Patagonia

Patagonia, at the southern end of Argentina, is a frontier wine region known for its wild, windswept landscapes and elegant, cool-climate wines. Far removed from the heat of the north, this desert region benefits from long, sunny days and cold nights, creating a perfect environment for delicate, aromatic grape varieties. Patagonia is Argentina’s answer to Burgundy, producing some of the country's finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Food Pairings with Patagonia Wines

Pinot Noir: A classic match for roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or lamb.
Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc: Pair with trout, grilled chicken, or fresh salads.
Patagonian Malbec: Excellent with leaner cuts of grilled meat or savory pies.

Geography & Climate

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.

History of Patagonia

Winemaking in Patagonia is more recent than in northern Argentina, with the first major commercial vineyards established in the early 20th century in the Río Negro valley. European immigrants, particularly from England and Wales, were instrumental in developing the irrigation channels that made agriculture possible in this desert landscape.

For many years, the region was known for producing fruit, but a new wave of producers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries recognized its potential for high-quality, cool-climate wines, focusing on European varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Subregions and Appellations

The most established wine region in Patagonia, known for its old vines and producing exceptionally elegant Pinot Noir and mineral-driven white wines.

A newer, more modern region to the north of Río Negro. Its wines are often slightly fuller-bodied than those from Río Negro but still retain the classic Patagonian freshness.

The southernmost wine region in Argentina and one of the most extreme in the world, pushing the boundaries of viticulture with a focus on sparkling wine and highly aromatic, acidic whites.

Signature Wine Styles

Red

Pinot Noir is the star of Patagonia, producing elegant, aromatic wines with notes of cherry, raspberry, earth, and spice. They are often compared to the wines of Burgundy for their finesse and complexity. Malbec from Patagonia is different from its Mendoza counterpart—leaner, more aromatic, and with a brighter acidity.

White

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc thrive in the cool climate, producing crisp, mineral-driven white wines with vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors. Patagonia is also home to some of Argentina’s oldest Sémillon vines, which can produce complex, age-worthy white wines.

Notable Producers

Bodega Chacra

A world-renowned, biodynamic producer in Río Negro, famous for its single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from old vines.

Bodega Noemía

A cult winery in Río Negro known for its ultra-premium Malbec from a pre-phylloxera vineyard.

Humberto Canale

One of the oldest and most traditional wineries in Río Negro, producing a wide range of classic Patagonian wines.

Familia Schroeder

A modern, state-of-the-art winery in Neuquén known for its "Saurus" line of wines, including excellent Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.

Fun Facts about Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the southernmost wine-producing regions in the world.
The strong winds mean that Patagonian grapevines often have thicker skins, leading to more concentrated flavors.
Irrigation in the region relies on a network of channels first engineered by British settlers in the 19th century.
Despite being a desert, the region is home to a surprising amount of wildlife, including condors and guanacos.

Patagonia

Quick Facts

Key Grape Varieties

Red Varieties

White Varieties