Argentina is one of the worlds largest wine producing countries, a fact that is still relatively unknown to many visitors that arrive, even to those with a specific interest in wine.

There are multiple regions producing wine, but for the wine aficionado there are three principal areas of interest. Mendoza (in Central Argentina), Patagonia (to the South), and Salta (Northern Argentina).

Argentina´s premiere wine region is Mendoza, a province found just to the right of the Andes mountain-range. Mendoza is the first region that comes to mind when talking about wines from Argentina, much like California and/or Napa Valley comes to mind first when thinking of wines in the USA. Mendoza gets little rainfall, and there is ample usage of ancient man-made irrigation channels (mostly concentrated around the older regions of wine country), and new high-tech computer controlled drip irrigation in the newer developments of the Valle de Uco Region.

To the north of Mendoza, you have various provinces producing wines... the most important being Salta (followed perhaps by San Juan). Both provinces are growing in their production of quality wines that are slowly catching up to Mendoza in their incursion of foreign markets. Salta is know for its high altitude wines, and also for the indigenous grape varietal Torrontes (more on grapes & wines styles in posts below). The Valles Calchaquies (Valleys of Calchaqui) offer amazing landscapes, making Salta an ideal destination if you want to combine breathtaking views with some great wines.

If you head south, towards Patagonia, many wine lovers will be surprised. Patagonia is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, excellent fishing & hunting. Alas, its now making itself a big name for wines. Two provinces are at the forefront of the Patagonian wine movement, Rio Negro and Neuquen. Recently, Chubut has joined in with what some are calling promising Ice Wines.