Discover Mendoza: Argentine Wine Pop-Up Tasting at Back Alley Wine Bar (Monday, January 12, 2026 – 4pm)

Back Alley Wine Bar is turning its attention to the foothills of the Andes with a focused tasting of three expressive wines from Mendoza, Argentina, each showcasing high-altitude vineyards, meticulous élevage, and food-friendly personality. On Monday, January 12, 2026, beginning at 4pm, explore a bright Viognier, a classic Malbec, and a deeply colored Petit Verdot that together trace Mendoza’s evolution from workhorse region to world-class origin.

A brief history of Argentine wine

Argentina’s wine story began with Spanish colonists in the 16th century, who planted vines around early settlements and mission sites, particularly in what would become Mendoza and San Juan. For centuries, production was largely geared toward local consumption, with rustic criolla varieties dominating vineyards and simple table wines filling the domestic market.
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In the 19th century, immigration from Italy, Spain, and France transformed viticulture as European growers brought know-how, capital, and preferred varieties such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bonarda. A key figure was French agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget, who introduced Malbec to Mendoza in 1853, recognizing how well it adapted to the region’s desert climate and alluvial soils.
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The building of railways and irrigation canals, along with stable demand from a growing population, fueled a boom: vineyard area in Argentina expanded from roughly 1,000 hectares in 1830 to around 45,000 by 1910, with Mendoza emerging as the country’s powerhouse. By the mid-20th century, however, overproduction and a focus on bulk wine led to stagnation, even as Malbec quietly entrenched itself as the country’s most emblematic grape.
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From the late 1980s onward, investment in quality, temperature-controlled cellars, and a renewed focus on high-altitude terroirs pushed Argentina onto the world stage. Vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley—often between 800 and 1,200 meters above sea level—deliver intense fruit with balancing acidity, helping Mendoza capture an international reputation for concentrated yet fresh wines, especially Malbec and increasingly refined whites and alternative reds like Petit Verdot.​

Meet the producers

Mil Piedras is a label associated with estate-grown fruit from a single vineyard in the Uco Valley, one of Mendoza’s most prestigious subregions, where rocky, well-drained soils and significant diurnal swings yield aromatic, energetic wines. The winery’s focus on site expression and value has made these bottlings a favorite introduction to high-altitude whites from Argentina.
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Sur de los Andes was founded by Guillermo Banfi in the early 2000s, sourcing grapes from carefully selected vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley that sit around 3,500 feet above sea level. By working with older vines and limiting yields, the project has become known for Malbecs that marry richness with lift, earning strong press for quality at accessible price points.
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Ruca Malen, based in Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo, is a modern winery that combines a strong hospitality program with terroir-focused winemaking, including a renowned restaurant overlooking the Andes. Its “Capítulo Dos” range, including Petit Verdot, showcases single-variety bottlings with a contemporary, polished style that has drawn international attention for elegance and balance.​

Wine Flight Preview: Tasting Notes

2022 Mil Piedras | Viognier

• Crafted from 100% Viognier grown in the elevated Uco Valley, this white offers aromas of honeysuckle, ripe apricot, and citrus peel over a supple, medium-bodied palate. Fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve freshness, it emphasizes fruit purity, gentle texture, and a clean, lingering finish.
• Pair with citrus-marinated shrimp, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, or salads with stone fruit and herbs; its aromatics and acidity complement delicate seafood and bright, seasonal dishes.​

2022 Sur de los Andes | Malbec

• Sourced from prime vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, this 100% Malbec shows juicy plum, blackberry, and cassis framed by notes of cocoa and sweet spice. The wine typically sees about a year in French oak, adding polish and structure while keeping the focus on vibrant, high-altitude fruit.
• Serve with grilled skirt steak and chimichurri, lamb empanadas, or roasted root vegetables; the wine’s ripe tannins and dark fruit make it a natural match for savory, charred flavors.​

2021 Ruca Malen | “Capítulo Dos” Petit Verdot

• This varietal Petit Verdot from Agrelo delivers intense blackcurrant, violet, and dark plum, with hints of espresso and graphite on a full, structured palate. Aging in French oak (often around 12–18 months) refines the tannins and layers in subtle toast and spice without overwhelming the grape’s floral, inky character.
• Pair with braised short ribs, slow-roasted beef, or aged hard cheeses; the wine’s depth and firm structure stand up beautifully to rich sauces and umami-driven dishes.​

Visiting the wineries

Mil Piedras (Benvenuto de la Serna) – Uco Valley, Mendoza
Website: https://www.benvenutodelaserna.com.ar (check for current visit options and reservations).​
Contact: Phone and direct tourism email are typically available via the winery’s website or distributor partners; inquire in advance for tastings and tours.​

Sur de los Andes – Mendoza, Argentina
Website: https://www.grapex.com/national-portfolio/sur-de-los-andes/​
Contact: Reach out through importer channels listed on the site for information on arranging visits or connecting with the winery team in Mendoza.​

Ruca Malen – Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Website: https://www.bodegarucamalen.com/en/​
Phone: +54 9 261 454 1236 / +54 261 413 8909 (listed contact numbers).​
Email: mendoza@bodegarucamalen.com (for tourism, restaurant, and visit bookings).​

Join this Mendoza-focused tasting at Back Alley Wine Bar on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 4pm, and explore how altitude, history, and thoughtful élevage shape three distinct expressions of Argentina’s modern wine landscape.

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Space is limited—early arrival recommended for best seating and flight availability!

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Mendoza Argentina Tasting at Back Alley Wine Bar

Event Details

Location: Back Alley Wine Bar, Prescott, AZ

Date: Monday, January 12, 2026

Time: Starting at 4pm (tasting flight available through the evening)

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