14 Best Sights in The Northwest, Argentina

Remote wineries and museums are one thing; Bodega Colomé is something else altogether. Yet finally arriving at this world-class spot puts the miles of driving along bumpy, unpaved roads firmly into perspective. Established in 1831, Colomé is Argentina’s oldest winery. A visitor center runs daily tours and offers tastings, while a terrace restaurant serves delectable lunches with views of one of the world’s highest vineyards. Colomé is also home to the breathtaking and unexpected James Turrell Museum, which showcases five decades of the artist's works with light and space, and includes a fun tunnel of color (book in advance).  Turrell’s contemporary light installations are at their most striking at sunset.

On the lovely grounds of this bodega, cardon cacti mingle with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah vines, which thrive at 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) thanks to hot days and very cool nights. The Paleta del Pintor hill provides a stunning and vibrant backdrop. You can call ahead for a brief yet interesting tour; take home the Rosa de Maimará Rosé or the Sikuri Syrah. Although there is a bridge, reaching the winery remains impossible when the river floods in the rainy season (summer).

About 2 km (1 mile) north of Cafayate, Domingo Molina has been making Torrontés, a 90-point Malbec, and various blends since 2000. Tastings are available, and you can book in advance for a picada or asado. A drive leads you high up into the hills, offering stunning views of the wine lands to the east.  Take a look at Domingo Molina's oldest vine—a 130-year-old Malbec, still providing excellent grapes. Domingo Hermanos, a sister winery in town, is one of Cafayate's biggest operations, producing 3 million liters a year.

Old blends with new at Bodega El Porvenir. Founded at the turn of the 20th century by Italian immigrants, the winery was bought by the Romero Marcuzzi family in 2000 and brought up-to-date. The result is a small yet sleek facility surrounded by old carob casks and presses. Drop by the tasting room to sample the Laborum-label Malbec and Torrontés, as well as the top-end Amauta three-grape red blend; ask to see the small olive oil factory. If you have time, book a private asado or picnic at Finca El Retiro, the family's downtown vineyard, for lunch among the vines. 

Head south out of Cafayate toward Tolombón, then drive 7 km up the eastern mountain to this remote vineyard and winery. One of the valley’s newer projects, Mendoza winemaker Alejandro Sejanovich teamed up with the Salta Saavedra Azcona family to create this project, named for the towering cacti. The mica-speckled rock ensures terroir characteristic wines; try the Tigerstone line that includes Garnacha and Malbec. 

Head 8 km (5 miles) northwest of town toward the hills to find the Etchart family's boutique winery. Born into the local winemaking dynasty, Arnaldo Etchart established it in 1988, collaborating with flying winemaker Michel Rolland to create a trio of award-winning wines; today it's run by his sons Marcos and Arnaldo. Book in for a tasting to sample the Coquena or San Pedro de Yacochuya lines while enjoying stunning views over the valley.

A new bodega that opened its doors in 2022 while marking its third grape harvest, Kindgard was set up by two Jujuy cousins who come from winemaking and agricultural backgrounds. Offering one of the Quebrada’s more complete wine experiences, buoyed by a unique view of the Siete Colores mountains, visitors can enjoy a three-vintage tasting and vineyard visit with charcuterie plate (3,500 pesos) or a paired three-course lunch in the restaurant (12,000 pesos).

Nanni has been in the same family and in the same building—just a block from the main square—since 1897. Thanks to its organic certification, much of its small production of Torrontés, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat is exported to the United States. Book lunch or dinner at Retoño, the rustic little restaurant in the back garden, for hearty stews and regional cuisine.

A 20-minute drive on from Colomé is Tacuil, a tiny community crowned by this lovely winery, whose simplicity is notable in comparison with its neighbor. Run by the sixth generation of the Dávalos family, Alvaro Dávalos uses little oak in his world-class vintages, allowing the elevated terroir to shine through. Book ahead for a tasting with cheese platter. 

A contemporary building in the center of town houses El Transito's bodega and visitor center, a business run by a family that shares common ancestors with the folks at Bodega Nanni across the street. Pop in for a short tour and the chance to sample Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontés.

In 1996, nothing was cultivated on José L. Mounier's land in El Divisadero, 4 km (2 miles) outside of town. Now Finca Las Nubes is one of Salta's best boutique wineries with fabulous views down into the valley. Almost half its small line of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wine is sold in the bodega itself. The tour includes sampling three wines, and lunch on the veranda is available if you book ahead.

One of the more notable additions to Jujuy’s elevated winemaking landscape, Huichaira Vineyard offers two tasting experiences in the gorge of the same name. Located on the opposite of the mountain to the Museo en los Cerros, enjoy a picnic accompanied by the delicious Cielo Arriba Malbec/Syrah/Cabernet Franc blend (US$50) or work up an appetite on a bicycle expedition from Tilcara to the vineyard (US$70).

The first winery in Cafayate to be constructed with tourism in mind, Piattelli caused a bit of a flurry with locals when it opened in 2013 thanks to the modern aesthetic conceived by its American owners. The state-of-the-art bodega, halfway up the foothills towards Yacochuya, offers tastings, tours, and fabulous valley views. Kick back on one of the two terraces with a refreshing Torrontés before tucking into slow-roasted lamb for lunch at the winery's restaurant. In 2022, the winery opened the Piattelli Wine Resort. 

Occupying a grand 1850s building on the northern edge of town, Vasija Secreta's museum displays imported oak barrels and machinery for pumping and bottling wine. Short tours give a historical overview and show how production methods have changed. Tasty local dishes are served at the rustic on-site restaurant.