Wine countries

Wines of Argentina

Argentina is the largest wine producer in South America. Most vineyards lie in the dry foothills of the Andes, irrigated with snowmelt, at some of the highest altitudes in the world. Intense sunlight and cool nights give deep colour and fresh fruit.

1Salta (Cafayate)2San Juan3Mendoza4Uco Valley5Patagonia
Approximate locations of the main wine regions. Map shows the wine-growing north and centre; Patagonia's vineyards are around Neuquén and Río Negro.

Main wine regions

  1. 1

    Salta (Cafayate)

    Torrontés, Malbec

    Vineyards up to 3,000 m above sea level; aromatic, floral Torrontés.

  2. 2

    San Juan

    Syrah, Bonarda, Malbec

    Hot and dry; generous, fruity reds.

  3. 3

    Mendoza

    Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda

    Produces around 70 % of Argentina's wine. Luján de Cuyo is the classic Malbec heartland.

  4. 4

    Uco Valley

    Malbec, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

    High-altitude sub-region of Mendoza: fresher, more floral Malbec.

  5. 5

    Patagonia

    Pinot Noir, Malbec

    The cool, windy south: elegant reds.

Key grapes

Reading the label

Look for ‘Mendoza’, ‘Valle de Uco’ or a specific Geographical Indication (GI). Altitude is often printed on the label.

Put it into practice

Our Wine Tasting Sheet guides you through appearance, nose, palate, quality and readiness — with hints in brackets so you always find the right word. Fill it in on screen or print it.