Wine & drink in Argentina
Including Cafayate Wine Region, Chilecito Wine Region, and Maipú Wine Region. On the map.
The vibe
Sipping Argentine drinks is a journey from the deep reds of Mendoza’s vineyards to the craft beers of Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods and the spirited cocktails of coastal bars. The best moments come in spring and summer when vineyards are in full bloom and beach bars buzz. Tourists often join organized tastings, while locals prefer casual, unplanned drinks in neighborhood pubs.
Cafayate Wine Region, Salta
Salta
Marcecoro / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys, Cafayate is famous for its unique high-altitude Torrontés, a crisp and aromatic white wine. The region offers a distinct, rugged desert landscape and a more intimate, traditional tasting experience compared to the larger Mendoza regions.
Access. Reached via a scenic drive from Salta city through the Quebrada de las Conchas.
Notes. The area is compact enough to explore many wineries by bicycle or short taxi rides from the town center.
Chilecito Wine Region, La Rioja
La Rioja
Roberto Fiadone / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nestled in the Famatina Valley, this region is famous for its high-altitude Torrontés, which exhibits intense floral aromatics unique to the arid, sun-drenched landscape. It provides a rugged, off-the-beaten-path wine adventure for those seeking authentic regional expressions.
Access. Located in the province of La Rioja, it is reached by road from the city of La Rioja; local wineries are clustered around the town of Chilecito.
Notes. Summer temperatures can be extreme; spring and autumn are the most comfortable times for vineyard tours.
Maipú Wine Region, Mendoza
Mendoza
NMS_FW / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
As the cradle of Mendoza's wine industry, Maipú offers a more traditional and intimate tasting experience than its neighbors. Visitors explore historic family-run bodegas, many of which specialize in robust Malbecs and Syrahs in a charming, rustic setting.
Access. Located just a short drive from Mendoza City, the region is best explored by renting a bicycle to navigate the 'Wine Route' between cellar doors.
Notes. Best visited between October and April; advance booking for tours is highly recommended.
Mar del Plata Coastal Wine Region
Buenos Aires
Dario Alpern / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Breaking the mold of inland viticulture, the coastal vineyards near Mar del Plata benefit from oceanic breezes that create a distinctive maritime climate. Travelers come here to taste crisp, cool-climate whites and refined Pinot Noirs while enjoying the proximity to the Atlantic coast.
Access. Located just outside the coastal city of Mar del Plata, the wineries are easily accessible by car from the city center.
Notes. A rising star in Argentine wine; many wineries are relatively new and offer modern, sophisticated tasting rooms.
Palermo Soho Craft Beer Quarter, Buenos Aires
Autonomous City of Buenos Aires
Brian Barbutti / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Palermo Soho is the heart of Argentina's vibrant craft beer movement, featuring a high density of independent breweries and taprooms. It is the go-to destination for travelers looking to sample local hop-forward IPAs and experimental brews in a lively, urban setting.
Access. Located within the city of Buenos Aires; easily walkable between various taprooms.
Notes. Best experienced in the evening; many breweries offer tasting flights.
Rio Negro Valley Wine Region
Río Negro
JPLema / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
This historic wine-producing area in Northern Patagonia is renowned for its cooler climate, which produces elegant, high-acid Pinot Noir and Merlot. The region features long-standing vineyards that offer a unique, tranquil tasting experience far removed from the high-altitude heat of the north.
Access. Accessible via the city of General Roca or Neuquén, travelers typically tour the valley by rental car to visit the boutique estates scattered along the river banks.
Notes. The harvest season in March is the most vibrant time to visit.
San Patricio del Chañar, Neuquén
Neuquén
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
This emerging Patagonian wine region is known for its cool-climate viticulture, producing elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The stark, windswept landscape of the high desert provides a unique backdrop for tasting tours that focus on innovation and precision.
Access. Located near Neuquén city, easily accessible by car from the local airport.
Notes. Advance booking for winery tours and tastings is highly recommended.
Tulum Valley Wine Region, San Juan
San Juan
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
San Juan is the second-largest wine producer in Argentina, known for its sun-drenched vineyards and excellent Syrah and Bonarda. The region offers a warm, arid climate and a focus on large-scale production facilities alongside boutique family-run estates.
Access. Accessible by car from San Juan city; the wine route is well-marked.
Notes. Hot summers make spring and autumn the ideal times for vineyard tours.
Uco Valley Wine Region, Mendoza
Mendoza
OMAR EDORNA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Uco Valley is the crown jewel of Argentine viticulture, celebrated for its high-altitude vineyards and world-class Malbec. Travelers flock here for the dramatic backdrop of the Andes and the sophisticated, modern architecture of the region's premium wineries.
Access. Accessible by car from Mendoza city; most visitors hire private drivers or join guided tours to navigate the vast distances between estates.
Notes. Best visited between November and April for harvest season and pleasant weather.