The Patagonian wine trail: essential options
The southern wines of the Patagonian Andes
The Patagonian wine trail is long and varied, offering a range of wonderful options to discover and enjoy.
In the Province of Chubut, regions such as Trevelin and Sarmiento are home to a number of fascinating vineyards. These cold, windy places produce unique wines such as elegant Chardonnays and refined Pinot Noirs, some promising Rieslings and the even more unusual Gewürztraminer.
One notable stop on this Patagonian wine trail is the winery Viñas del Nant y Fall, in Trevelin, who were pioneers in the area and played a major role in putting the region on the global wine map. Another notable winery is Casa Yagüe, close to Trevelin, who make craft, sustainable Chardonnays and Cabernet Francs that have been praised by critics and proved a hit with consumers.
Trevelin is also the first GI in the province and the one with the largest number of vineyards, with four wineries. In the same area, Contracorriente is a winery with five hectares under vine where they grow Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling that winemaker Sofia Elena transforms into vibrant wines with a clear-cut sense of place.
Neuquén and Río Negro: a balance between tradition and modernity
The viticultural history of Río Negro, which dates back over a century, contrasts with the modernity of Neuquén. In Alto Valle del Río Negro, wineries such as Humberto Canale, which was founded in 1909, are guardians of venerable vines of Semillón and Malbec whose wines boast delicate, elegant profiles. Newer wineries on the Patagonian wine trail include Mabellini, who offer a flavorful, modern take on the local Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and Aniello, who combine ancestral techniques with innovation to create unique wines featuring Trousseau, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
In Neuquén, San Patricio del Chañar is a productive oasis in the middle of the desert. Wineries such as Del Fin del Mundo and Secreto Patagónico don’t just produce high quality wines, they are also run on sustainable lines. Here, the low nutrient soils force roots to burrow deep, enhancing the power of the aromas and flavors; a distinctive hallmark of the terroir.
Bodega Miras are without a doubt another of the stars of the area. Based in Maniqué, Río Negro, they stand out for their wines made with grapes from old vines. Their traditional methods translate into sheer class in the bottle with plenty of cellar potential.
Wine and haute cuisine: a perfect pairing on the Patagonian wine trail
The wine experience wouldn’t be complete if some tasty food didn’t go along with it. Patagonian lamb, artisanal cheese, trout and mushrooms pair wonderfully with local wines. Familia Schroeder, another prominent winery in Neuquén, offer the best of both worlds.
Their restaurant Saurus Garden serves haute cuisine that allows diners to enjoy views of the vineyards and the valley. The winery houses a Paleontological treasure: dinosaur fossils were found on their land, inspiring their “Saurus” line.
In San Patricio del Chañar, Bodega Malma also give diners the chance to pair their wines with the best of local cuisine. At Malma Restaurant, the menu is based around regional produce; Patagonian lamb, prawns from Puerto Madryn and seasonal fruit and vegetables, all served in a stunning setting that ensures the perfect experience.
An extreme, dazzling terroir
The Patagonian landscape has a profound influence on wine production in the region. Constant exposure to the wind, the extensive thermal range and poor soils are all unique conditions that result in fresh wines with sharp acidity and great aromatic expression.
The region is almost pest-free, facilitating organic, sustainable practices that demonstrate a great respect for natural cycles, precious resources and the vineyard’s connection with the ecosystem. Bodega Agrestis in Río Negro and Bodega Otronia in Sarmiento, Chubut, are pioneers of these sustainable, ecological techniques.
Riberas del Cuarzo are recent arrivals and focus hard on achieving the purest possible expression of the Patagonian terroir from the Valle Azul, a majestic location where the natural landscape sculpts wines that are satisfying some of the most demanding palates around.
Unique wine tourism experiences
But the Patagonian wine trail isn’t just about food and drink. Wineries have developed imaginative leisure programs such as walks through the vineyards, bicycle rides, starlit tastings, and classes in local cuisine.
At Humberto Canale, visitors can go on guided tours that share the full Patagonian vineyard experience, take part in the harvest, taste different varietals from historic vineyards, enjoy gourmet experiences and even take a barge down the Río Negro.
In Neuquén, Familia Schroeder organize candlelit dinners and guided tours that include a visit to the dinosaur cellar.
The resurgence of Semillón and other forgotten grapes
A major landmark on the Patagonian wine trail, Río Negro is the epicenter of the re-emergence of Semillón, a grape that had fallen out of fashion in Argentina.
However, the whites it produces, with their citrus and honey aromas are earning great acclaim at home and overseas.
Meanwhile, Río Negro Malbec also has something different to offer. In Patagonia, the variety takes on a more delicate, floral profile compared to versions from Mendoza. Wineries such as Miras, Humberto Canale, Matías Riccitelli, Fin del Mundo and Aniello are taking the lead in this movement, crafting wines that focus on biodiversity and authentic expressions of the terroir.
