Bodega El Esteco

Bodega El Esteco is one of the largest and most iconic wineries in the Calchaquí Valleys, founded in 1892 and strategically located on National Route 40 (km 4314) at the southern entrance to the town of Cafayate (2 km from the central plaza, 5 minutes by car), at 1,700 meters elevation in Salta Province. It is an essential stop on any visit to Cafayate for four reasons: (1) its Don David line is the international best-seller of Argentine high-altitude wines (Malbec, Cabernet, Tannat, Torrontés and Chardonnay, USD 12-25/bottle), exported to over 40 countries; (2) its iconic wines Old Vines 1945 (Malbec from vineyards planted in 1945, USD 45-75) and Altimus (super-premium Malbec-Cabernet-Tannat blend, USD 60-95) are among the most awarded in Northwest Argentina; (3) the Hotel Patios de Cafayate operates inside the historic estate — a 5-star boutique hotel and member of the Starwood/Marriott Luxury Collection with 32 rooms arranged around colonial patios with bougainvillea gardens, outdoor pool, vinotherapy spa (unique in Northwest Argentina) and La Vid restaurant (USD 220-480/night); and (4) the legendary "Magic Nights" — an evening experience held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from October to April that combines sunset walks through the vineyards, a bonfire amid the vines with views of the multicolor cliffs of the Quebrada de las Conchas, dinner of fresh-baked salteña empanadas paired with 4 premium El Esteco wines, live folk music (chacarera, zamba, guitar and bombo) and return to the hotel under starry skies (USD 95-150 per person). The winery offers four tour formats: Classic tour (1.5 hr, USD 25-40), Premium tasting (2 hr, USD 50-80, vertical Malbec with sommelier), Vineyard horseback ride (2-3 hr, USD 75-120), and Magic Nights. Reservation always required (elesteco.com.ar). El Esteco produces approximately 6 million bottles annually with lines from accessible (Don David, Estoque, Saint Felicien) to super-premium icon (Altimus, Old Vines 1945). Its location on RN 40 at the town entrance makes it one of the easiest wineries to visit on foot or by bike from central Cafayate (15-20 minutes walking). Cafayate has 340 sunny days a year — practically any season works for a visit; optimal is February-May (post-harvest, golden vineyards, mild 18-26°C) and September-November (spring with blossoms). Magic Nights operate October-April.

The 4 Available Experiences

Classic Tour (1.5 hr)

The standard visit. Guided tour through the historic estate (1892 buildings), barrel hall with explanation of oak aging, fermentation tank room, tasting room. Final tasting of 4 selected wines (typically Torrontés, Don David Malbec, Don David Cabernet, Don David Reserve). USD 25-40 per person. Departures every hour 10 AM-5 PM. Online reservation recommended in high season (Oct-Apr).

Premium Tasting with Sommelier (2 hr)

Tour + vertical tasting of 5-6 premium wines including Old Vines 1945 and Altimus, led by specialized sommelier. Detailed explanation of vintages, terroir and processes. Includes gourmet picada with cheeses, cured meats and olives. USD 50-80. For serious wine lovers.

Vineyard Horseback Ride (2-3 hr)

2-3 hour horse ride through the vineyard rows at sunset, with gaucho guide. Includes brief tasting amid the vineyard and picada. Gentle horses, beginner-friendly. USD 75-120. 24-hour advance reservation. Typical departures 5 PM in summer, 4 PM in winter.

Magic Nights (the flagship experience)

4-hour program at sunset (5:30-9:30 PM by season). Reception with sparkling Torrontés on colonial patio, sunset walk through vineyards led by sommelier, arrival at bonfire amid the vines with views of the cliffs, dinner of fresh-baked salteña empanadas (beef, chicken, cheese) paired with 4 premium wines (Don David, Altimus, Old Vines 1945), live folk music with chacarera and zamba, return to hotel under starry skies. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only, October to April. USD 95-150. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead. One of the most memorable wine tourism experiences in Argentina.

Hotel Patios de Cafayate (5★)

The Hotel Patios de Cafayate is one of Argentina's most renowned boutique hotels and a member of the Starwood/Marriott Luxury Collection since 2003. Located inside the historic estate of the winery, in a 19th-century restored colonial building (the original El Esteco estate), with 32 rooms arranged around four colonial patios with bougainvillea gardens and centennial olive trees. Services:

• Standard rooms (USD 220-320/night): 28 m², colonial décor, marble bathroom, patio views.
• Suites (USD 380-480/night): 48 m², separate sitting area, jacuzzi, vineyard views.
• La Vid Restaurant: NOA regional cuisine with pairing, lunch and dinner, USD 35-65 per person.
• Vinotherapy spa: exclusive treatments with Malbec marc (unique in Northwest Argentina). 60-min massage USD 90-140.
• Outdoor climatized pool with Andes view.
• Guest bicycles: riding the El Esteco vineyards is included.
• Preferential access to Magic Nights and other winery tours.

Combine El Esteco with Other Visits

• Other Cafayate wineries — Piattelli, Domingo Hermanos, Nanni, Vasija Secreta, Amalaya, Finca Las Nubes.
• Quebrada de las Conchas — multicolor rock formations on RP 68 between Salta and Cafayate.
• Cachi and Calchaquí Valleys (157 km north via gravel RP 40).
• Bodega Colomé — Argentina\'s oldest winery, 157 km north (see our Colomé page).
• Molinos town and Seclantás (poncho weavers).

Suggested itineraries: 3 days · 5 days · 7 days NOA with Cafayate.