White wines do not always get the respect or attention that they often deserve. This is especially true in Argentina where bold reds tend to dominate the conversation, and travelers flock to the famous Malbec-producing region of Mendoza. Yet, tucked into the northwest of Argentina near the city of Salta is a little-known wine region called the Calchaqui Valley – home to fantastic mountain scenery and dozens of vineyards that produce some of South America’s best white wines.

Torrontés: A Pinot Grigio Alternative

Most wine connoisseurs consider the Calchaqui Valley to produce the top bottles of Torrontés in the world. Torrontés is the premiere white wine of Argentina but is relatively unknown outside of South America. It’s a dry wine that is low in acidity and high in citrusy fruit tastes — think Pinot Grigio but richer and fruitier.

Cafayate Wine Tasting

The most convenient base for trying Torrontés is the town of Cafayate. Located about four hours south of Salta, Cafayate is a pleasant community of about 10,000 residents. Sights within the town are few but most people don’t come here to see museums or churches. Instead, it’s all about the wineries, or bodegas.