Stemming from its Spanish roots when vine cuttings were brought to Santiago del Estero in 1557, Argentina has become the fifth biggest producer of wine globally. Visiting its vineyards, which stretch from the mountainous Mendoza region, where premium Malbecs are grown at high altitudes, to the low-lying hills south of capital Buenos Aires, is a VIP experience you'll never forget.
Familia Zuccardi (photo) In renowned province Mendoza, where 60% of Argentine wine is produced, Familia Zuccardi is a celebrated family-run bodega that is committed to educating visitors about the production of its wine - which is made with a complex understanding of tradition and modern techniques. The focus here is on premium Malbecs, which are made with top quality grapes grown in the fertile Uco Valley. This winery favours a holistic approach - and focuses not just on altitude, but on terroir - the natural terrain of the vineyard. In Uco Valley, crystal mountain streams flow down from the Andes, and these are harnessed in the wine production as well as in the stone fermentation vessels (gathered from the ground around.) A tour here focuses not only on tasting their vintages, but on discovering the characteristics of the soil and how it influences their wine. Their restaurant, Piedra Infinita Cocina, is a romantic place to linger, with all seating facing the majestic Andes mountains.
Bodega Carmelo Patti
One of the greatest boutique wineries in the Mendoza region, wine here is produced by the skillful hands of its namesake, Carmelo Patti. Often referred to as the most passionate winemaker in the entire region, Patti crafts his wine by hand in a bodega located in his garage. Travel to Lujan de Cuyo, a quaint town located close to Mendoza, and enjoy a tour of the bodega led by Patti himself. Let him guide you enthusiastically through his meticulous process, and don't leave without trying his award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, poured straight from the barrel.
The Vines of Mendoza, Uco Valley
Crafting more than 300 unique vintages each year, this winery in Mendoza's Uco Valley is the perfect place for a romantic retreat. With an 180 degree view of the Andes snow-covered peaks, visitors can enjoy their show-stopping Recuerdo, a malbec made with grapes from collective estates, on their cosy outdoor patio. The team here provide hands-on tours and workshops, where you can learn how to blend wine and the ins-and-outs of barrel fermentation. More than just a vineyard, The Vines of Mendoza is also a luxury resort, and you can stay onsite in their rooms with mountain views and log fires. While enjoying their premium wines, explore the rugged landscape around on horseback or enjoy a yoga class outdoors.
Bodegas Lopez
This is where some of the greatest red wine in Argentina is produced, namely the Bodegas Lopez Montchenot, which has won awards all over the world. It's also a stunning winery located just outside of Mendoza. The building itself was built in the Spanish colonial style, and stepping beyond the cream exterior, you can experience a special tour through a particularly atmospheric winery. Reach it easily by tram from Mendoza, and wander through the atmospheric brick passages, where vintages are stacked and antique wine-making tools and equipment are displayed. This is also one of the oldest family-run bodegas in Argentina, at an impressive 113 years old.
O, Fournier
Located outside of Mendoza, in scenic Uco Valley, Bodega O Fournier produces premium wines against a backdrop of stunning, snow-capped mountains. This family run bodega is housed in futuristic architecture, and uses the building itself in its wine production techniques. The wine here is made with a unique gravity-flow system, where harvested grapes are transported up to the upper levels of the building on ramps. Following this, they are deposited into holes in the ground, where they slowly travel to an underground barrel room. Taste their signature Malbec, aged in oak barrels, along with expertly cooked local produce in renowned onsite restaurant “Urban.”