Salta’s wines are increasingly capturing awards and attention around the globe. Although Torrontés is the region’s most well-known variety, red grapes encompass 55% of the cultivated area, of which 99% is intended for fine wines. Among the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tannat, Bonarda, Barbera and Tempranillo are true stand outs.
Historic winery in Salta, northwest Argentina’s wine country
Day 1: Arrival & Night in Salta
The charming town of Salta is renowned for its colonial architecture, striking landscapes, and rich cultural history as part of the Inca Empire. Founded in 1582, Salta is easily accessible on foot, and its downtown features a number of impressive buildings dating back to the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. This provincial capital has an air of sophistication with restaurants and cafes spread around the central square.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 2: Cuesta Obispo to Cachi
Heading out of Salta, tobacco plants, tropical fruits and sugar cane line the roads. Also along the route, you’ll pass one of Argentina’s principal goat farms and cheese factories. As you climb in altitude, the land becomes increasingly arid and vistas dotted with the cacti, sage and surreal limestone rock formations of the National Cactus Park (Parque Nacional los Cardones). We then arrive to Payogasta, an ancient town on the Inca Road path that once connected the mighty pre-Colombian empire which stretched from Peru to northern Argentina. Here, we will enjoy a tasting of the world’s highest altitude wine (grown two miles above sea level) at Vinas de Payogasta.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Cachi to Colome
With a genealogy of winemakers dating back to the 16th century, the Isasmendi family produces some of the only organic wine in the region. In 2004, they planted Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Torrontes, and built the family winery whose principal winemaker is French-trained grandfather Jean Paul Bonnal. They invite us to share an intimate winery experience, including a guided tour of the family’s wine cellar where we will have a tasting. We then depart for Argentina’s oldest winery (established in 1831), Bodega Colome, which sits at an elevation of 2,255 meters and sources grapes from the highest-altitude vineyards in the world – at 3,128 meters (10,264 feet) above sea level. Owner and international winemaker Donald Hess has crafted an experience we do not want to miss, so we will extend our visit to stay for lunch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Finca El Carmen, Arrival to Cafayate
Dating back to 1769, and with some of the region’s oldest colonial art and 300-year old mummies, Finca El Carmen, is a must-see. We will stop in for a delicious lunch, where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Calchaquies Valley and its long mountain canyon. With Incan ruins on site, this visit is sure to amaze.
Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Finca Quara and Finca Las Nubes
In 1870, drawing inspiration from the European arts, Don José F. Lavaque was part of the first generation of winemakers in the Cafayate Valley. Today his winery, newly branded as Quara, is known for its motto “Be Fun. Have Success.” The Quara brand views life the same as wine: fun, lovable, and inspired. For lunch, we’ll stop at Bodega Las Nubes, a lovely, small organic vineyard which is strictly family-run and has created several interesting wines. The exceptional scenery makes this a very special lunch experience. Las Nubes forms the last frontier of winemaking, only a few kilometers up a dirt road from the center of town.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: El Esteco and Yacochuya
Bodega El Esteco is a high-end vineyard which was founded in 1892 by two French brothers. El Esteco produces only premium wines for a select market segment and announced their organic certification back in 2005, signaling their commitment to “zero farming” and ecological practices. In support of this mission, our visit will be one which leaves a great impression, but no trace.
We save the best for last as we meet the family who first lured world-renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland to South America. The Etchart family, along with Mr. Rolland, founded the San Pedro de Yacochuya vineyards in 1992. Yacochuya means “clear water” in the ancient Quechua language, and the winery is aptly names, as it has precious rights to half the water from the Yacochuya River. More than 1,980 meters above sea level, the vineyard’s annual output is 100,000 bottles – 80% red and 20% Torrontés. Even after enjoying a personal lunch with the Etchart family, we will leave feeling that our time at Yacochuya was too short.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Depart for Salta
As our trip winds to a close, we drive north along the scenic Route 68, returning toSaltathough the spectacularRíoCalchaquiesValley. Among the most interesting crimson rock formations are: Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s throat), El Anfiteatro (the Amphitheater), and Los Castillos (the Castles). This drive will most certainly be an unforgettable “photo safari”!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Recommended trip combinations:
- Four days in Argentina’s best known wine region — Mendoza
- A cultural exploration of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires
- A visit to the magnificent waterfalls of Iguazú
- An overland crossing to San Pedro de Atacama
High altitude vineyards in Salta
This tour is available to begin every day, all year round.
We recommend November thru April as the best time of year to visit.
Price per Person (US$): $3,250.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
Wine tasting with a view
Price Includes:
- All ground transportation
- Professional, bilingual guide
- Six (6) nights accommodation as described in itinerary
- Visits to seven (7) top wineries in the region
- Meals as described in itinerary
- Visit to Finca El Carmen to explore Inca ruins and colonial art
- Bottled mineral water
Price Does Not Include:
- Flights
- Meals not described in itinerary
- Traveler’s insurance
- Optional gratuity for guide/driver
- Items of a personal nature
El Lagar: Salta’s most exclusive boutique hotel, El Lagar is owned by the world-renowned winemaking family, the Etcharts. Cusqueño religious art fills the walls, and plush upholstered furniture and a cozy fireplace decorate the living room. All rooms have canopy beds; the suite is simply magnificent.
El Cortijo Hotel: A modern hotel nestled in the tiny pueblo of Cachi, which is peppered with unique Pre-Colombian ruins and a colonial church dating back to the 17th century and made partially of cactus wood. If time permits, don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby archaelogical museum.
Hacienda de Molinos: A traditional hacienda dating back to the 18th century, which was also home to the last governor of Salta appointed by the King of Spain. The hacienda has been refurbished to provide all the comforts expected from a 21st century hotel, while preserving the essence and typical features of colonial times.
Cafayate Wine Resort: Located in the heart of wine country, amid the vines at the foot of the San Isidro hills. Nearby is the picturesque colonial town of Cafayate in the Rio Calchaquies Valley. Cafayate’s charming streets are lined with baroque-style 19th century houses. Rooms at the resort have access to a spacious covered balcony overlooking the vineyards, granite hills, and Cafayate Canyon, and the Hotel’s 5-star restaurant also encourages you to not stray far.