Tarija

Overview

Tarija is Bolivia's largest and best-known wine region, producing the majority of the country's wine from vineyards that climb to 2,100 meters above sea level. Sheltered by a ring of hills just two degrees north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the valley enjoys warm days, cool nights, and intense ultraviolet light that thickens grape skins and concentrates flavors.

More than three-quarters of Tarija's production is red, with Tannat the most planted variety, followed by Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Torrontés and Chardonnay lead the whites. The region has grown rapidly in recent years and now hosts Bolivia's main wine tourism infrastructure, including bodegas, tasting rooms, and the Oriel Lea Plaza Airport.

Key Varietals

• TannatBolivia's signature red in Tarija, producing deeply colored wines with firm tannins and dark fruit.
• MalbecA plush, aromatic red that shows floral perfume and ripe black fruit at high altitude.
• Cabernet SauvignonA structured red benefiting from Tarija's warm days and rocky soils.
• TorrontésA fragrant white with citrus, jasmine, and peach aromatics and bright acidity.