Argentina’s High-Altitude Wines
From the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza to the rugged terrain of Salta, Argentina wines showcase nature’s raw power and winemaking artistry. Argentina’s vineyards thrive in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, where high altitude (up to 3,000+ ft), sunny days, and cool nights create ideal growing conditions. The century-old vines also help produce wines with uncommon depth.
The flagship grape in Argentina is Malbec, a dark-skinned red grape, which is originally from France. Malbec is famous for the black-fruit, chocolate and smoky notes. Bonarda, also known as Douce Noir, is the second most widely planted in the country. International red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir are also planted.
The white counterpart of Argentina is Torrontés, an aromatic grape that delivers lychee, rose, citrus flavours. Premium Chardonnays are also produced in some high-altitude regions.
Featured Regions
Mendoza
Mendoza accounts for nearly two-thirds of the country's wine production. Some of the most prominent subregions are Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley, and Maipú. High-altitude vineyards (900–1,500+ meters) produce intense, structured reds.
Salta
The Salta wine region is one of Argentina's most unique and high-altitude wine-producing areas, located in the northwest of the country. Salta is famous for its extreme elevations, with some vineyards planted between 1,700 to 3,000 meters (5,600–9,800 feet) above sea level. The town of Cafayate is the main wine hub, known for its breathtaking landscapes and high-quality wines. Many vineyards are situated in the Calchaquí Valleys, a UNESCO-recognized area with stunning red-rock formations.
Patagonia
The Patagonia wine region is an emerging viticultural areas, located in the southern part of the country. Unlike the more famous Mendoza or Salta, Patagonia offers a cooler climate, producing elegant and distinctive wines. The diurnal temperature variation (hot days, cold nights) helps grapes retain acidity while developing deep flavours. Soils are alluvial, sandy, and rocky, with good drainage.
San Juan
San Juan is Argentina’s second-largest wine-producing region, known for its bold reds, high-altitude vineyards, sun-drenched terroir, and hot, arid climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Poor, sandy, and rocky soils (similar to Mendoza’s Uco Valley) that stress vines, intensifying flavours.
