This unfamiliar region accounts for around two-thirds of the wine produced in Argentina, which as the world’s fifth biggest wine producer makes it quite a substantial player on the quiet. While for a long time the bulk of this production was of poor quality and consumed domestically, the winds of change are now blowing through this vast country. The greatest problem they face is the economic instability of the country but this has forced winemakers to look for an international market, the result being a necessary hike in quality. Mendoza has led the way in this revolution with many of the country’s top wineries practicing their craft here. The conditions here are extremely favourable for vine growing, with hot sun, poor soil and inventive irrigation systems that channel the Andean water down from the snowy peaks. Indigenous varieties are of particular interest; red grapes Malbec and Bonarda along with the white Torrontes are ones to look out for. With huge amounts of foreign investment taking place, this is an area to watch.