San Juan is one of the sunniest and driest places on earth, receiving over 330 days of sunshine a year. The climate is intensely hot and arid, even more so than in Mendoza. Successful viticulture depends on irrigation from the San Juan and Jáchal rivers and on finding cooler microclimates in its valleys.

Vineyards are planted across a range of altitudes, but the most promising sites are found in higher valleys like the Pedernal Valley, where the elevation provides cooler temperatures and limestone soils, leading to more elegant and structured wines.

Patagonia is a vast, sparsely populated desert. Viticulture is only possible in the river valleys, primarily the Río Negro and Neuquén, which carry snowmelt from the Andes. The climate is continental and cool, with a very wide diurnal temperature range. Strong, persistent winds are a key feature of the terroir; while challenging for growers, they help keep the grapes healthy and disease-free by reducing humidity.

The long, sunny days of the growing season allow for slow, even ripening, which helps develop complex flavors while retaining bright acidity.

The vineyards of Salta are planted at staggering altitudes, typically between 1,700 and 3,100 meters (5,600 to 10,200 feet) above sea level. This extreme elevation is the defining feature of its terroir. The thin, dry air and intense solar radiation allow grapes to develop thick skins, leading to concentrated flavor and color.

At the same time, the dramatic temperature drop at night—often more than 20°C (35°F)—preserves natural acidity, giving the wines incredible freshness and balance. The climate is arid and desert-like, with very little rainfall, making viticulture reliant on irrigation from mountain rivers.

Mendoza is a high-altitude desert plateau, with vineyards planted at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 meters (2,600 to 5,000 feet) above sea level. This altitude is the key to its success. The intense daytime sun allows grapes to ripen fully, developing deep color and flavor, while cold mountain nights preserve acidity, providing balance and freshness. The climate is dry and continental, with low rainfall, making irrigation from pure Andean snowmelt essential. This controlled water supply helps producers manage vine vigor and grape concentration.