Discover the wineries and producers
Finca Quara has vineyards in Cafayate ranging between 1,600 and 2,000 metres altitude and produce a range of good value wines from Torrontés, Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Bonarda. Owned by the Lavaque family, it is now the fourth and fifth generation running it.
Leo Borsi is from San Rafael but says his wine education happened in France before Argentina, which explains in part his philosophy of bottling wines under a place name rather than by variety. His small production wines are made in Lujan de Cuyo but they tend to be blends from specific single-vineyards in the Uco Valley, Santa Rosa or San Rafael, labelled under Revolución Garage and Ultralocal which are two different projects with different groups of wine friends.Â
Viña Maquis is in the heart of Colchagua but in terms of style, it isn’t much like its neighbours. Maquis winery was the dream of the Hurtado family which started in 1916 however it is in recent years that the Maquis wines have set themselves apart. The viticulture and winemaking has been specifically focused on searching for the freshest acidity and brightest fruit expression from this sunny pocket of Colchagua between two rivers. Maquis Cabernet Franc is a top pour.
See also: Calcu
Casarena winery is one of the most-recognised single vineyard producers in Luján de Cuyo, with a focus on distinctive terroirs in the traditional cradle of Malbec. Another feather to their bow is their beautiful Casa Naoki guest house in the middle of their Naoki vineyard – a highlight of luxury wine tourism in Mendoza.
Within the Casarena range, you’ll find some precise and focused Malbec wines but also some of the region’s top Cabernet Sauvignon. Other highlights are the Cabernet Franc and Brut Nature bubbles. The Dartley family, who own Casarena, also have another line of wines made from Luján de Cuyo – their playful Mythic range, which often focuses on blends.
Casarena has made it their mission to put not only the quality wines of Luján on the map, but also enamour visitors with the region’s charms through their fine dining restaurant and luxurious wine lodge, Casa Naoki.
The winery is in the heart of Perdriel within the Jamilla vineyard, in a handsomely restored bodega constructed in 1937. Specialising in single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, among other varieties, the polished wines all come from their four Luján estates which are named after the grandchildren of the family — Naoki, Lauren, Owen and Jamilla.
In the Naoki vineyard in Agrelo you’ll find Casa Naoki, the Dartley family’s sumptuous guest house which can be exclusively hired for a memorable stay with a stunning Andean view and infinity pool that appears to drop off into the vineyard.