In spite of the great latitudinal amplitude that this region presents, the crop is concentrated in the valleys, so that the surface that meets the required irrigation and altitude conditions is not very large. Indeed, this region represents 5.70% of the country’s vineyards.

The Calchaquíes Valleys are the most famous of the region, denominating thus the group of deep valleys, to high altitude, that form the mountain ranges to the west of Salta, including also the northwest of Tucumán and the north of Catamarca. It covers: La Poma, Cachi, Molinos, Angastaco, San Carlos and Cafayate in the province of Salta, the town of Amaicha and Colalao in Tucumán and Santa María in Catamarca.

Of warm weather, with remarkable thermal amplitudes and extraordinary atmospheric diaphaneity. The summers are long. Occasionally late frosts occur in spring, although the frost-free period is broad, ranging from the months of October to April.

The soils are generally sandy-loam or sandy with a high proportion of fine sand. The profile of the soil is deep with a somewhat rocky subsoil that ensures excellent permeability and the leaching of harmful salts.

Irrigation water comes mainly from the Calchaquí and Santa María rivers and from numerous tributaries of these collectors. Subsoil water is also captured through drilling.