On Cloud Wine: Chile and Argentina Wine Regions

While Chile and Argentina both have multiple wine-producing regions, most international visitors focus on those that are set up for easy tourist visits. In Argentina, two of the best are Mendoza and the Calchaqui Valley/Cafayte regions. The primary spots in Chile are the Maipo Valley and Colchagua.

If you look at a South American map, you’ll notice that the wine regions are spread out, especially in Argentina. Those with unlimited time could easy make an entire trip of it, touring them all, but as few have that luxury this guide will help you make the most of one or two, whether you’re looking for full-bodied reds or refreshing, crisp whites.

The second most popular wine region in Argentina lies in the northwest. It sits near the border of Bolivia in the Calchaqui Valleys, near the border of Bolivia, surrounded by mineral-rich mountains and hillsides in psychedelic hues of purple, pink, yellow, and green. While those are tourist destinations in their own right, they also make a spectacular backdrop for vineyard visits. The high-altitude area is baked by the sun but experiences chilly nights and a terroir ideal for elegant white wines, including Torrontés, a crisp white wine with floral notes.

Cafayate has a low-key vibe that gives it a small-town feel, making it a popular base for exploring the wine region. It’s also home to the oldest recorded living vineyard in Argentina, a Torrontés vineyard planted in 1862. While this region represents just 2 percent of the country’s vineyards, they claim a disproportionate share of its wine awards, thanks to their refreshing acidity and character. Most visitors also spend time in the city of Salta nearby, known for its mix of Andean heritage and Spanish colonial architecture. Hiking and horseback riding to cave paintings are popular too.

Colchagua lies south of Maipo Valley, a modern wine region with so many state-of-the-art wineries that many have compared it to California’s Napa Valley. You’ll find some of the most highly acclaimed Chilean wines here, including Carmenère and Syrah. The area experiences more of a Mediterranean climate, similar to California’s famous wine country, ideal for grape-growing. It boasts warm breezes, an ideal amount of sunshine, and mineral-rich soils. While it’s relatively young in the Chilean wine world, it makes up for its age with an astounding number of vineyards, currently at around 1,700.

This is also one of the most visitor-friendly wine routes, with top wineries including Viña Montes and Casa Lapostolle. By visiting in March, you can celebrate vino at the three-day Grape Harvest Festival held around the colonial town of Santa Cruz. Colchagua Valley’s mild climate also makes it ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, with everything from biking and horseback riding to hot-air ballooning and incredible stargazing. For those seeking a luxury stay with five-star dining, there are many upscale wine resorts too, along with vineyard carriage rides.