Although the first vines were planted by the Spaniards in the 16th century, Argentina has been a comparative late-comer to the international wine market. However it has produced some quality wines in recent years. Prior to this, Most Argentinean wines were consumed at home.

Malbec, believed to be a Bordeaux variety, is a grape used in Argentinean wines. Torrontés is a local white grape producing fresh and aromatic wines. Other international varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Tempranillo.

There are almost 500,000 acres of vineyards in Argentinia. Mendoza, in the west of the country, is by far the largest of Argentina’s wine regions, accounting for around 57% of the vineyards. Other regions are Catamarca, Córdoba, Jujuy, La Rioja, Neuquén, Rio Negra, Salta and San Juan.

Among the best known wine producers of Argentina are Bianchi, Bodega Lurton, Bodega Norton, Bodegas Esmeralda, Bodegas Weinert, Crios, Familia Cassone, Mapema, Navarro Correas, Trapiche and Zuccardi (Santa Julia label)