Wine Sales in Argentina Rise as White Wines Lead Export Opportunities

Wine sales in Argentina grew in 2025, according to the Argentine Wine Corporation (COVIAR), which reported that white wines, concentrated grape juice, raisins, and fresh grapes are now seen as key export opportunities for 2026. The sector is also making progress in sustainability, with more than 26 wineries across 14 provinces having obtained sustainability certifications. These achievements are part of a broader strategy to improve competitiveness and access to international markets.

COVIAR’s latest data shows that retail wine sales increased last year, with kiosks and small stores driving much of the growth. White wines have emerged as a strong opportunity for Argentina, reflecting global consumption trends. Concentrated grape juice, raisins, and fresh grapes are also expected to play a significant role in exports this year.

Sustainability has become a central requirement for global competitiveness in the wine industry. Mario González, president of COVIAR, stated that sustainability is no longer just an aspiration but a basic condition for competing internationally. The organization’s program has enabled wineries of different sizes to improve their production processes and certify standards that help them stand out in foreign markets. COVIAR is also working with Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that its sustainability seal is recognized by major wine importers.

The sector’s focus on sustainability aligns with the goals of the Strategic Wine Plan 2030 (PEVI), which aims to boost export competitiveness, market access, and added value. The plan emphasizes environmental, economic, and social sustainability as essential pillars for the future of Argentine wine.

To support these efforts, COVIAR is promoting agreements with the Federal Investment Council (CFI) to foster federal development, training, and promotion within the industry. These agreements will be formalized during the annual COVIAR Breakfast event on March 7, which will bring together more than 260 journalists, national and provincial officials, scientists, legislators from various political parties, mayors from wine-producing provinces, governors, and members of the national cabinet involved in production and regional economies. The event will be broadcast live on COVIAR’s official YouTube channel.

During the breakfast event, new agreements will be signed to continue programs focused on sustainable development and strengthening the competitiveness of the wine sector. These include training for technical professionals, research on production and environmental factors affecting viticulture, promotion of Argentine wine products both locally and internationally, access to financing tools and technical assistance for vineyard development, and support for sustainable wine tourism through province-specific initiatives.

A new agreement will also launch a program to promote and position Torrontés Riojano—a native Argentine white grape variety—aimed at increasing its competitiveness and expanding its presence in domestic and international markets. This initiative seeks to strengthen Torrontés Riojano’s contribution to economic and tourism development in Argentina’s wine-producing provinces.

COVIAR operates as a public-private entity responsible for managing actions under the Strategic Wine Plan 2030. Its mission is to transform Argentina’s wine sector by promoting integration across the production chain and encouraging innovation in products and processes. The organization works to maintain and expand both domestic and international markets while supporting sustained sector growth.

The Argentine wine industry faces ongoing macroeconomic challenges but sees clear signs of recovery and opportunity as it heads into 2026. Certified sustainability practices, renewed domestic sales growth, and new export prospects in white wines and grape derivatives are shaping a forward-looking strategy shared across the sector. With continued collaboration between public institutions and private companies, Argentina aims to consolidate its position as a competitive player in the global wine market.