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A Journey Through Argentina’s Great Wine Valleys
Join us for an evening of discovery as we explore ten exceptional wines that define a drop of the character and complexity of Argentina. “Ascent into Argentina: Wines of the Valley” invites you to experience the diversity of this remarkable country, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza to the cool, windswept plains of Patagonia and the Rio Negro Valley.
We will highlight celebrated estates such as Familia Zuccardi, Catena Zapata, and El Enemigo, alongside other producers whose craftsmanship captures the innovation and authenticity of Argentine winemaking. The tasting will feature bold Malbecs, refreshing whites, and three uniquely Argentinian varietals, concluding with a wine that bridges old-world heritage and new-world creativity.
To complement the wines, guests will enjoy thoughtfully selected snack pairings designed to bring out the best in each pour.
Exploring Terroir and Tradition
The Mendoza Valley produces more than 75% of Argentina’s wine and serves as the beating heart of its viticultural identity. Shielded from Pacific moisture by the Andes Mountains, Mendoza’s vineyards thrive in an arid climate with intense sunlight, minimal rainfall, and irrigation fed by pure Andean snowmelt.
The region’s Uco Valley, in particular, has gained global acclaim for its high-altitude vineyards, where cool nights and alluvial limestone soils yield wines of remarkable tension, minerality, and balance. These conditions allow Argentine winemakers to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, deeply expressive of place.
Argentina’s wine story began with Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, but its transformation came in the 1800s when agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget introduced French varieties such as Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon under the guidance of Domingo Sarmiento. The immigrant families who followed established many of the iconic wineries we know today.
Modern pioneers like the Catena and Zuccardi families have elevated Argentina to international prominence through meticulous vineyard research and a focus on terroir-driven expression. As José Zuccardi once noted, “Each parcel can be vinified separately for ultimate freshness, vibrancy, and purity of fruit based on the place where they came from.”
Why Attend
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Taste ten thoughtfully selected wines from Argentina’s most iconic and emerging regions
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Learn about the families, terroirs, and winemaking philosophies shaping modern Argentina
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Enjoy approachable education for all experience levels
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Experience how Argentina delivers world-class quality with impressive value
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Mingle with fellow wine lovers in a warm, welcoming atmosphere
This will be an enjoyable evening that blends education, enjoyment, and exploration. Whether you are a longtime lover of Malbec or simply curious to taste what makes Argentina one of the world’s most dynamic wine regions, this event promises to entertain your palate and expand your appreciation of this vibrant wine nation.
Raise a glass with us as we ascend together into the valleys of Argentina.
Salud!
Essex Wine Society
Members: $95
Non-Members: $110
Location: 82 Union Street, Montclair, NJ 07042. Please be sure to secure a ticket before the day of the event as we cannot accept walk-in attendees. Ample parking in the rear of the building. Aperitif and appetizers to be served at 7:30pm and we will sit for the tasting at 8pm.
