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Wine & Food in Argentina

With some of the best wines, the best pizza and, without dispute, the best steaks...

Of all the great loves and passions in life, none can be more inspiring and evocative than that of food and wine. For many there is nothing better than selecting the finest produce and paring it with the finest wine for an explosion and indulgence of the senses! Nowhere is this truer than in Argentina, where the Malbec is sublime, the Torrontes exquisite and the beef like butter…

Most of the grape varieties that have been introduced into Argentina, such as the Torrontes varietal, or the infamous Malbec, were done so by the settlers who had moved over from Europe. Generally seen as two grape varieties that were not overly successful in the more temperate European climes, they were introduced into the dry and relatively barren slopes of the Andes, to the west of Argentina. Here, they quickly began to flourish, producing a rich and earthy variety of wine.

Over the years, as the vines have matured and the techniques been honed, the world and the rest of Argentina has started to take notice. With big names from the European vineyards, such as the Rothschilds, investing into the valleys around Mendoza, there is no doubt that Argentina is a wine-growing nation on the rise. Today, Argentina wine and food can be found all over the world, but there definitely is nothing like drinking it in the valley where it was grown.

The main growing regions of Argentina are around the Uco Valley, outside Mendoza, for Malbec and a few other grape varieties, and up around Cafayate in the very north for the famous Torrontes grape. The two areas are very unique in that they have year round sunshine and a very dry climate that allows the grape to grow much quicker and for the wine to also mature that much quicker, making most of the wines produced drinkable within a couple of years.

Combined with this blossoming love of wine, the Argentina has an almost obsessive love of its food…in particular beef and lamb. Eating approximately 70kgs of beef a year, the bar has always been raised very high for the quality of meat that the average Argentine will permit. It is, therefore, almost impossible to find a steak or piece of lamb that has not had the utmost care taken in its upbringing and production.

There are a few companies that are now beginning to specialize in Argentina wine and food tours and also in inviting guest chefs to accompany you on a trip, but it is also a great idea to head out to the vineyards themselves to have a tour and a tasting menu for lunch with up to 7 courses, all served in accompaniment with the wine. If you are a connoisseur, or even if you are a total layman, a trip to these fantastic areas of Argentina is an absolute delight and it is hard not to come back with an avid interest in Argentina's wine and food.

Further reading...

  • › Grape Varietals
  • › Viticulture
  • › Wine & Food in Buenos Aires
  • › What to do in Buenos Aires
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    The best regions for Argentina Wine and Food:

    El Calafate and El Chalten - Monte Fitz Roy

    El Calafate and El Chalten

    Possibly the most famous area of Argentina, El Calafate, and the neighbouring El Chalten, sit right on the edge of the Southern Ice Field, the second largest body of ice on the planet. Recently the area has seen a huge surge in interest (... More...

    Our Top Five Wine and Food Hotels in Argentina:

    1. Awasi Iguazu - Main Area

      Awasi Iguazu

      Awasi Iguazu is a new, luxury option, in and around the Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side of the border. Owned and operated by the Awasi chain (who operate a couple of the best properties in Chile, the Awasi Atacama and the Awasi Patagonia) this is a very classy new option and has shaken up the... More...

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    2. Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa

      Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa

      Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa, a member of the elite Relais & Chateau Hotels, really is a treat! While it looks very much like it should have been a family home, it was, in fact designed always as a hotel. I guess this fact gives an idea as to what to expect…a home from home. Set... More...

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    3. Patios de Cafayate - Pool

      Patios de Cafayate

      Certainly the pick of the accommodation in and around Cafayate, the Patios de Cafayate is a superb hotel that offers old world luxury with outstanding views, facilities and food. Located in its own working vineyard, you are given the feeling of total seclusion while being only a couple of minutes... More...

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    4. The Vines Resort & Spa - The vineyard

      The Vines Resort & Spa

      The Vines is a property unlike any other in Mendoza. It reminds us a little of Awasi Patagonia in Chile in architectural terms and Tierra Hotels for its informal approach but very dedicated service. The villas here are not as isolated but the resort does have an exiting full program of activities... More...

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    5. Club Tapiz

      Club Tapiz

      Club Tapiz is a small winery set out in the vineyards that surround Chacras de Coria and really benefits from both worlds...the sweeping views as well as the small town, nearby. Featuring a whole host of superb facilities such as a great pool, an outstanding restaurant, and simple, yet elegant... More...

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