Argentina seduces the senses through its bold, expressive cuisine and characterful wines. Whether sampling local vintages in the serenity of a mountain vineyard, hunting for the freshest cuts in a bustling Buenos Aires market, or simply absorbing the endless gastronomical knowledge of your private guides, this is a country made for foodies. Our guide uncovers the best of Argentina’s food and wine, offering an indulgent taste of the country's culinary soul.
THE FLAVOURS OF ARGENTINA
The Asado – Argentina’s Sacred Ritual
The asado is best described as an Argentinian barbecue. However, to leave it there would be an injustice. The asado is about bringing together friends and family, often for many hours and late into the evening. The unhurried nature of an asado encourages conversation and a time for guests to really connect. Every asado needs its asador – the grill master – who is usually the host of the gathering. The asador takes a patient approach to cooking the meats, which grill over a low, steady heat and are flipped just once. Additionally, with the exception of a little salt or chimichurri served on the side, the meats are seasoned minimally. Some asado favourites include tira de asado (cross-cut short ribs), vacío (flank), bife de chorizo (sirloin), and entraña (skirt), as well as chorizo, morcilla, and sweetbreads.
For a truly indulgent asado experience, why not try delicious meat grilled by a private chef in one of the Mendoza region’s esteemed vineyards. Paired with the perfect wine, the flavours of meats grilled asado-style are only elevated.
Regional Specialties
One of the most fascinating parts of an Argentinian culinary tour is exploring the different regions, marvelling at diverse landscapes, and sampling regional specialities along the way. For example, Patagonia is known for its smoky and tender lamb, cooked slowly over an open flame, as well as grilled salmon fresh from its glacial rivers. In the Argentinian Lake District, you will find a prominent artisan chocolate scene, with countless chocolate shops in the region’s Alpine towns often proving difficult to resist.
Returning to civilisation, you’ll find Buenos Aires to be a treasure trove of gastronomical delights. The strong European influence, especially Spanish and Italian, allows you to sample delicious dishes such as pastas, pastries, and milanesa – a breaded meat similar to veal or schnitzel.
Another way of experiencing the diversity of Argentina’s cuisine is by sampling some of the country’s street food-style dishes, which – even if eaten on the go – are never lacking in flavour. Choripán, for example, showcases delicious smoked chorizo sausage wedged into a slice of fresh crusty bread. Often served with chimichurri, this is an Argentine staple for a tasty meal on the go.
The same can be said for Argentine empanadas. Though thought to have roots in Spain, empanadas spread throughout Latin America during the colonial period. Over time, the dish has become a beloved national delicacy in Argentina, with several regional variants. Salta, for example, is known for its smaller, spicier empanadas filled with minced beef and potato. Meanwhile, Tucumán hosts an annual empanada festival, often including boiled eggs and olives in the filling. In Buenos Aires, the preference is for baked empanadas with beef, chicken, or ham and cheese fillings. Finally, those with a sweet tooth are never overlooked. Just as popular as empanadas – and equally portable - are Argentina’s much loved alfajores. These crumbly, buttery biscuit sandwiches are sometimes coated in chocolate or coconut shavings, sometimes not, but always glued together with an irresistible layer of the ubiquitous dulce de leche caramel spread.
Food Tours in Argentina
Argentinian Cookery Class
Buenos Aires boasts one of the most vibrant culinary scenes in the world. Start your tour of the city by meandering through the hidden Mercado del Progreso and glimpse the colourful display of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables on sale here – with plenty of insight added by your knowledgeable guide. You’ll then be whisked off the tourist trail to a lesser-visited restaurant in San Isidro, where you can finally sate your appetite with a delicious, local lunch.
Buenos Aires Food & Wine Evening
Few venues are better equipped for a truly indulgent food and wine evening than The Club del Vino in Buenos Aires. A turn-of-the-century mansion boasting a wine cellar brimming with rare vintages, a museum, and even live music entertainment sets the scene for an unforgettable evening. Here, you’ll discover why Argentina has become one of the world’s most esteemed wine producers in recent years. A local connoisseur will guide you through the tasting as you enjoy Malbecs, Merlots, Cabernets, Chardonnays and more. After your tasting, choose your favourite wine to pair with your meal.
Asado Experience in the Pampas
During this fascinating tutorial, you can learn how to become a master asador yourself. Alongside one of Argentina’s legendary gauchos, you’ll be shown how to set up an asado, learn about the country’s favourite cuts of meat, and discover local techniques used to cook the perfect meal. You’ll also get chance to hear about the history and origins of the asado – all before finally getting to taste the delicious feast you’ve crafted. One of the most luxurious asado experiences can be found at the heavenly Estancia Le Bamba de Areco, an exclusive country estate steeped in local history and tradition.
ARGENTINA’S WINE CULTURE
The Iconic Malbec
Argentina grows many grape varieties, but its Malbec is almost unrivalled. Thriving in the country’s sunny and dry climate, Argentina has been growing Malbec since the early 20th century. However, in the 1980s, a shift towards single-grape varietals helped Malbec secure its place on the global stage. Mendoza is the best region to see Malbec vineyards in action, with this particular grape dominating the scene here. However, the region is also home to Argentina’s own Torrontés variety, whose presence is continually growing.
Innovations in Argentinian Wine
Though the country thrives on its tried and tested vintages, Argentina is always striving to evolve its wine scene. Organic vineyards have become the mainstream here now, and there is a rise in biodynamic practices. These treat the vineyards as a living system, where chemicals are excluded from the growing process, and grape growing is aligned with the lunar cycles.
In equally pioneering spirit, Argentina’s first female winemaker, Susana Balbo, is innovating the country’s wine culture and forging an admirable path through a field not traditionally occupied by women. Known for elevating Argentina’s signature white grape – Torrontés – to international acclaim, Susana’s story is a truly inspiring one. You can visit her winery during a visit to Mendoza, and maybe even stay in her recently opened boutique hotel.
BEST PLACES FOR WINE TASTING IN ARGENTINA
Mendoza Wine Tour
Mendoza’s renowned wine scene began during the Spanish colonisation and was revolutionised by European immigrants later in the 19th century. Grapes such as Malbec thrived in Mendoza’s unique climate and has since become one of Argentina’s most desirable exports. Enjoy a tour of Mendoza, visiting acclaimed wineries where you can enjoy tastings as you go. Our tours in Mendoza focus more on the smaller, high-quality wineries, allowing you to sample the best vintages the region has to offer. Each winery is set against a stunning backdrop of undulating vineyards, piercing mountain peaks, and verdant olive groves, adding a remarkable sense of place to your tasting sessions.
Salta and Cafayate
The province of Salta is home to some of the world’s highest-altitude vineyards, which create unique and ideal conditions for grape growing. One of the region’s main wine hubs is Cafayate in the Calchaquí Valley. While mostly producing Malbec, Salta’s flagship Torrontés is also grown here. You can enjoy a peaceful tour from Salta to Cafayate, passing small villages and witnessing the region’s distinct red earth before gradually climbing into the mountains – home to some impressive geological formations formed over 60 million years. You’ll also find local wineries where you can sample the enticing blends unique to the region. Should you wish, you can also enjoy a private tour around the winery to learn more about the fascinating life of high-altitude growers.
