San Juan stands as Argentina’s second pillar of production. Essential in terms of volume, but increasingly strategic in terms of diversity. While Mendoza dominates the image of Argentine wine internationally, San Juan offers an alternative profile with warmer, spicier reds, fortified traditions, and promising high-altitude terroirs that can complement Argentina’s broader offering.
Located to the north of Mendoza, it stretches along the foothills of the Andes at altitudes ranging from 650 to 1,400 meters. With around 47,000 hectares under vine, it accounts for roughly a quarter of the country’s vineyard area. The region’s dry, sunny climate and access to meltwater from the Andes through the San Juan and Jáchal rivers provide the basis for a viticulture that has historically leaned toward volume but is increasingly quality-focused.
History
Winegrowing in San Juan dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers introduced vines for sacramental and local consumption. For much of the 20th century, San Juan was known primarily as a bulk-wine and brandy source. Large cooperatives dominated production, and grapes were grown mainly for yield. Over the past three decades, however, investment from domestic and international producers, along with new vineyard management and irrigation techniques, has shifted San Juan toward producing higher-quality wines with clearer varietal identity.
Climate
San Juan is markedly warmer and drier than Mendoza. The region averages more than 300 days of sunshine annually, with very low rainfall. The desert-like conditions require controlled irrigation, which has historically been supplied by river channels but now increasingly involves drip systems. The intense solar exposure ripens grapes quickly, producing full-bodied wines with higher alcohol levels. Cooling influences come from elevation and the strong Zonda wind, a hot, dry current from the Andes that reduces disease pressure but can affect yields.
Terroir
San Juan is divided into several valleys, each with distinct conditions:
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Tulum Valley: The traditional heart of production near the city of San Juan, historically dominated by high-yielding vineyards for bulk wine and table grapes.
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Zonda Valley: Higher altitude, with cooler nights and potential for more balanced reds.
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Ullum Valley: Small but promising, known for Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Pedernal Valley: A newer frontier at elevations above 1,300 meters, where limestone soils and cooler conditions deliver freshness and minerality, particularly in Malbec and Chardonnay.
Pedernal in particular has drawn attention as a site capable of producing wines with international competitiveness.
Grapes & Styles
Traditionally, San Juan has been a center for Syrah, which finds a natural home in the region’s hot, sunny conditions, yielding wines with ripe fruit, spice, and robust structure. The variety has become something of a signature for San Juan in both domestic and export markets.
Other key red grapes include Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Whites such as Chardonnay, Torrontés, and Viognier are present but represent a smaller share. San Juan also has a long history of producing table grapes and raisins, which remain important to the local economy.
In addition, San Juan is Argentina’s primary source of fortified wines and brandy, continuing a tradition established in the 19th century.
Industry Shifts
While San Juan was once overshadowed by Mendoza, recent decades have seen a steady repositioning. Private wineries, often with international partnerships, are investing in higher-altitude sites such as Pedernal, employing modern vinification techniques, and branding San Juan as more than a bulk supplier. Cooperative wineries have also adapted, developing premium labels alongside their traditional high-volume products.
Research institutes and local government have supported diversification, promoting varieties suited to the climate, improving irrigation efficiency, and encouraging sustainable vineyard practices. The focus has shifted from quantity to differentiation—especially around Syrah and high-altitude Malbec.
International Reach
San Juan wines, especially Syrah and blends, are gaining recognition abroad, though they remain less prominent than Mendoza’s Malbec. Exports go mainly to the United States, Brazil, the UK, and some Asian markets. The balance between bulk shipments and bottled, branded wines is changing gradually in favor of the latter, reflecting the global demand for regional identity and terroir-driven narratives.
Image Credit: https://api.winesofargentina.org/uploads/web/regiones/cuyo/san-juan/galeria/san-juan-vinedos.jpg
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