As far back as 1561, wine was being grown in Argentina, with two vineyards in the Cuyo wine-producing region owned by viticulturists Pedro del Castillo and Juan Jufre. For the most part over the next 300 years, wine production was limited and the focus was on producing table wines for local consumption. In the 1800s, two important conditions changed. First, many immigrants came to Argentina from Europe, bringing winemaking skills from their countries of origin. And secondly, the railroad was constructed in 1885, connecting Cuyo with Buenos Aries.

The influence of winemakers such as Tiburcio Benegas contributed to the elevated quality of Argentine wine, finally making it possible to enjoy a home-produced version of a fine French Bordeaux or Burgundy with a thick cut of the aged beef that Argentina is also famous for.


Mendoza Province

The province of Mendoza is the traditional center of winemaking in Argentina, which produces more than 75% of the country's finest wines. The most productive zone in the province is the eastern zone, with a large number of well-established wineries that include Bodegas Terrazas de Los Andes, Bodegas Salentein and Familia Zuccardi. Malbec from the southwest of France is the red varietal that has best adapted to Argentine soil - enabling the Mendoza province to produce the best Malbec specimens in the world. Its white varietal counterpart, Torrontes, has also achieved international recognition. Both striking Malbec and the distinctive Torrontes are truly emblematic of the Argentine wine industry.


San Juan Province

The San Juan province is Argentina's second most important viticultural area, producing a large number of table wines as well as sweet wines. Among its well-known wineries is Bodega Graffigna, founded in 1870, and a major exporter to the United States and other international markets. Syrah has adapted well to San Juan and has a promising future here.