The best Cafayate wineries: a guide to Argentina wine tours

Gorgeous vineyards in Cafayate, Argetina

Located in the northwest of Argentina, the dusty city of Cafayate feels a million miles from the verdant green vineyards of Europe, which I used to associate with wine production. Yet, behind the imposing red rock formations of Cafayate's Quebrada lies Argentina's hidden other wine region: the birthplace of Argentina's Torrontes and home to more than a handful of excellent bodegas.

This post is a complete guide to help you plan your visit to the mecca of Torrontes, including the best wineries in Cafayate and how to tour them.

From wine tasting and exploring the Quebrada de las Conchas to tasting the best empanadas in Argentina, you may just find that you fall a little bit in love with this beautiful part of Argentina.

A guide to wine tasting in Cafayate, Argentina
The best of Cafayate wineries in Argentina


The best Cafayate wineries: a guide to wine tasting in Cafayate


Best time to visit Cafayate

Although it is pleasant to visit year-round, the best time of year to visit Cafayate is generally from October until April. Spring (September-November) will be warm but pleasant, summer (January and February) will be hot.

Harvesting takes place in March and is considered to be the best time to visit the vineyards when they're all lush and ripe with grapes.

We were there just after most wineries had done their pruning in September, so we didn't see much green but it was still beautiful! The high altitude vineyards in Cafayate lie between 1,700 and 2,000 meters which means even in September the power of the sun must be taken into account and protection from UV rays is always a sensible idea at least with a cap or hat.

Beautiful bodega's are the scene for wine tasting and delicious lunches.

Why go wine tasting in Cafayate?

Whilst Cafayate isn't as famous as the Mendoza wine territory further south, we were delighted to pass through Argentina's other wine country, a region famous for its Torrontes - a dry but fruity white wine unique to Argentina.

Dotted throughout Cafayate's beautiful region are tens of wineries and thousands of acres of vineyards and just like in Mendoza they are stunning! Best of all? They are very affordable to visit and almost never require any reservations beforehand.

For the wine lovers amongst you, a trip to Cafayate probably means hours spent sipping reds, whites and rosés - just how many depends on your budget and how you intend to get around.



Best Cafayate wineries

Whilst the grapes are harvested outside of the town, for those on two feet or with little time to explore the area, there are a number of fabulous bodegas offering tastings within walking distance of the town centre. Here's the lowdown on visiting the best Cafayate wineries.


- Bodega Nanni -
Address: Silverio Chavarría 151, A4427ALC Cafayate, Salta, Argentina

Opening hours: Open every day, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00

Wine tastings: Wine tours are free. Tastings of four wines available from 40 pesos to 70 pesos, depending on the vintage.

Eco factor: Bodega Nanni offers a variety of wines like Malbec, Bonarda, Tannat, Torrontes and their premium blend, Arcanas. All wines are biologically produced.

Why we love it: The Bodega offers a ‘hidden’ restaurant in the courtyard with a variety of regional dishes.


The best wineries in Cafayate, Argentina
A guide to wine tasting in Cafayate, Argentina

Lunch at bodega Nani in Cafayate, Argentina
The best wine tours in Cafayate, Argentina


- Bodega El Transito -
Address: 102, A4472 Cafayate, Salta, Argentina

Opening hours: Monday to Sundays from 9 am to 12:30 pm & from 3 pm to 6:30 pm

Wine tastings: 20 pesos per person for 3 wines. No wine tours available.

Wine styles: Malbec, Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Why we love it: the NBS attitude of this bodega. Its chique but minimalist interior makes this a very stylish tasting scene.


The best wineries in Cafayate, Argentina for a wine tasting experience.
Wine tasting at bodega El Transito, Cafayate
Wine tasting at bodega El Transito, Cafayate

Wine racks at bodega El Transito in Cafayate, Argentina

- Bodega El Esteco -
Address: Ruta 40 y Ruta 68, A4427 Cafayate, Salta, Argentina

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, with wine tours at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: wine tours at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm.

Wine tastings: All wine tours include a simple two-wine tasting (125 pesos per person)- one white and one red.

Wine styles: Torrontes, Malbec, Merlot, Tannat, Syrah, Bonarda Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Why we love it: This is a winery you can actually stay at! The old converted estancia house with luxurious accommodations and a lovely old world ambiance is called the Patios de Cafayate Hotel. We had the most wonderful lunch (most dishes are vegetarian) on the back patio with a glass of the Bodega Esteco Ciclos Blend.


The best wineries in Cafayate, Argentina
A guide to the best wine tasting tours in Cafayate, Argentina

Old vineyards in Cafayate, Argentina

Delicious lunch at bodega El Esteco in Cafayate.


- Bodega Piattelli -
Address: Ruta Provincial 2, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina

Opening hours: Open every day, from 09:00 to 19:00 (lunch service only). Wine tours available 7 days a week with tours at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm.

Wine tastings: 100 to 150 pesos depending on the level of the wine. 5 course menu with accompanied wine starting at 500 pesos.

Wine styles: Bodega Piattelli offers a variety of wines like Malbec, Tannat, Torrontes, Cabernet Franc and Carbernet Sauvignon.

Why we love it: The location amongst the acres of vineyards is sublime! What a sight this must be when they're all lush and green. On our opinion the bodega with the prettiest location and best views over the vineyards with a mountain backdrop!




Map of Cafayate wineries

Below is a map of all the Cafayate wineries mentioned in this article. You can see that most are clustered in the town of Cafayate or just at the edge so perfectly visitable on feet or by bike!


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How to explore the best Cafayate wineries and vineyards on foot and by bike. Pick the most superb Argentina wine tours and taste its famous Torrontes! This northern Argentina travel guide includes the best wineries for wine tastings.
How to explore the best Cafayate wineries and vineyards on foot and by bike. Pick the most superb Argentina wine tours and taste its famous Torrontes! This northern Argentina travel guide includes the best wineries for wine tastings.
How to explore the best Cafayate wineries and vineyards on foot and by bike. Pick the most superb Argentina wine tours and taste its famous Torrontes! This northern Argentina travel guide includes the best wineries for wine tastings.
How to explore the best Cafayate wineries and vineyards on foot and by bike. Pick the most superb Argentina wine tours and taste its famous Torrontes! This northern Argentina travel guide includes the best wineries for wine tastings.
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