VITICULTURE IN ARGENTINA
The history of Viticulture in Argentina goes back to colonial times, as the cultivation of the vine was closely associated with agricultural practices of the Spanish settlers.
The first varieties of Vitis vinifera arrived in mid-sixteenth century to Cuzco (Peru), from there spread into to Chile and in 1551 were introduced in Argentina.
Vitis vinifera cultivation was promoted by the consumption of wine and raisins, as a calorie food for the soldiers and Catholic missionaries introduced vineyards, in order to produce wine, which was required for celebrating Mass.
In the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan the first vineyards were planted between 1569 and 1589, and this was the starting point of a large agro industrial development that was transformed this arid area into a vast green oasis.
Currently, Argentina has 225,846 hectares under grape production, with an average production on the last 10 year of 2.400.000 tons of grape.