Argentina: Harvest Report 2026

Argentina’s 2026 harvest is nearly complete, with producers reporting lower yields in key regions like Mendoza due to a combination of climatic events, including hail and frost damage, and other factors. The vintage was characterized by cooler-than-average temperatures and increased summer rainfall.

Early indications across Argentina’s wine regions point to excellent quality potential for both red and white wines. The cooler vintage conditions during the growing season favored extended ripening, resulting in wines with tension and notable aromatic expression.

Mendoza

Growing Season Overview

Spring budbreak came late in the Uco Valley. Frost and snow hit vineyards above 4,500 feet, while late September hail caused damage in the southern sub-regions.

Summer temperatures were moderate with no heat spikes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly.

“The general feeling regarding this vintage is that this is a cool season. It reminds us of 2022. During the harvest, we received an average amount of rain, maybe slightly more, but it was not enough to put at risk any variety or to change any harvest decision,” says Sebastian Zuccardi, Winemaking Director at Zuccardi Valle de Uco, who sources grapes from vineyards in Paraje Altamira, Gualtallary, and San Pablo.

In Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, frost was registered before budbreak decreasing yields between 15-20% affecting mainly early budding varieties, informs Pablo Cúneo, Head Winemaker at Luigi Bosca.

No frost after budbreak, but heavy rain and hail from September to December affected some vineyards.

The summer was colder and humid than usual. Luigi Bosca’s Finca Los Nobles in Vistalba saw 42% more rain than in 2025.

However, the winemaker explained that the weather was favorable from a temperature perspective. “It was a cool harvest, which allowed full ripening while preserving aromas, color, and good acidity.”

Harvest Timing

Across regions, harvest began 7-10 days later than the previous year. But the steady conditions allowed for gradual ripening and a smooth harvest rhythm, which producers welcomed after 2025’s interrupted season.

“The pace of the 2026 harvest was steady and continuous… It was slightly faster for whites and slightly slower for reds,” says Cúneo.

Yields

Preliminary estimates showed a 15% decrease in yields compared to 2025.

Luigi Bosca’s winemaker reports white grape yields down 17-20% due to pre-budbreak frost and cool temperatures during fruit set, which produced lighter, looser clusters. Malbec yields varied significantly depending on the area. Some vineyards showed similar yields to 2025, while cooler areas saw reductions of up to 50% or more.

He adds that the combination of naturally lower yields and cool conditions benefitted the profiles of both white and red grapes. In red wines, this resulted in thick skins, high color concentration, and firm tannins.

Zuccardi reports hail damage was limited to specific vineyards in the Uco Valley where they did see a decrease of 15% compared to the previous year. In unharmed vineyards yields were higher.

Salta and Patagonia

Contrary to what happened in Mendoza, which concentrates around 75% percent of the wine production, yields varied across the country. Provinces like San Juan saw an increase of 3% in yields compared to 2025.

In the Cafayate Valley, yields were 20% higher, according to Alejandro Nesman, winemaker at Piattelli Vineyards. The growing season proceeded without significant weather events. “It was a cool season, with lower degree days than the previous one,” he says.

In Patagonia, Nicolás Navío, a consulting winemaker based in the region, reports a warm, dry growing season that pushed harvest dates earlier than usual. Frost in October and wind damage reduced yields significantly. “In San Patricio del Chañar [Neuquen province] the yields were 15-20% lower,” he says.

Early Impressions

Winemakers are optimistic about 2026, with grape quality exceeding expectations despite lower yields.

Navío expects wines with lower alcohol levels and good structure. Nesman is satisfied with the quality of the wines, the strong yields, and the aromatic intensity.

The season’s cooler temperatures created ideal conditions in Mendoza. “Among whites, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc stand out. In reds, quality is strong across all varieties,” says Cúneo.

Zuccardi points to slow ripening, the high level of acidity, and low pH as defining characteristics of the vintage. “It’s an exceptional harvest,” he adds. “I am delighted with the finesse, energy, and freshness of the wines this year.”

Low Yields, High Expectations

The National Institute of Viticulture reports that as of April 12, harvested grapes are 9.5% below 2025 levels. Beyond the weather events that affected some regions, the smaller harvest reflects broader market dynamics—weakening demand tied to generational consumption trends and economic challenges both globally and domestically.

Despite lower volumes, 2026 is shaping up as a quality vintage. The cool season gave producers time to work with precision, allowing them to pick at optimal ripeness. Early indications point to wines with aromatic elegance and tension, a refined style over ripe fruit expression.