10 Greatest Wineries In Argentina

Forget the palatial operations of many Mendozan wineries. Carmelo Patti lays good claim to being one of Mendoza’s most important wine makers, and he works out of his garage. From Lujan de Cuyo, a town near Mendoza, he produces a series of world-renowned wines. Visitors are even treated to a highly personal and enthusiastic tour by Carmelo himself. He only releases his wines to the public when he deems fit— often as many as five years after the harvest. Try the Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmelo Patti’s most celebrated product.

The Mendoza region dominates Argentina’s wine scene, so it can be refreshing to see genuine contenders from elsewhere, such as the Bodegas Callia from the San Juan province. Located in the Tulum Valley, Bodegas Callia aims to produce the best Shiraz in Argentina. The grape adapts well to the drier, desert-like climate of Mendoza’s northern neighbor. The winery is in good hands, owned by the same Dutch investors as Bodegas Salentein, and it will no doubt continue to prosper. Try the signature Callia Alta Shiraz, a subtle and fruity wine offering fantastic value for money.

The winery itself is a grand pyramidal structure, resembling a Mayan temple in the foothills of the Andeans—a shrine to the new religion of Argentinean wine. Former professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, Nicólas Catena and his daughter Laura run a clinical operation. They experiment tirelessly with altitude and micro-climates to produce their grapes. The Catena operation goes back to 1902, when Italian Nicola Catena planted the original vineyard. Try the 2013 Catena Malbec, a carefully crafted, full-bodied and fruity red.

Located a one-hour drive from Mendoza in the Uco Valley, Bodegas Salentein is widely regarded as one of the best wineries around. The building is thoroughly modern, a low-lying and sandy color setting it into the surrounding landscape itself. Inside, stainless-steel decor and a glass elevator complete the effect. The wines are equally exciting, with classic Malbecs alongside a wide variety of grapes. They range from its most luxurious Gran Uco Blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon to its young Portillo Chardonnay. Try a classic Malbec, such as the 2012 from its modern Killka range.

Located in the world-famous plains of Patagonia, this bodega embodies a different heritage and philosophy than its Mendozan counterparts. Like many of Patagonia’s inhabitants, this winery has its roots in German immigration, and this is reflected in the wines. Along with Malbecs and other full-bodied reds, Familia Schroeder specializes in sweet and sparkling whites. Set in a truly beautiful location, with a sophisticated restaurant on hand, Familia Schroeder is undoubtedly worth a visit when in Patagonia. Try the Deseado Torrontés, a sparkling white wine made with Argentinean Torrontés grapes.

This wine-making dynasty runs numerous estates across the Mendoza region, its showpiece being in Mapiú, just outside of the city of Mendoza itself. Engineer Alberto Zuccardi began the project in 1963 by experimenting with irrigation techniques. His descendants are still at the helm of one of Argentina’s most important wineries. The bodega in Maipú includes a classy restaurant, designed like a conservatory, with large, glass walls for views of the surrounding vineyards. Try the Zuccardi Zeta range, a full-bodied blend of Malbec and Tempranillo.

O. Fournier is an international venture founded in 2000 by Argentina-based José Manuel Ortega, and its Argentinean winery deserves a mention. Located 80 kilometers outside of Mendoza in San Carlos, the 650-acre winery is spread below the breathtaking Andes. The building itself is just as beautiful: a sharp modern structure set along the soft banks of a lake. Visitors can take advantage of its gourmet restaurant, Urban, widely considered the best winery-restaurant in Argentina, while they enjoy the tasting sessions on offer. Try O. Fournier’s celebrated Urban Uco Malbec, a top-quality wine at a very reasonable price.