This small town in Argentina's Salta province sits amid red rock mountains and vineyards. Local wineries produce Torrontés wine in the high-altitude valley.
In Argentina's Calchaquí Valley, 5,500 feet above sea level, Cafayate draws wine enthusiasts to its high-altitude vineyards. You can walk through century-old cellars at El Esteco winery, trek past towering red cliffs in Quebrada de las Conchas, and cool off with torrontés-flavored ice cream in the plaza. The vineyards here, reaching up to 10,200 feet in elevation, produce distinctive torrontés whites and rich malbec reds in some of the world's highest wine-growing conditions.
Getting to Cafayate
Fly two hours to Salta from Buenos Aires or Mendoza, then drive three hours south to Cafayate. Route 68 winds through Quebrada de las Conchas, where 60-million-year-old rock formations rise from the desert floor. Look for El Anfiteatro, a natural amphitheater, and the narrow canyon called Devil's Throat. Stop at Posta de Las Cabras midway for fresh goat cheese, empanadas, and locally-roasted coffee.
Wine Production in the High Altitude
The mountain climate shapes Cafayate's wines distinctively. Strong sun exposure leads to thick-skinned grapes, while cold mountain winds drop nighttime temperatures by up to 15°C, lengthening the growing season. Sandy loam soil and minimal rainfall contribute to torrontés whites with pineapple and orange blossom notes, and malbecs with deep color and bold tannins.
Exploring Local Wineries
Several wineries sit within walking distance of the town center. Visit Bodega Nanni, Domingo Hermanos, and El Porvenir for cellar tours and tastings. Drive 15 minutes to Piattelli Vineyards to taste wines and eat Argentine dishes on their mountain-view terrace. North of town, Burbujas de Altura makes sparkling wines from torrontés grapes.
Food and Culture
Cafayate's restaurants serve regional specialties like humitas (corn and goat cheese tamales), locro (corn and beef stew), and meat-filled empanadas seasoned with local spices. At Heladería Miranda, taste their signature wine-flavored ice creams. The Mercado Artesanal in the main square sells handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, and ceramics from local artisans.
Natural Areas
Walk or drive through the red rock formations of Quebrada de las Conchas on Route 68. Marked hiking paths lead to viewpoints overlooking the eroded landscape. In El Anfiteatro, the curved rock walls amplify sound so clearly that musicians often perform there. For more challenging hikes, head to Rio Colorado, 10km from town, where trails lead past multiple waterfalls in the mountain terrain.
