Catching Golden Dorado, Discovering Malbec: A Non-Oenophile’s Adventure in Argentina
I am far from a wine snob or expert, but when someone puts a good vintage in front of me – particularly when it’s paired with a perfectly grilled steak – I understand what makes the oenophiles tick. After all, I’m an addict myself, it’s just that my addiction happens to be chasing exotic trophy fish.
That’s why our upcoming trip to Don Joaquin River Lodge in Corrientes, Argentina feels like the best of both worlds. It’s a chance to combine two of the country’s greatest treasures: world-class golden dorado fishing and Argentina’s legendary wines. As I’ve matured, I’ve learned through experience that the best fishing adventures aren’t only about what you catch: they’re about the culture, the people, and the flavors that make the destination unforgettable.
I’ll admit that I can’t tell wines apart without a scorecard or someone to guide me, but the wine is a big part of what made Argentina our next targeted destination. We’ll battle big golden dorado on bass tackle during the day, and then toast each other with Argentine wine when we get off the water. Think about joining us and you can do the same.
Why Argentina Means Wine (Even If Corrientes Isn’t Mendoza)
We’ll drink plenty of Argentina’s best wines during our stay, but it’s worth noting that Corrientes itself isn’t a wine-producing region. The climate and soil here are built for golden dorado fishing on the Paraná River, not grapevines. The heavy lifting on wine comes from elsewhere: Malbecs from Mendoza in the west, and crisp, floral Torrontés from the northwest.
Since I’m no expert, I’ve been brushing up. Here are a few resources that make it easy to dive in without getting overwhelmed:
And don’t forget -- we’ll spend at least a day in Buenos Aires on the way in or out. If there’s a varietal you’ve been curious about, or if you want to explore a wine shop stocked with bottles you’ll never find in the U.S., that’s your chance to go wild. The lodge will have a great selection on hand (trust me, they’re well stocked), but in the capital you can broaden your palate, pick up a few favorites, and maybe even bring a bottle or two home.
Golden Dorado, Gauchos, and a Glass of Malbec
One of the biggest reasons we chose Don Joaquin River Lodge in Corrientes, Argentina is that it offers more than just incredible golden dorado fishing. It delivers the full gaucho experience. Sure, there are other outfitters with access to quality dorado fisheries, but some of them feel like you could just as easily be fishing an urban river back home. At Don Joaquin, the scenery, the wildlife, and the culture remind you with every cast and with every sip that you’re someplace truly different.
Of course, the fishing comes first, because if it weren’t world-class, we wouldn’t be making the trip. But what makes it extra special is what happens after the rods are put down for the evening. Imagine sinking into a deep leather chair, stretching out by the pool, or watching gauchos prepare grass-fed Argentine beef over an open fire. Add a bottle of Argentine Malbec to the mix, and you realize quickly that you’re not in Kansas anymore. This is authentic Argentina.
And while it might end up being a guys’ trip for some, Don Joaquin River Lodge shines for couples and non-anglers, too. Birding, horseback riding, and just soaking up the Corrientes landscape are all on the menu. Then, when everyone regroups at the lodge in the evening, a glass (or three) of exceptional Argentine wine becomes the perfect companion for swapping stories, whether they’re about a dorado that got away or a horseback trail through the pampas.
Beyond Corrientes: A Perfect Travel Pairing
If you’ve already made the journey to the southern end of South America, why not stretch it a few more days and get the full picture of what Argentina has to offer? Before or after battling golden dorado in Corrientes at Don Joaquin River Lodge, you can add on a stay in Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of South America.” Even a couple of days in the capital won’t be enough to see (or drink) everything on your list, but it’s the perfect way to ease into or wind down from a fishing adventure.
And if you want to pair world-class fishing with a wine country experience, that’s easy to arrange. Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s Malbec production, offers vineyard tours, tastings, and views of the Andes that are every bit as memorable as a big dorado strike. For something different, you could follow the Torrontés Wine Route in the northwest, where crisp, floral whites thrive in high-altitude valleys.
Here are a few resources to help you explore:
Whether it’s sipping Malbec at the source in Mendoza, discovering Torrontés in Cafayate, or simply enjoying Buenos Aires’ café and wine culture, Argentina offers the chance to make your fishing trip a complete cultural journey.
For anglers, this is a shot at world-class dorado fishing in waters that are still wild and unspoiled. For couples and non-anglers, it’s a chance to savor birding, horseback riding, and Argentina’s legendary food and wine culture. And for everyone, it’s an opportunity to experience Argentina at its most authentic.
I may not be a wine expert, but this trip has all of the right ingredients to give me a buzz. Consider joining us at Don Joaquin River Lodge, and discover for yourself how perfectly golden dorado and Argentine Malbec pair together. I’ll pour the first glass.
