Though tiny compared to other Argentine wine regions — producing just 3% of Argentina’s wines —  the area around Cafayate has become world famous due to it’s high and extreme altitude wines.

We categorize high altitude wines based on vineyards at an elevation of between 1,500 and 2,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). 

Extreme altitude vineyards are found above 2,200 m.a.s.l. where a handful of Calchaqui Valley Winemakers are currently producing wines from vineyards at the very limits of where grapes can be grown. 

Why Does Altitude Matter?

Everything which makes a wine distinctive — tannins, polyphenols, color, flavor profile — comes from the skins of the grapes. In order to survive the dramatic temperature variations, higher level of solar radiation and the long maturation period at extreme altitudes, the grapes must form thick and resilient skins which the winemakers then use to create highly concentrated and complex wines.

EXTREME ALTITUDE WINEMAKERS

Winemakers based in or around Cafayate, working vineyards located over 2,200 m.a.s.l. In alphabetical order.

Agustin Lanus Wines

The makers of award winning SUNAL extreme altitude wines with vineyards at 2,680 m.a.s.l. (8,793 feet). https://www.agustinlanuswines.com/ 

Colomé

In1998, Donald and Ursula Hess, pioneers of the extreme high altitude, embarked on a journey to produce world-class Malbec at extreme altitudes. They planted vineyards at four different altitudes, setting records by planting at 3,111 meters above sea level (10,206 feet), Colomé’s Altura Máxima, one of the highest vineyards in the world. https://www.bodegacolome.com/en/

Tacquil

Started by the highly respected Raul Davalos and now run by his son, has a vineyard at 2,600 m.a.s.l. (8,500 feet). The winery is located in very high terrain, about three hours from Cafayate and doesn’t regularly receive visitors. 

Yacochuya

Winemaker Marcos Etchart is something of a local legend, working out of the Yacochuya vineyard located 2,035 meters high (6676 feet) on the side of the mountain overlooking Cafayate.  https://yacochuya.com.ar/ 

HIGH ALTITUDE WINE MAKERS

Vineyards located between 1,500 and 2,200 m.a.sl., the altitude of the vineyards from around the pueblo of Cafayate

Amalaya

The winery was born in 2010 in the high-altitude plains of the Calchaquí Valley. This project is the vision of Donald Hess’s successors Larissa and Christoph Ehrbar. The soul of the project: Amalaya Wine Bar, their signature space sits right next to the winery, in one of the most magnificent settings in Cafayate, a place for connection. https://www.amalaya.com/en/

Bad Brothers
Owned by Agustin Lanus Wines, Bad Brothers produces a variety of wines, including the specialty Facón line, from Cafayate vineyards. You can try the full range of wines made by Agustin Lanus at his Bad Brothers Wine and Food Experience, located just off Cafayate’s main plaza. www.badbrotherswe.com

Bodega El Esteco
Established in 1892, Bodega El Esteco boasts a rich history and is renowned for its exquisite architecture and premium wines. Visitors can explore its vast vineyards and enjoy tastings that highlight the unique flavors of the region. elesteco.com.ar

Bodega Nanni
A family-owned winery with over 120 years of tradition, Bodega Nanni blends inherited knowledge with modern winemaking techniques. They offer a variety of wines, including Malbec, Bonarda, Tannat, and Torrontés. Visitors can enjoy tastings in their charming courtyard. bodegananni.com

Domingo Hermanos
The Domingo family, pioneers in Cafayate’s winemaking, owns this winery located a short distance from the main square. They offer tastings of local wines and also operate Bodega Domingo Molina, focused on premium wine production, situated 15 minutes by car from the town. domingohermanos.com

El Porvenir de Cafayate
Owned by the Romero family, El Porvenir is known for its premium Laborum line of wines. They have a beautiful tasting room in the town of Cafayate and offer lunches at La Pausa, a traditional country house not far from the main square. elporvenirdecafayate.com

Piattelli Vineyards
Piattelli is one of the most modern wineries in Cafayate, featuring a restaurant with a panoramic observation deck that overlooks the town. The estate offers stunning views and is known for its excellent Torrontés wines. piattellivineyards.com

Stutz Vinos
Stutz Vinos began organic certification of their terroir in 2015. Their varietals include Malbec, Tannat, Torrontés, Garnacha, and Cabernet Sauvignon. stutzvinos.com.ar

Tierra Colorada
Located at the entrance to Cafayate on Ruta 40, Tierra Colorada offers tastings and food. Owned by the Nanni family, the bodega primarily sources grapes from the Chimpa area of Cafayate, a dry region with minimal water in the surrounding mountains. bodegatierracolorada.com

Viñas en Flor
Established in 2007 by the Urtubey family, Viñas en Flor produces a range of single-varietal wines, including Malbec, Tannat, and Torrontés. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and dining experiences at their restaurant, which emphasizes seasonal ingredients from their garden and local producers. The winery is situated on National Route 40, approximately a 10-minute drive from Cafayate’s main square. vinasenflor.com