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Argentina Wine Investment and Citizenship Program
In this article, we will delve into the Wine Business in Argentina, exploring the brands, wineries, winemakers, and regions that shape the trends both in the country and globally.
The primary purpose of this topic is to assist you in launching a wine business in Argentina and contribute to the local economy as a naturalized Argentine. Let’s talk about the wine business in this article first, and in another article here, you can read about the legalization process separately.
The world of the Argentine Wine Industry is expansive, and what unfolds in these latitudes is exceptional on the global wine stage.
Stretching 3,800 kilometers from north to south, Argentina boasts vineyards and wineries in nearly every corner of its territory. This diversity of terroirs may be paralleled in countries like the USA or Australia, yet Argentina’s expanse is unparalleled.
Here are some essential technical insights into Argentine viticulture (current as of late 2021):
– Total planted area: 211,099 hectares
– Registered wineries: 1,217
– Active wineries: 870
– Grape harvest: 2,182,710,300 kilograms
– Wine production: 1,248,155,300 liters
Regions for the Wine Business in Argentina
North
Wine Business in Argentina in developed in Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca, known collectively as NOA, centered around Cafayate, Salta. Covering just over 6,000 hectares (3% of Argentina’s vineyard area), the north is globally recognized for its breathtaking vineyard landscapes, exceptional grape quality, and distinctive wines. It hosts the country’s highest vineyards, including one at 3,329 meters above sea level in Uquía, Jujuy, operated by winemaker Claudio Zucchino. The region is renowned for Torrontés, intense reds, high alcohol content, and pioneering projects like Colomé and Yacochuya by Michel Rolland.
Mendoza is 75% of Argentina’s Vineyard
The heart of Argentine viticulture, Cuyo is dominated by Mendoza, which alone houses over 70% of the nation’s vineyards. This region also includes San Juan and La Rioja, covering 184,000 hectares (95% of Argentina’s total vineyard area). Cuyo is the birthplace of Malbec, celebrated in the Uco Valley amid stunning Andes landscapes where melted snow irrigates the vineyards, driving the regional economy. It hosts iconic wineries like Catena Zapata, Rutini, Zuccardi, and Susana Balbo.
| Name | Location | Size (ha) | Price per ha (US$) | Total Price (US$) |
| Boutique Winery & Old Vineyard | La Consulta, Mendoza Province | 8.00 | 61,000 | 495,000 |
| Maipú Bodega | Maipú (Russel / General Ortega), Mendoza | 12.00 | 145,000 | 1,750,000 |
| 100-Year-Old Vineyard in Perdriel | Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza | 5.50 | 71,000 | 395,000 |
| Vineyard Plots within Tupungato Winelands (Overview) | Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza | 5 Plots (2 Available) | — | Starting at 325,000 |
| Tupungato Winelands Vineyard Plot 1 (Certified Organic Malbec) | Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza | 4.09 | 103,000 | 425,000 |
| Tupungato Winelands Vineyard Plot 2 (Certified Organic Mixed Varieties) | Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza | 4.62 | 70,000 | 325,000 |
| Bare Land in San Juan (Investment Opportunity) | San Juan Province, Argentina | 14,500 | 200 | 2,900,000 |
Average land price in Mendoza: about US$90,700 per hectare, while bare land can be as low as US$200 per hectare.
Your choice depends on your priorities, proximity to commercial areas, infrastructure, or undeveloped land.
We recommend consulting with us to identify your preferences. Our partnering agronomists and vineyard experts (with 25–30 years of experience) can assess soil quality and grape suitability to help you find the best investment option.
Affordable & Cozy Wine Investment in San Rafael, Mendoza
Based on our R&D team’s findings, San Rafael stands out as one of the most attractive areas for real estate investment in Argentina’s wine country. Compared to other Mendoza regions, such as Valle de Uco, land prices in San Rafael are noticeably lower. At the same time, the city offers a warm and welcoming lifestyle that attracts both locals and foreigners.
