Wine and History: Mendoza to Cafayate

From Mendoza, we take the mountain road to Villavicencio, offering great views of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes at 6,965m, on the way to Uspallata, gateway to Chile across the Andes.

We follow the scenic route up into San Juan province, staying overnight at Barreal, a delightful refuge close to the mountains in the Calingasta valley. Here you can sample the province's trademark Shiraz and even a Pinot Grigio, before crossing into La Rioja with its spectacular desert scenery. Villa Union is an excellent base to add an extra day and visit the parks of Talampaya and Ischigualasto (Valle de la Luna): the only places in the world which exhibit geology from the whole of the Triassic period, between 248 and 206 million years ago.

To the west, is the spectacular Andean mountain scenery of Laguna Brava, so it’s always worth adding another extra day to the itinerary!

We continue north along Route 40 across the stunning Cuesta de Miranda mountain road to Chilecito, the historic centre of western Argentina’s mining region: and also home to a large scale wine co-operative, La Riojana, and the combined olive and wine operation of Valle la Puerta. North of here in the Famatina valley, Chañarmuyo winery is one of our favourite overnight stops, producing fine Tannat and an excellent sparkling Pinot Noir rose.

Now we’re really off the beaten track following the historic Ruta de Adobe in Catamarca, visiting some 18th century chapels and boutique vineyards in Tinogasta. En route to Belen, we will visit the keynote Inca ruins of Argentina of Shinkal, and the pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes, before arriving in Cafayate, Salta’s premier wine town, celebrated for producing the best white Torrontes in the country.

The five day trip finishes in Cafayate where, with our guide’s recommendations, you can sample the best large and small wineries under your own steam. Or continue your journey with us to Salta city via the Quebrada de las Conchas, or take the longer road through the northern Valles Calchaquies, visiting the high altitude wine resort of Colome.