The small city of San Juan is just over 150 km north of Mendoza city. Not much remains of the original 16th-century city, which was reduced to rubble in the 1944 earthquake killing over 10,000 people. San Juan is situated in a sun-baked valley through which the Rio San Juan meanders. Here the sun shines up to nine hours daily. Its mild climate lends itself to the cultivation of fruits, including grapes, and there are innumerable wineries. It is the second-largest wine producer following the province of Mendoza.

Popular Wineries

Graffigna, housed in a red-brick replica of the former bodega, also has a wine museum and a wine bar. Colon 1342 Norte. Tel: +54 (0) 264 421 4227.

Antigua Bodega has a museum for aficionados. Salta 782 Norte. Tel: +54 (0) 264 421 4327.

Fabril Alto Verde is a small organic winery. Ruta 40, between Calle 13 and 14, Pocito. Tel: +54 (0) 264 492 1905.

Cavas de Zonde produces champagne and cider in a drilled-out cave. Ruta 12, km15, Rivadavia. Tel: +54 (0) 264 494 5144.

Vinas de Segis is a small boutique winery. Aberastain with Calle 15, La Rinconada, Pocito. Tel: +54 (0) 264 492 2000.

Las Marianas is a small family-run winery. C Nueva, La Rinconada, Pocito. Tel: +54 (0) 264 423 1191.