Bodegas Graffigna, Historic winery in San Juan, Argentina

Bodegas Graffigna is a winery in San Juan, Argentina, founded by Santiago Graffigna in 1876. Its vineyards lie in the Tulúm Valley, including Pocito at 600 m and Cañada Honda at 1,200 m, with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah and Chardonnay. The site includes the Museo Santiago Graffigna, opened in November 2003, with a historic room, old offices and a chapel replica.

Juan Graffigna arrived from Italy in 1865 with European grape varieties, and his nephew Santiago began winemaking in 1876, selling generic reds and whites in casks and the fortified 'Don Santiago' port. The arrival of the railway in San Juan in 1885 multiplied sales tenfold and brought modern machinery. The Santiago Graffigna Museum opened in November 2003.

The winery has a museum where visitors can see how wine became part of everyday life in the San Juan valley. Old barrels, tools, and photographs from the early days of production are displayed throughout the space.

Tours are generally available on weekdays when staff are present and production areas are active. The site has old buildings with uneven floors and stairs, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.

Part of the wine production in San Juan relies on grapes grown on pergola-style trellises, a traditional method typical of this region and different from how most of Argentina grows its vines. This system shelters the grapes from the intense highland sun, which directly shapes the flavor of the wines.