Masters of Wine Argentina Trip (8 November – 18 November)
Since becoming the first Master of Wine in Latin America in 2003, I’ve had the privilege of joining both Master of Wine trips to Argentina —the first in 2018 and the second this past November. Reflecting on the two visits, the changes I’ve witnessed in Argentina’s viticulture over these six years have been nothing short of extraordinary.
The frontiers of winemaking have expanded in all directions—exploring new altitudes, both northern and southern latitudes, and more extreme regions in the search for cooler and characterful terroirs. White wines, once overshadowed, have found their place in the spotlight, while Malbec has moved beyond its traditional reputation, now expressing a stunning diversity of terroirs and styles. There’s been a revival of historic vineyards with traditional varieties, including the put in value of Criollas, and the beginnings of winemaking regions that operate independently of the Andes, influenced instead by maritime climates and sierras.
These changes came to life during our recent trip, where we travelled through Argentina’s most iconic and emerging wine regions. Starting in Mendoza, we explored Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley, delving into the heartland of high-altitude wines. From there, we headed north to Salta’s dramatic landscapes, visiting Cafayate and Tolombón, before concluding in Buenos Aires. There, a final seminar and a gala dinner celebrated Argentina’s wine heritage with a showcase of historic vintages ranging from 1942 to 2015.
Throughout the journey, every day offered new insights. We engaged in seminars that illuminated the intricacies of Argentine viticulture and visited vineyards where we experienced the interplay of altitude, soils, and water firsthand. These tastings revealed the individuality and diversity of grape varieties and regions, all set against the backdrop of the Andes—a constant presence that underscored its profound influence on Argentine wines.