Cafayate: Tops the list for a perfect Argentine wine country adventure

You might ask why we began our most recent Argentine wine adventure in Cafayate. I could say it is because Cafayate is #1 on the list of 2017 Best Wine Destinations. However, that was not Spaswinefood's primary reason for returning to Cafayate. Perhaps when most think of Argentine wine destinations they are most likely to think of Mendoza. Mendoza is undoubtedly a great wine region. Cafayate, Salta Province however, not only produces equally wonderful wines but also is the perfect Argentine wine country experience. Let’s see why falling in love with Cafayate is so easy to do.

Cafayate Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Come along with me as I tour Cafayate wineries on Salta's Ruta Del Vino.

Cafayate, Salta © Spaswinefood

Why is Cafayate Wine Country so Special?

Before I formally started my Spaswinefood adventures we visited Cafayate. That was seven years ago. I can still remember our drive through Argentina's Salta Province.  It was a totally awesome experience with colorful, grandiose landscape. Salta Province has some of the most scenic driving routes in Argentina. We soon discovered that while Salta is known for its scenery it also is known for its wines. At that time this was a big surprise for me. Yes, Cafayate is one of the best kept wine country secrets.

Cafayate Vineyard, Valles Calchaquíes © Spaswinefood

Cafayate's High Altitude Wines
The Cafayate wine region, a sub-region within Salta Province, is held in high regard for the overall quality of its wine. What makes Cafayate a special place for wine is the fact that it is located in the southern part of Valles Calchaquíes, with an altitude of more than 1,800 meters. This high elevation enables Cafayate to produce high quality wines. Scattered throughout this amazing valley you will find a wonderful diversity of wineries. During Spaswinefood’s most recent visit we especially enjoyed rediscovering Cafayate wineries, such as Bodega Nubes and El Esteco, and visiting some wineries for the first time.

Bodega Nubes Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Bodega Nubes, Valles Calchaquíes © Spaswinefood

It is without doubt that visiting wineries scattered throughout Valles Calchaquíes is hard to beat. Cafayate's high desert scrub landscape is so compelling. Moreover this landscape is such a stunning contrast against the vineyards. Amongst the wineries that we visited for the first time included  Domingo Molina, Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuyo, and Piattelli. Another plus is that these wineries have amazing views.

Onto Domingo Molina © Spaswinefood

Awesome View, Domingo Molina © Spaswinefood

Another Awesome View, Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuyo © Spaswinefood

Further down the hill from Domingo Molina and Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuyo is Piattelli winery, one of the newer wineries in Cafayate. Here you will encounter stunning vineyard and valley views.

Piatelli, Cafayate © Spaswinefood

Piatelli is a young modern winery with amazing views in all directions. I especially enjoyed dining in their winery restaurant.

Piatelli Winery © Spaswinefood

Valley View, Piatelli © Spaswinefood

A Cafayate Wine Affair

First, I must admit that my Argentine wine affair began with Malbec but it grew quickly to an appreciation for other wines, like Bonarda and Torrontés. It was in Argentina that I first discovered (1) Bonarda, Argentina's other red wine, and (2) Torrontés, Argentina's emblematic white wine. Cafayate produces Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Tannat and Merlot. Just like Malbec originally drew attention to Mendoza Province so did Torrontés for Salta Province. Today both of these regions are now known for producing many great wines. It was amazing to experience the wide range of quality wines available in Cafayate.

Domingo Molina Malbec 2014 © Spaswinefood

Tasting Domingo Molina, Sauvignon Blanc 2016 © Spaswinefood

We so enjoyed discovering the special offerings at each winery we visited. In future posts I will write about my discoveries along Cafayate’s Ruta Del Vino.

Ruta Del Vino © Spaswinefood

Things to do In/Near Cafayate

Other than wine explorations along Ruta Del Vino just north of Cafayate, on Ruta 68, is a beautiful canyon, Quebrada de Cafayate on the Rio Conchas. We enjoyed exploring the scenic Quebrada de Cafayate. 

Exploring In/Around Cafayate © Spaswinefood

Visitors to Cafayate can also journey north on Ruta 40 to Molinos where you can take a ripio (gravel) road detour to visit Colomé Winery, one of Argentina’s top wineries. Cafayate, home to indigenous people, the Kallchaki is also known as the Cradle of Folklore. 

Travels along Ruta 68 © Spaswinefood

Getting to/from Cafayate

Cafayate does not have an airport and is only accessible by car or bus. The shortest route (Ruta 68) is 165 kilometers of winding road from Salta, capital city of Salta Province. Flights to Salta from Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina are available on Aerolinas Argentinas and other carriers. It is well worth the effort because Cafayate wineries are delightful to visit. Moreover Cafayate offers a good range of choices for restaurants and accommodations. While in Cafayate we stayed at Patios de Cafayate Hotel and Spa at Bodega El Esteco.

Patios de Cafayate, Cafayate © Spaswinefood

We found Patios de Cafayate to be a great place to return to each day after our wine country explorations. It is one of the top winery hotels in Cafayate.

Entrance, Patios de Cafayate © Spaswinefood

Patios de Cafayate © Spaswinefood

Cafayate is an absolute must for wine enthusiasts. While Argentina is known of its elite soccer team, the famed revolutionary Che Guevara, the land of great beef, the homeland of the tango, and of course great wines, however, Cafayate is a very special place. Naturally this Spaswinefood enthusiast looks forward to writing about our most recent Argentine wine country explorations. You can check out my travels in Argentina and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

January 2017

Cafayate, Salta Province

Argentina

© Spaswinefood


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