Where to sip wine in South America

A good glass of local wine isn’t hard to find when you’re traveling on tour in Uruguay, Argentina, or Chile. This installment of our Toast to travel series is all about the delicious sips you can find when you venture south of the equator. Say “salud!” in these standout spots in South America.

Canelones wine region in Uruguay

Just north of the capital city of Montevideo lies the center of Uruguay’s growing wine industry. The Canelones wine region is full of family-run vineyards, or bodegas, where winemaking traditions are passed down from generation to generation. While you’ll find many varietals of reds and whites produced here, one reigns supreme: Tannat. Made with the country’s national grape, dark and fruity Tannat is a perfect pairing for grilled steak, another Uruguayan favorite.

Mendoza, Argentina

What will you find in the valleys surrounding the capital city of Mendoza? Malbec, and lots of it. This western region of Argentina is famed for its production of the popular, bold, fruit-forward wine. The grapes used to make it thrive in the continental climate here, where seasonal temperature changes are not very extreme. Malbec Luján de Cuyo was the first in the country to be protected by a designation of origin, or DOC. This means winemakers in the area are held to strict standards to maintain the high quality of the wine they produce.

Chilean wine country

Head outside of Santiago, Chile to discover one of the country’s top wine regions nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. In the Aconcagua Valley, vineyards dot the landscape with the towering mountain peaks as their backdrop. The star varietals here include pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and Carménère, unique to the country. Nearby, you’ll find Casablanca Valley, where the cooler coastal climate is prime for producing crisp whites like sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.

Ready to discover your favorite wine from Uruguay, Argentina, or Chile? Try sipping your way through South America’s wine regions on tour.