Post by Merina Begg, CIS, CITP

We continue our inspiring tour of Argentina, unveiling some hidden gems that are worth including on a future visit.   Patagonia has new colours and flavours: for the last decade, vineyards have been expanding from the Andes Mountain range to the central plateau. Esquel, in the heart of the "Welsh Patagonia", is the starting point to explore terroirs between the sea and the mountains, where three environments stand out: the Trevelin valley, the 42nd parallel region and the steppe.     The grape varieties grown in this region are of short cycle and cold climate. There are white grapes with excellent results, but Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc stand out as varietals. Due to the climate, the grapes have a longer ripening period, and the Pinot Noir from Chubut has a quality similar to the wines of Burgundy.   Let’s explore together some of these new Patagonian flavours on this Chubut wine route:   Contra Corriente Winery: Against the Current, tells the story in just a few words of how two childhood friends pioneered a new wine region 6,000 miles from home in Patagonia. Without any prior experience, Rance Rathie and Travis Smith went all-in and against all odds, pushing the boundaries of viticulture by planting a small vineyard hundreds of miles south of where anyone previously thought wine grapes could be produced. Their wines have enormous complexity, aromatic intensity and a unique taste profile.   Casa Yagüe: These vineyards are located on National Route 259. They started planting in 2014, and made their first harvest in April 2017, although it is after the second harvest, at the end of April 2018, that they became a winery. The vineyards of this winery extend over 3 hectares. They have planted varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir.    Viñas del Nant y Fall: On Route 259, the Nant and Fall Vineyards have 8000 vines of Pinot Noir variety, on a land that has the particularity of having a slope of 40 degrees. Their first harvest dates back to 2016, and they are the venue of the Chubut Grape Harvest Festival. All offer guided tours with tasting. Photos: @contracorrientebodega @casayague @vinasdelnantyfall #patagoniaargentina #argentina #patagonia #chubut  #wines #malbec #Chardonnay #Sauvignonblanc #cabernetfranc #pinotnoir #winelovers #winetasting #harvest #travelmore #travelinspiration #experience   #turismoargentina #landscape   #visitargentina  #traveldeeper  #leisuretravel  #incentivetravel #incentives #experiences