Ker & Downey's guide to the top Latin American wineries and wine regions.
South America has a booming wine industry. Indeed, a Ker & Downey journey through South America isn't complete without a stop at some of our favorite Latin American wineries. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Vines of Mendoza | Uco Valley, Argentina
The Vines of Mendoza tops our list of favorite Latin American wineries. It’s really like visiting multiple wineries in a single place. That's because they sell small plots of land to passionate oenophiles looking to become winemakers. As such, the winery produces 300 unique wines each year from its winemakers. Furthermore, its resort, The Vines Resort & Spa, represents the epitome of luxury. Located at the base of the Andes Mountains, The Vines offers a front-row seat to the pink sunrise reflecting off the mountains. It also offers private tastings in the vineyards and award-winning cuisine at the Siete Fuegos restaurant helmed by Francis Mallmann. While there, you can also learn the art of wine making - from harvesting to blending, to tasting and bottling - from the expert team.
Finca Narbona Wine Lodge | Colonia, Uruguay
Often eclipsed by the alluring beaches of Punta del Este, the southwest region of Colonia just might be Uruguay’s best-kept secret. Luxury and authenticity coexist beautifully here. Indeed, the slow-paced river towns along the natural Río de la Plata border stretch from the cobble stoned streets of Colonia del Sacramento to the undulating wine lands of Carmelo. Finca Narbona is one of the most antique places you can stay in Uruguay. The farm produces superb Tannat wine alongside delicious cheeses, organic fruits, and fresh vegetables. We recommend taking a picnic lunch in the vineyards and a late afternoon wine and cheese pairing in the cellar. These experiences are guided by the winemaker of Finca Narbona. Additionally, they include three different Narbona wines and seven choices of cheese made onsite.
La Estancia de Cafayate | Salta, Argentina
Cafayate valley in Argentina’s Salta region is a land of extraordinary Latin American wineries and wines. Most famous for its torrontes wine, Cafayate benefits from the low humidity and mild weather of the valleys to produce a premium crop. Indeed, this laid back area showcases old colonial sites and many wine cellars open to the public. However, our favorite is undoubtedly La Estancia de Cafayate. This secluded wine and residential sporting estate boasts meandering vineyards, horse pastures, polo fields, an 18-hole golf course, and the luxury boutique accommodations and spa of Grace Cafayate on its grounds. Plus, all of it is within view of the spectacular Andean Mountains. The colonial charm, outstanding architecture, lush landscape, and warm hospitality—not to mention the world-class wines and cuisine—of the estancia make it an unforgettable destination in Northern Argentina.
Quierolo Vineyards | Ica Valley, Peru
You might be surprised to find Latin American wineries in Peru. However, at Quierolo Vineyards, travelers can some of Peru’s finest wines in the stunning Ica Valley. The varied landscape here allows the grapes at Quierolo to ripen into such high-quality vintages. Besides wine, the Quierolo Vineyards also produce the grapes that make pisco, a clear grape brandy and a national favorite. During a visit, see the Mirador de las Viñas where you can explore the entire vineyard accompanied by a Sommelier. Plus, a tasting here is a two-for-one: Enjoy both wine and pisco in one place.
Vik Chile | Millahue, Chile
Guests of Vik Chile are treated to a completely unforgettable stay in Chile’s Cachapoal Valley. One of the highlights is a visit to the vineyards and winery, where guests can taste three different strains of wine, plus the iconic Vik Wine. Days are otherwise spent at leisure horseback riding or a biking within the vineyards to enjoy the stunning views and landscape or relaxing at the Wine Spa with an exclusive Vik treatment utilizing the grapes obtained from the vineyards of the valley. During the evening between the months of March and May guests enjoy one of the most amazing experiences: the hands-on VIK Evening Harvest. At Vik Chile, the harvest takes place during the night in order to preserve the grapes in its best quality.
Bodega Colomé | Calchaquí Valley, Argentina
Founded in 1831, Bodega Colomé is one of the oldest Latin American wineries in Argentina. Located in the Upper Calchaquí Valleys in Salta, it is home to the world's highest vineyards and the private Estancia Colomé. The breathtaking views and the vast expanses of untouched terrain make Colomé one of the jewels in the corn of the Hess Family Estates, a family-run business made up of seven wineries around the world. Furthermore, the winery also plays host to the James Turrell Museum, part of the Hess Art Collection around the world. Indeed, this museum is exclusively dedicated to the work of this famous artist, renowned for his work with light.
Kingston Family Vineyards | Casablanca Wine Valley, Chile
Kingston Family Vineyards is a hidden gem on our list of top Latin American wineries. The family-run vineyard resides in the Casablanca hills, completely off the tourism map. Furthermore, it was recently recognized as "making some of Chile's best pinots" (Food & Wine). An outdoor tasting area at the top of a hill looks across the entire valley. Finally, they have a variety of activities available on the property like horseback riding around the vineyard, private tastings of the grapes, a walk through of the production, and more.
Visit Ker & Downey's Favorite Latin America Wineries
Ready to see these top Latin American wineries and sample their wines for yourself? Contact your Luxury Travel Consultant to start planning your journey. For further inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.