Wine from Patagonia: the end of the world in your glass.

There are words that make you dream… and Patagonia is one of them. Just saying the name already evokes fresh winds, endless landscapes, and snow-capped mountains reflected in turquoise lakes.

But Patagonia is not just a paradise for nature lovers: it’s also home to one of the southernmost vineyards in the world, capturing the hearts of lovers of Argentine wine.

An extreme terroir that changes everything

Patagonia has a cool, dry, and windy climate, with plenty of sunny days and nights that fall like a sudden chill. The result: grapes ripen slowly, developing precise aromas and a natural acidity that makes the wine sing.

The soils? Mostly alluvial, sometimes enriched with limestone, gravel, and, in certain areas such as Valle Azul, a rare mix of sand, silt, and volcanic ash. A natural cocktail that brings minerality and depth.

Grape varieties that reveal a new side

If you thought you knew all about Argentine Malbec after tasting Mendoza’s, wait until you see what Patagonia does with it: a fresher, more taut style, with pure fruit and elegant finesse. You’ll also find delicate, aromatic Pinot Noir, charming Merlot, and crystalline whites like Chardonnay or Riesling. Here, each grape takes on a unique personality, shaped by climate and soil.

Patagonia’s vineyards in detail

Patagonian viticulture is not limited to one zone; it spans three major sub-regions, each with its own style and character.

• Río Negro: The oldest wine-producing province in Patagonia. Located in the valley of the river of the same name, its climate is moderated by the river, producing elegant and refined wines. It’s ideal for Patagonian Pinot Noir, with delicate aromas and great finesse, but also for silky Argentine Malbec.

• Neuquén: A more recent area that has grown rapidly since the 1990s. Warmer and sunnier than Río Negro, it produces richer, more intense wines, particularly Malbec and structured red blends. Fresh, aromatic whites are also found here.

• Chubut: The most extreme, far south around the 45th parallel. Cold climate, late harvests, and wines with a taut style and marked natural acidity. Pinot Noir develops exceptional aromatic precision, and whites (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer) are crystalline and pure.

Each province contributes its own touch to Patagonian wine, and this diversity makes the region so exciting to explore.

Spotlight on Bodega Ribera del Cuarzo

Located in Valle Azul, Bodega Ribera del Cuarzo focuses on precision and authentic expression of its terroir. Its vines, sometimes challenged by the winds, produce concentrated but balanced grapes, perfect for characterful organic Argentine wines.

At Vinodelice, two cuvées particularly impressed us:

👉 Ribera del Cuarzo Especial 2022
From the tiny Araucana vineyard (5 ha), this Argentine Malbec (95%) blended with Petit Verdot is organically grown. Intense black fruits, licorice, dark chocolate, juniper… The palate is velvety, deep, with aging potential of 7–10 years.

👉 Ribera del Cuarzo Parcela Única 2020
A blend of Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot from the vineyard’s most limestone-rich, exposed section. More structured and complex, it develops notes of black cherry, wild truffle, pink pepper, and violet, with 16 months in French oak barrels. An Argentine wine made for special occasions.

Why try the Patagonian adventure?

To discover another side of Argentine wines: fresher, more elegant, with true personality. And because opening a bottle of Patagonian wine offers a small journey to the end of the world without leaving your table.