The circuit goes through Argentina’s most important landscapes to explore Bacchus’ pleasures. Sun, mountains, and vineyards come together on this trip that will imprint a unique taste forever in your memory.
It is said that wine was a gift from heaven. According to a Persian legend, a bird dropped a few seeds at the feet of King Djemchid, and soon the first grapes starting coming out from earth. These grapes were collected and kept in the royal warehouse, but the fruits began to ferment quickly and, because of the strong smell, people thought that the palace was keeping poison inside. A courtesan of the harem who had lost favor with the king made the discovery. Despondent, the girl sought the dark juice with the intention to commit suicide, but the effect she got was just the opposite—she was found dancing and singing with joy.
Therefore, wine has always been a good companion of sorrows and joys. Romans understood this quickly with their bachannalia (celebrations held in honor of the god Bacchus), but Argentinians haven’t been lazy either when it came to celebrate the virtues of the vine. Not only do we have our wine harvest fest, but we also have a Dionysian circuit that can be followed in search of spirituous experiences—the Wine Route.
With the Andes mountain range as a backdrop, vitiviniculture is practiced along a trail that starts in the province of Salta and continues up to the Patagonia. Along the almost 2,700 kilometers (1,680 miles), landscapes change as well as cultures, but the demand for a good wine remains the same. Each region has its own vines and techniques which translate in characteristic flavors and, above all, in a variety of alternatives.
La Rioja. At the “coast” (as locals call everything that is next to the mountain range), among the small adobe houses and skies painted by wind, the province offers industrialized wineries and handicraft centers. Its specialties are varietal wines such as syrah, malbec, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and the award-winning torrontes, although it is also possible to enjoy foot-trodden wine (called like this because grapes are pressed with the feet), together with other products such as olives, nuts, cheese, and fruits in syrup. With the epicenter in Chilecito, the whole Famatina Valley offers good quality tasting options and adventures in Talampaya National Park.
San Juan. In this arid ochre scenery, the green of vineyards captivates any palate. The land in San Juan is not only famous for the unforgettable excursions to the Moon Valley and its template weather, but also for the refinement and peculiarity of its wine cellars—some of them house museums, others are located underground and it is even possible to visit one cellar nestled in the middle of the mountain. Although there is a variety of alternatives and the region offers the possibility to know the process of fermentation, aging and bottling of different varieties, here syrah, sparkling and liqueur wine lovers will especially find the place to call home.
Mendoza. A malbec, a horizon of hills and a sunset full of aromas, among poplars and vines, can be one of the many alternatives offered at this Cuyo region. That is because this province is the main producer in the country and, due to the diversity of its land, it has the largest offer of wine tourism. The options cover all tastes—from hotels among crops or with art galleries, spas with wine therapies, horse-back riding, rides on bike, old cars or carriages, tours with harvest and pruning included to hot air balloon rides are part of the experiences that this land offers to traditional and adventurous travelers.
No doubt, the wine route is an event for the senses. As you hold a glass during the wine tasting, your smell and taste will be enraptured, while you enjoy the delightful landscapes. Towards the end, no matter what city you visit, your ears will claim for another toast to the selected destination.