La Rioja

Based in the Famatina Valleys, between the Sierras de Velasco and Famatina, La Rioja is a wine producing area in the western Cuyo region. Cuyo itself is an arid, yet fertile region at the foot of the Andes mountain range, which includes the provinces of La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza. With 464,638 acres of vineyards, Cuyo boasts 95% of the total area planted in Argentina. Winters are cold and summers hot and dry, with the Andes providing a source of water for the necessary irrigation. The valleys of La Rioja are characterised by a hot climate, mild nights and severe drought. Torrontés Riojano, one of the native varieties from the family of Criollas grapes thrives here.