Founded in 1831 by the Spanish Governor of Salta, Nicolas Severo de Isasmendi, Bodega Colomé is the oldest working winery in Argentina. It was owned by the Isasmendi family for 170 years, until 2001, when visionary businessman Donald Hess purchased the historic winery, giving rise to the modern history of Bodegas Colome. With the first Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vines arriving from France in 1854 (pre-phylloxera), Colome has managed to find a perfect harmony between the unique terroir of the Calchaqui Valley and the rich history of the Malbec grape.
Located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, in the northwestern province of Salta, sits the high altitude valley of Calchaqui. With an average elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level, the vineyards of Bodegas Colome receive a truly unique experience, one that produces a wine unlike anything else in the world. The biodynamically farmed vineyards at Alto Valle Calchaquí range from 1700-3100 meters above sea level, boasting the title of the “World’s Highest Vineyards”. At this altitude the vines receive intense sunlight during the day, while remaining cool at night, creating deeply coloured, expressive wines, with crisp acidity. This diurnal temperature variation extends the growing season, leading to a more balanced finished wine. Bodega Colomé is certified sustainable.
The Hess Families dedication to both, the environment and the people that inhabit it, is displayed in the sustainable viticulture practices that Bodegas Colome employ, and the incredible social work that is done in and around the town of Colome. Their vision goes beyond the winery, striving to make a positive impact on the surrounding community by building a new church, community center, improving local housing, and employing over 400 of the villages inhabitants.