noir are top of the list. This region has also interesting proposals regarding white wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which are soft and fruity.