Bodega El Esteco
At nearly 1,700 meters above sea level in Salta’s Calchaquí Valleys, El Esteco Winery crafts bold wines under extreme conditions — including high altitude, wide thermal amplitude, and mineral-rich soils — and its colonial architecture reflects the legacy of Creole winemaking tradition.
El Esteco Winery, founded in 1892 by the Michel brothers from France, is a landmark in the Cafayate Valley, nestled in the legendary Calchaquí Valleys. This historic estate merges tradition and modernity, producing wines that reflect the uniqueness of its high-altitude terroir (1,700 meters above sea level), intense sunlight, cool nights, and arid, sandy soils.
El Esteco cultivates some of the region’s oldest vineyards — including Criolla and Torrontés vines over 70 years old — anchoring its deep connection to Argentina’s winemaking heritage. Signature blends such as Altimus and Don David Reserva showcase the full expression of this exceptional landscape.
Surrounded by a monumental backdrop of mountains and vineyards, its colonial-style architecture reinforces El Esteco’s identity as a bridge between ancient culture and modern enology.
🏅Prêmios de Destaque – Bodega El Esteco
- Medalha de Prata – Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 para o El Esteco Malbec 2023, na categoria Vinhos Tranquilos (Vintage/Non-Vintage), com 89 pontos.
- Reconhecimentos em concursos internacionais: seus rótulos foram premiados com medalhas de ouro e prata em competições renomadas, como o Challenge International Du Vin e o International Wine & Spirit Competition.
- Travellers' Choice Award 2021 concedido pelos usuários do Tripadvisor, destacando a excelência do enoturismo e da hospitalidade da bodega.
📞 Contact & Reservations – Bodega El Esteco
Address
National Route No. 40 and Provincial Route No. 33
Cafayate, Calchaquí Valleys, Salta, Argentina
Phone
+54 3868 421 133
E‑mail
info@elesteco.com.ar
Social Media
Instagram: @elestecowines
Facebook: Bodega El Esteco
Website
👉 Discover the wines of Bodega El Esteco
📞 Contato e Reservas – Bodega El Esteco
Endereço
Ruta Nacional Nº 40 e Ruta Provincial Nº 33
Cafayate, Vales Calchaquíes, Salta, Argentina
Telefone
+54 3868 421 133
E‑mail
info@elesteco.com.ar
Redes Sociais
Instagram: @elestecowines
Facebook: Bodega El Esteco
Site Oficial
👉 Descubra os vinhos da Bodega El Esteco
Experiences
Restaurant & Gastronomy
Located at the Patios de Cafayate hotel, the restaurant offers a true immersion into the cuisine of northern Argentina. Traditional dishes made with local ingredients are elegantly presented and perfectly paired with the winery’s premium wines. Just steps from the vineyards, the colonial setting enhances this unique sensory and cultural experience.
Accommodation – Patios de Cafayate Wine Hotel
Located within the winery's colonial estate, the hotel offers a luxurious and tranquil experience with direct views of the vineyards, gardens, and surrounding mountains. The building, dating back to the 17th century, blends colonial elegance with modern comfort, featuring 32 rooms and suites decorated with artisanal elements and regional design details.
The stay includes immersive experiences tied to wine and the region: guided tastings, local gastronomy in the on-site restaurant, and access to shared spaces such as charming courtyards, a swimming pool, and dreamy gardens. Perfect for both relaxation seekers and wine lovers eager to dive into the spirit of Salta’s high-altitude wines.
Visits and Tastings
The guided tour offers a look inside the winery, ending with a curated tasting of wines crafted from its high-altitude micro terroir.
- Terroir Selection – 1700 masl: Blanc de Blancs, Malbec, Old Vines 1947 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fincas Notables Cabernet Franc.
- Extremes Selection: Wines from 1700 and 2000 masl: Old Vines Malbec, Fincas Notables Merlot, Altimus Blend, and Chañar Punco Blend.
Noches Mágicas
One of the winery’s most iconic experiences: it begins with a sunset wine tasting, followed by a walk through the vineyards, and concludes with an open fire under the stars, accompanied by regional empanadas, cheese, and select wines. Available daily from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., reservation required. Limited capacity. Minimum age: 18.
Copas de Altura – Wine Dispenser Experience
No reservation needed: visitors can sample 8 premium labels at ideal temperatures and servings, with guidance from in-house experts. Cheese pairings included. Available from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m..
Horseback riding and cycling
Rutas de Altura
An adventurous proposal that invites you to explore the vineyards on horseback with an expert wine tourism guide, concluding with a tasting and cheese platter. This experience is available on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m., with a maximum of 8 participants and requires prior reservation.