The History of Wine in Mendoza

The Mendoza wine region in the heart of Argentina is known around the world for its high-quality wines and rich winemaking tradition. But the history of Mendoza wine is much more than just a list of varieties and wineries. It is a fascinating saga that stretches back centuries, spanning from the ancient vineyards of indigenous peoples to the innovative winemaking techniques of today. In this blog, we will explore the full history of Mendoza wine, from its humble beginnings to its place on the world wine stage.

The Origins: The Vineyards of the Indigenous Peoples

The history of wine in Mendoza begins long before the arrival of European colonizers. The region’s indigenous peoples, such as the Huarpes, cultivated vineyards in the foothills of the Andes long before the first Spanish settlements were established in the 16th century. Using ingenious irrigation techniques, such as irrigation canals known as “acequias,” the Huarpes were able to make the most of the region’s scarce water resources and cultivate indigenous grape varieties such as Criolla Grande and Moscatel.

The Colonial Era: The Spanish Influence on Viticulture in Mendoza

The arrival of Spanish colonizers in Mendoza in the 16th century marked a turning point in the region's wine history. With them, they brought European grape varieties such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as more advanced winemaking techniques. The Jesuits, in particular, played a crucial role in the development of viticulture in Mendoza, establishing numerous wineries and vineyards in the region and teaching locals the arts of grape growing and wine production.

The Rise of the Wine Industry: The 19th Century and European Immigration

The 19th century saw a boom in Mendoza's wine industry, driven largely by the arrival of European immigrants, mostly Italian and Spanish, who brought with them their winemaking knowledge and traditions. The first commercial wineries began to spring up in the region, and wine production experienced exponential growth. The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century facilitated the transportation of wines to other regions of Argentina and abroad, allowing Mendoza's wine industry to flourish even further.

The Wine Industry Crisis: The 20th Century and Phylloxera

Despite its growth and development during the 19th century, Mendoza's wine industry suffered a serious crisis at the beginning of the 20th century due to the arrival of phylloxera, a devastating insect that attacked the region's vineyards and destroyed much of the European vines. The phylloxera epidemic forced Mendoza's winegrowers to rethink their approach and look for innovative solutions to protect their crops. Many began to graft European vines onto phylloxera-resistant rootstocks, allowing the gradual recovery of Mendoza's wine industry.

The Modern Era: The Revival of Mendoza Wine

The 21st century has seen an impressive resurgence in Mendoza’s wine industry, with a renewed focus on quality, innovation and sustainability. Mendoza wineries have invested in cutting-edge technology and sustainable farming practices to improve the quality of their wines and protect the environment. At the same time, they have explored new grape varieties and winemaking styles to meet the changing demands of the global market.

Today, Mendoza wines are acclaimed worldwide for their exceptional quality, diversity and distinctive character. From elegant Malbecs to refreshing Torrontés, the region offers a wide range of options to suit all tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer to explore the smaller boutique wineries or visit the large, internationally recognised wine houses, Mendoza has something for every wine lover.

In conclusion, the history of Mendoza wine is one of tradition, innovation and passion that has stood the test of time. From its humble beginnings in the vineyards of indigenous peoples to its place on the world wine stage, Mendoza's wine industry has gone through numerous challenges and triumphs over the centuries. Today, it continues to be a source of pride and prosperity for the region.