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Wine Trade in Argentina: Key Regions, Winemakers, and Varieties
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.
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 relatively lower. At the same time, the city itself offers a cozy and welcoming lifestyle that appeals to both locals and foreigners. Investors can find everything from small hobby vineyards to large-scale estates, often at a fraction of the price seen in premium wine regions.
Opportunities in San Rafael & Mendoza
| Name | Location | Size (ha) | Price (US$) |
| Farm with 2 Homes, Barn, Vineyard & Orchard | San Rafael | 12.56 | 110,000 |
| Hobby Vineyard with Charming Farmhouse | Mendoza | 11.13 | 180,000 |
| Winery, Vineyard & Tourism Project with Lake & Restaurant | San Rafael | 91.12 | 1,690,000 |
| Small Vineyard Plot with Water Rights | Mendoza | 7.21 | 160,000 |
| Traditional Style Farmhouse with Vineyard | Valle de Uco | 17.36 | 390,000 |
| Vineyard Parcel with Andes Views | Mendoza | 8.9 | 200,000 |
| Olive Orchard & Country Villa | Maipú | 18.61 | 430,000 |
| Vineyard with House & Pool | Maipú | 13.56 | 330,000 |
| Garden Home & Guesthouse on Farm | San Rafael | 10.94 | 269,000 |
| Small Vineyard with Modern Irrigation | Mendoza | 9.71 | 240,000 |
| Boutique Vineyard with Rustic Guesthouse | Mendoza | 15.7 | 410,000 |
| Vineyard with Modern Farmhouse & Pool | Mendoza | 12.95 | 350,000 |
| Large Vineyard with Water Rights | Mendoza | 72.84 | 2,300,000 |
| Vineyard & Small Winery with Equipment | Mendoza | 19.02 | 720,000 |
| Productive Vineyard with Export Market | Mendoza | 27.52 | 1,050,000 |
| Elegant Country Home with Vineyard & Andes Views | Mendoza | 14.57 | 560,000 |
| Boutique Vineyard with Small Winery & Barrel Room | Mendoza | 16.42 | 640,000 |
| Premium Malbec & Cabernet Vineyards | Tunuyán, Uco | 24.71 | 990,000 |
| Vineyard + Olive Orchard with Country Lodge | Mendoza | 28.34 | 1,150,000 |
| Premium Cabernet Vineyard | Luján de Cuyo | 21.05 | 870,000 |
| Vineyard Estate with Mountain Views | Tunuyán, Uco | 22.26 | 970,000 |
| High-Altitude Vineyard | Gualtallary, Uco | 33.82 | 1,600,000 |
| Vineyard with Modern Country House | Mendoza | 5.66 | 310,000 |
| Fine Wine Vineyards | Gualtallary, Uco | 30.76 | 1,750,000 |
| Vineyard Estate with Guesthouse & Winery Project | Mendoza | 31.09 | 1,800,000 |
| Small Vineyard Estate with House & Pool | Mendoza | 6.47 | 380,000 |
| Premium Malbec Vineyards | San Carlos, Uco | 20.23 | 1,200,000 |
| Premium Fine Wine Vineyard & Winery | Valle de Uco, Mendoza | 45.77 | 2,750,000 |
| Boutique Winery with Guest Lodge | Mendoza | 13.76 | 890,000 |
| Boutique Olive Oil Factory with Cabins & Orchards | San Rafael | 8.1 | 550,000 |
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: