Argentina is the world's 5th largest wine producer and Mendoza has nearly three-quarters of the country's vines. The vineyards stretch from the foot of the Andes to over 1,200m (4,000ft) and in this very hot region the higher up the cooler it is - helping give Argentine wines their great character, especially the indigenous Torrontes and Malbec varietals.

Bodegas Cruz de Piedra, initially known as Bodega San Telmo, was founded in 1973 by Sigifredo Alonso and has pioneered single varietal wines in Argentina. The vines, at just over 30 years old, are in their prime, lending great depth and complexity to the wines. Their style, initially influenced by Sigifredos time spent with Californian winemakers, has a balance of old and new world character, an outlook also refected in the modernist Mediterranean architecture of the winery.

Fincas Paragonicas' Tapiz markets itself as “Argentine heritage with cosmopolitan flair” showcasing the extraordinary qualities of contemporary Argentine winemaking.The winery in Mendoza was built in 1999 when the Californian company Kendall Jackson expanded into Argentina. In 2003 the venture was bought by Fincas Patagonicas, owned by the Argentine family Ortiz, who already had vineyards in the region. They have successfully changed the direction of the Tapiz brand, from one aimed at the American market to a range of wines with international appeal.Tapiz is one of the most technological wineries in Argentina, that draws upon the best terroirs in Agrelo and the Uco Valley in Mendoza and also Cafayate, Salta.Tapiz has six vineyards in Mendoza of differing terroir (clay, sand, stone) and at varying heights - between 880 and 1400 meters. The 140 ha under production include both the expected national specialities - Malbec and Torrontes - and more 'international' varieties.