LIVELY WINES OF A DESERT OASIS

In the local native language, Amalaya means “hope for a miracle,” an expression that captivated Donald Hess and inspired his first project in Argentina. That miracle was the discovery of water in the extreme high desert landscape of Argentina, which allowed for careful cultivation of vines on soil never sown before, not even by the Incas.

The iconic Argentine varieties that blend into the wines of Amalaya are grown in Cafayate, the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys in northwestern Argentina. This wine region holds the distinction of comprising some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world, sitting at elevations ranging from 1,700 up to 3,300 meters (5,570 to 10,825 feet).

The dry climate, significant daily temperature swings, and rocky, sandy soil together produce wines of unique style. With their intense fruity expression, crisp acidity, and freshness, their vibrancy echoes the splashes of color among the sandstone formations of the area, enlivening every occasion.