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Best wine destinations in South America

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Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
7.2
Mendoza sits beneath the Andes and grows Malbec at 900 to 1,500 metres. Aconcagua at 6,961 metres is the highest peak in the Americas and rises in the distance. Dry sunny days and cold nights give the grapes strong colour. Visitors can cycle between wineries in Maipu and taste wines in the Uco Valley.
Highlights:
  • 🍇 Join a tasting at a traditional Mendoza bodega
  • 🏔️ Drive along the scenic Route of the Andes to Aconcagua
  • 🍷 Tour vineyards and sample Malbec in the heart of wine country
Casablanca Valley
Hidden gem of Andean highlands
8.8
The Casablanca Valley in Chile lies about an hour from Santiago and close to Valparaiso. Cool Pacific fog rolls in and keeps the days mild. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grow well here. Visitors can taste wines in modern cellars and then visit the seaside towns.
Highlights:
  • 🍷 Savor local goat cheese and wine at a valley farm
  • 🗿 Explore ancient pre-Columbian rock carvings in San Pedro
  • 🏞️ Hike to the breathtaking Valle de la Luna viewpoint
Chile
Land of dramatic climate contrasts
8.3
Chile stretches along the Pacific coast with vineyards in many valleys between the desert and the Andes. Carmenere was thought lost in France until scientists found it growing in Chile in 1994. The Colchagua Valley makes rich reds and has a wine train. Visitors can taste wines among hills and old haciendas.
Highlights:
  • 🗿 Visit the iconic Easter Island moai statues
  • 🌋 Hike to the summit of the active Villarrica Volcano
  • 🏜️ Explore the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert
Salta
Colonial Charm and Andean Landscapes
7.1
The Calchaqui Valleys near Salta have some of the highest vineyards in the world. Cafayate grows fragrant Torrontes at about 1,700 metres. Red rock cliffs and cactus line the road through the Quebrada de las Conchas. Visitors can taste white wines in family bodegas beneath the Andes.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Climb San Bernardo Hill via cable car for stunning views
  • 🚂 Ride the Train to the Clouds, one of the world’s highest railroads
  • 🦴 Visit the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña for mummies
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
7.4
Santiago lies close to the Maipo Valley where Cabernet Sauvignon grows in view of the Andes. Concha y Toro has a cellar tied to the legend of the Devil's Cellar. Tours include tastings among old vines. Visitors can reach the vineyards on a short drive or a wine tour from the city.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Stroll through the colorful alleys of Barrio Bellavista and enjoy local art
  • ⛪ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and its stunning cathedral
  • 🚠 Ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping city views
Montevideo
Chill vibes on the Río de la Plata
7.2
Montevideo lies near the vineyards of Canelones where Tannat is the national grape of Uruguay. The variety came from southwest France and makes dark powerful red wines. Sea breezes cool the vines. Visitors can taste wines in small family bodegas a short drive from the city.
Highlights:
  • 🏙️ Visit the iconic Palacio Salvo and nearby plazas
  • 🍽️ Taste local flavors at Mercado del Puerto market
  • 🌅 Stroll along the scenic Rambla by the waterfront
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
8.3
Patagonia has vineyards near 39 degrees south in Rio Negro and Neuquen. The desert climate is dry and windy with cool nights. Pinot Noir and Malbec ripen slowly during long days. Visitors can taste wines in modern bodegas and search for dinosaur fossils in the nearby hills.
Highlights:
  • 🐧 Explore the diverse wildlife on Peninsula Valdés
  • ❄️ Witness the massive Perito Moreno Glacier up close
  • 🥾 Hike the legendary trails of Torres del Paine National Park
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