Malbec World Day Date in the current year: April 17, 2024

The history of viticulture and wine making in Argentina dates back to the 16th century, but the active development of the country’s wine industry began in the mid-19th century. In 1853, provincial governor (and future President of Argentina) Domingo Faustino Sarmiento tasked Michel Aimé Pouget, a French agronomist, to bring over new grape varieties from Europe. Among Pouget’s selection, was Malbec.

Malbec used to be widely cultivated in France, but it became less popular in Europe after 1956 when frost killed three quarters of the crop. In Argentina, however, it has become “a national variety”. Today, Malbec is the most widely planted red grape variety in the country, with most plantations accumulated in the Mendoza region.

In 2011, Wines of Argentina declared April 17 (the day when Pouget was supposedly tasked with bringing new grape varieties to Argentina) as Malbec World Day in order to promote Malbec as one of the country’s wine gems. The holiday is celebrated both in Argentine and abroad with events dedicated to Argentine wines, food and lifestyle.