One of the must-have experiences on any trip to Salta is touring the best wineries in Cafayate. Surrounded by reddish mountains, valleys, and people who welcome you like family, this small city in northern Argentina is an open secret of the country's wine industry. At more than 1,600 meters above sea level, its high-altitude wines are already recognized not only in this region, but around the world.
The wineries' offerings include tastings of their signature grape: torrontés. But also savoring northern flavors through a memorable pairing with some of their wines. And always with a stunning view of the Calchaquí Valleys that makes every moment of your vacation even better. So you know what to do—pack your bags, choose which wineries to visit in Cafayate, and give yourself over to life's pleasures.
At Rentennials we think of everything. Not only making it easier for you to rent a car in Salta, but also giving you all the information you need to plan the best trip possible. That's why we've put together a complete guide for your getaway to Salta.
We invite you to keep reading!
What you need to know before visiting wineries in Cafayate
If one of your plans for your trip to Salta is to visit the wineries in Cafayate, then we recommend the following:
- Most wineries are open every day, but many require prior reservation, especially during high season or weekends.
- Some offer guided tours at fixed times, while others allow you to explore them more freely.
- Always bring comfortable clothing, a hat or cap, sunscreen and water, as the climate in Cafayate can be very dry and sunny.
- If you are going to do tastings, remember not to drive afterward. A good option is to go by taxi or on foot. Most wineries are within short distances.
- If you are traveling with children, there are wineries that also offer activities for the whole family.
How do I organize a winery tour in Cafayate?
As we always say, the first thing is not to rush. Every trip is different and everyone looks for something different. The wineries in Cafayate offer exactly what you want, but you'll need to choose wisely which one to visit. Sometimes visiting one depends on its gastronomic offerings, or whether its location guarantees greater contact with the landscape, or simply the price.
Also, some wineries are well-known and others are small projects by entrepreneurs that deserve our attention. What is certain is that renting a car in Salta will allow you to move freely and visit several wineries in Cafayate in two or three days.
Here's a tip: before or after lunch you can always take a short excursion around the area.
What makes the wines of Cafayate different?
In Argentina the characteristics of each region make a wine different from any other. Wine in Cafayate is marked by a unique identity, the product of its high-altitude vineyards, intense sun year-round, and a dry climate with a wide temperature range. These geographical conditions produce a distinctive wine, with its own aromas and a singular color.
The variety that takes center stage is Salta torrontés. This grape is fresh, with floral and fruity notes, and a finish that surprises with every sip. Of course, classic malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and tannat are also produced. There is only one path: to surrender to those who know and enjoy every tasting.
What are the best wineries in Cafayate?
It's very hard to make a list of the best wineries in Cafayate. To make your trip easier, we decided to select a few. All of them offer an experience designed to be memorable and, whichever you choose, you won't regret it.
These are our chosen wineries:
- Bodega El Esteco
- Bodega Piatelli
- Bodega El Porvenir
- Bodega Finca Las Nubes
- Bodega Comunitaria Los Amaichas
!Keep reading and find out more about each one!
Bodega El Esteco
At 1,700 meters above sea level stands one of the most traditional wineries and well-known in Cafayate: El Esteco. The first thing that surprises you is its colonial architecture that takes you straight to another era. And when you see that it's surrounded by vineyards and mountains, you'll understand why this visit was worth it.
The winery is a showcase of how tradition and technology can be combined. While on one side you see stainless steel tanks, on the other you'll find French and American oak barrels that explain the characteristics of their wine.
El Esteco offers wine tourism experiences that include winery tours, tastings and accommodation at the boutique hotel Patios de Cafayate. You can choose: have lunch and enjoy the flavors of Salta, stay overnight, or simply tour the winery.
- Location
- Lunch reservations
- Reservations for the winery tour
- Reservations for Patios de Cafayate Wine Hotel
Bodega Piatelli Cafayate
Recognized worldwide, Bodega Piatelli Cafayate is one of those places where every detail has been thought through. Not only are we talking about its wines, but also its multiple wine tourism offerings: for every hour there is something different you can do. A breakfast, a lunch, a sunset drink, or a dinner under the Salta sky. In addition, each dish draws from Argentine and northern roots.
If all this still isn't enough, you can also sleep at one of the most beautiful hotels in Argentina: the Piatelli Wine Resort. Here you'll find a spa, yoga classes, a swimming pool, and much more. All of this framed by the mountains of the Calchaquí Valleys.
Bodega El Porvenir
El Porvenir de Cafayate has been around for over 25 years and is a family winery that, to this day, is in the hands of the third generation. There is a combination of tradition and innovation that generates a deep respect for the regional identity of the Calchaquí Valleys.
Something we love is that it is committed to sustainability. They carry out organic practices and have been certified under the Sustainability Protocol of Bodegas de Argentina. In addition, the winery supports community projects, including community initiatives and labor inclusion programs.
You can enjoy a small tasting, have lunch with empanadas and wine, or go a step further and try the delicious winery asado. Or combine everything in a single experience. It even has an accommodation option.
Bodega Finca Las Nubes
Something more intimate, Finca Las Nubes is a boutique winery located in the Cafayate Valley at 1,800 meters above sea level. The winery is characterized by combining a traditional approach to winemaking that manages to express the distinctive qualities of Salta wines.
Finca Las Nubes offers wine tourism experiences that include guided tastings and lunches. If you get a sunny day, whether in summer or winter, eating outside with the view from the lookout over the city of Cafayate is one of those truly unforgettable experiences.
Bodega Comunitaria Los Amaichas
While it's not in Cafayate itself, but about 50 kilometers from the city, we chose Bodega Comunitaria Los Amaichas for being the first community winery in the country and South America. In Amaicha del Valle, this winery was developed by families with roots in our indigenous peoples. Their ancestral techniques and local materials reflect the Diaguita cultural identity.
Unlike the other options, what you can do here is discover a unique local wine venture, but with tasting only. For that reason, we recommend eating something before or after in the village. The beauty of this place is not only supporting a local venture, but also that very few people know about this winery, making it a wine-growing gem of the Calchaquí Valleys.
If you make this visit, don't miss exploring the Sacred City of the Quilmes and the village of Amaicha del Valle.
When is the best time to visit the wineries in Cafayate
You can tour the wineries in Cafayate all year round. However, keep in mind that from December to March temperatures are warmer, but what may prevent you from fully enjoying each place is the rain.
For us, the best months to visit Cafayate and tour the wineries are between March and June, and between August and November. July is also a good month, but since it is winter vacation you will find more people and higher prices.
Rent a car in Salta and enjoy its wineries
Salta is one of those provinces that deserves at least a week of your time. You can start with a tour through the Calchaquí Valleys, and end by enjoying the flavors of the north with high-altitude wines.
We love recommending unique experiences, and for that nothing beats renting a car in Salta and planning the trip you want. The best option is to choose Rentennials, an easy, simple, and affordable way to have the car you need for your well-deserved getaway.