San Rafael remains more affordable mainly because it’s less commercial and located farther from the main wine hubs. There are fewer large wineries and less tourism, which keeps land prices down; yet, the quality of vineyards and living standards remain impressively high.
Opportunities in San Rafael, Mendoza Province
| Name | Location | Size (ha) | Price per ha (US$) | Total Price (US$) |
| Farm with 2 Homes, Barn, Vineyard & Orchard | San Rafael | 12.56 | 8,000 | 110,000 |
| Winery, Vineyard & Tourism Project with Lake & Restaurant | San Rafael | 91.12 | 18,000 | 1,690,000 |
| Garden Home & Guesthouse on Farm | San Rafael | 10.94 | 24,000 | 269,000 |
| Boutique Olive Oil Factory with Cabins & Orchards | San Rafael | 8.10 | 67,000 | 550,000 |
Average price per hectare in San Rafael: around US$20,000 – 50,000, depending on vineyard quality, water rights, and location.
San Rafael is cheaper because it’s less commercial and farther from major wine hubs, and not as busy as other wine areas. There are fewer big wineries and less tourism, so land costs less, but the quality is still very good.
Patagonia
Argentina’s southernmost Wine Business is rooted in Río Negro, expanding into Neuquén, Chubut, and La Pampa provinces. The cold, wind-swept climate yields red wines of distinctive character and white wines with refreshing acidity. Notable wineries include Umbral de los Caminos, Chacra, Noemía, and Otronia.
Vineyards Across the Country
Viticulture sprawls across Argentina’s vast expanse, from Atlantic vineyards in Chapadmalal, Buenos Aires province, to thriving plots in Córdoba at the country’s heart. Small-scale projects also thrive in provinces such as Entre Ríos, San Luis, Santiago del Estero, Misiones, and Santa Fe.
Key Grape Varieties of Argentina:
While Argentina cultivates a vast array of grape varieties, Malbec reigns supreme, dominating international markets and domestic consumption. Other significant varieties include Torrontés, Argentine Bonarda, and promising Cabernet Franc, along with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at the high end.
Malbec
Argentina’s most renowned red grape, with nearly 50,000 hectares under cultivation, representing over 20% of the country’s vineyards. It’s used in variousil styles including reds, whites (where only the juice is vinified), sparkling wines, sweet wines, rosés, and fortified wines. Malbec wines are distinguished by their deep violet color and aromas of violet and plum jam.
Torrontés
Arguably Argentina’s most famous indigenous grape, Torrontés thrives in regions like Salta and La Rioja. A cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica, Torrontés inherits intense aromas reminiscent of jasmine, orange peel, and orange blossom water from its Muscat lineage.
Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Others
High-quality Argentine wines increasingly spotlight Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Chardonnay alongside Malbec. The Uco Valley’s altitude has proven ideal for Chardonnay, leading to top-rated wines by international critics. Cabernet Franc shows promise both as a standalone and in blends with Malbec.
Prominent Argentine Winemakers:
Over the past decade, Argentine winemakers have evolved from technical specialists to influential figures in branding and communication. Many have ventured into personal labels, showcasing their creativity with grape varieties and winemaking techniques.
Here’s a roster of some of Argentina’s most esteemed winemakers, each associated with notable wineries:
Luxury Vineyards & Wine Hotel
Casa de Uco Vineyards and Wine Hotel sits in the heart of Mendoza’s Uco Valley, Argentina’s premier Malbec region. This 320-hectare estate offers high-end hospitality with hands-on winemaking opportunities, including the chance to purchase private 1-hectare vineyard lots or villa parcels that come with exclusive Wine Resort membership. Guests and owners alike benefit from expert-led production by Alberto Antonini and a commercial network for grape sales. The property features luxury accommodations, a spa, an infinity pool, horseback riding, and a gourmet restaurant. Everything is designed to blend seamlessly with the Andes backdrop. Founded by the Tonconogy family, Casa de Uco embodies the best of Argentine wine culture: premium terroir, sustainable viticulture, and an authentic, personalized experience.
Here are the references for the sources provided: