Art, Sea, and Pampas: The Wine Route in the Province of Buenos Aires

It could be said that Buenos Aires’ association with wine making is relatively new. The Italian and Spanish immigrants who arrived in the late 19th century were the first to make wine there. However, in 1934, this was halted with the implementation of Law 12,137.

This law prohibited the sale of wine from certain provinces, including Buenos Aires. In so doing, it ruined the emerging projects started by immigrants on their ranches, as a way of remembering their native country while on Argentinian soil.

It was only in the mid 1990s that the restriction was lifted. In the early 2000s, new wine making businesses emerged that are still in existence now, promoting wines Made In Buenos Aires.

Thanks to the extensive geography of this province, its vineyards are located in positions that are very different from one another, whether near the sea, the mountains, or the country’s capital city. This gives each of its wines special characteristics.

Today, the Buenos Aires wine route offers visitors a complete experience where they can taste exquisite wine, sample the local gastronomy, and enjoy the natural environment. Many wineries open their doors and offer guided tours with tastings of their products.

Depending on the area of the province you visit, you can find wines from vines like Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay, among others.

Some cities in Buenos Aires also specialize in the production of different varieties of cheese. That is why one very popular activity on the Buenos Aires wine route consists of tastings in which wines are paired with local cheeses.

Buenos Aires has three important regions for wine tourism. One is the south-east region, with the epicenter in Bahía Blanca, where oceanic and continental winds meet. Here, the proximity of the mountains favors the production of grapes like Malbec, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay.

The second region is the center of the province, with Mar del Plata as the reference point. The wines made there are characterized by the influence of the Atlantic oceanic winds and the mountains of Tandilia. The most popular varieties are Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Semillón.

Lastly, the northern region, near to the city of Buenos Aires, produces exquisite wines of varieties such as Syrah, Pinot Noir, Marselan, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.