Jujuy wine region

Travel Guide to Jujuy Wine Region

Wine Region to the East of the Andes

Appellation

The Jujuy wine region is most popular around Argentina, and Latin America, for its high-quality Malbec and Bordeaux blends. Overall, red wines account for 90% of the total wine production of the region. The region only counts 23 winegrowers.

The Jujuy wine region is divided into two sub-regions: Quebrada de Humahuaca and Valles Templados. As a whole, the Jujuy wine region possesses an appellation of Geographical Indication; also, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a sub-region that has a specific G.I.

Climate and Soil of the Jujuy Wine Region

In Jujuy, vineyards have to survive extreme climatic conditions, as the region is very dry and arid with many hours of sunlight every day. The fact that the Jujuy wine region stretches for 80km on the eastern side of the Andes, makes the climate a mix of continental and mountainous. Vine rows have to be protected by canopies to protect them from winds and solar radiation.

The Jujuy wine region has very dry and rocky soil, with very low minerality. There is no natural irrigation system for the vineyards, water has to be given using mechanical irrigation.

What to Taste in Jujuy

Malbec is the real deal in Jujuy; it has an intense dark violet, ruby color, has high acidity levels, and a very distinctive concentration. Malbec from the Jujuy wine region possesses a strong aroma of spices and red fruits, and it delivers a solid, elegant finish on the palate.

86% of the vineyard area is planted with Malbec, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. These three red varieties have more or less the same characteristics.

Sauvignon Blanc is the main white wine variety from Jujuy. It can be defined as a dry, crisp, and refreshing wine, perfect for a hot summer day.  

Read more about Wineries in Jujuy to visit.

Jujuy Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Jujuy Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

Places to Visit in the Jujuy Wine Region

Tilcara - Defended by the Incas

Tilcara is a small village in the Jujuy province, located at 2500 meters above sea level. The area in which Tilcara is placed is rich in indigenous history and is surrounded by the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Andes.

Tilcara is famous for the archaeological site of the Pucará de Tilcara, a fortress that dates back to the pre-Inca period. Even though the fortress is partially reconstructed, it perfectly shows a typical indigenous defensive site. The Pucará covers an area of approximately 15 hectares.

Provincial Archaeological Museum of Jujuy

All You Need to Know About the History of Jujuy

The Provincial Archaeological Museum of Jujuy is located in the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, the biggest center of the province. The archaeological museum is one of the most important in the entire north of Argentina, at it first opened its doors in 1994.

The museum showcases the richest collection of archaeological findings and cultural value objects from the Jujuy region. The majority of the objects date back to the pre-Hispanic period and tell the story of the peoples that lived in Jujuy during those times, like the Omaguacas and the Yavis.

Breathtaking Natural Landscapes of Jujuy

Quebrada de Humanhuaca - Prepare to be Speechless

The valley of the Quebrada de Humanhuaca might be narrow (as its name suggests in Spanish) but it’s one of the most amazing environments in entire South America, and maybe in the entire world.

The Quebrada valley is a semi-desertic, very arid area in which the Rio Grande River only flows during the summer. The red rock formations and the high variety of minerals in the soil have created spectacular landscapes that are worth a visit and a picture for Instagram.

In the western part of the Quebrada, you will find the breathtaking Cierro de los Siete Colores, a hill range composed of seven different colours that resulted from several geological phenomena. The Quebrada de Humanhuaca was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Calilegua National Park - The Reign of the Yungas

The Calilegua National Park is a protected area in the Jujuy province, and it is a great example of the Southern Andean Yungas environment. The Yungas ecosystem is a wonderful example of forest biodiversity and it stretches on the eastern side of the Andes. The Yungas forest has a very humid climate.

To better enjoy and discover the rich biodiversity of the Yungas, visit the Calilegua National Park and take part in one of the many activities offered there. For example, you can join a guided tour with an expert on the flora or a birdwatcher.

Food to Try in Jujuy Wine Region

Mazamorra - An Easy but Traditional Recipe

The name ‘Mazamorra’ is used to call a series of popular dishes in Latin America and in Spain. In the Jujuy province, Mazamorra is the ideal dessert to prepare on a hot summer day.

The recipe includes white sweetcorn, water, milk, vanilla, sugar, and ginger. Mazamorra needs to cook for 75 minutes, and the final result is a sort of porridge that can be tasted either cold or hot.

Cazuela de Llama - Unconventional Stew

Llama meat is used a lot in Latin American countries, and in the Jujuy province, you can taste it in several different ways. The most popular dish with llama meat is Cazuela de Llama, a sort of meat stew served together with potatoes and sometimes rice.

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