Just a few meters from the port of Berisso and less than 2 hours from Buenos Aires lies a little-known island . It seems frozen in time and surprises you with its nearly untouched natural beauty. But what’s most surprising—and something very few people know—is that this island near Buenos Aires is home to vineyards where wine is produced. Discover Isla Paulino and the wine of the Coast.
An island just a few kilometers from Buenos Aires where you’ll feel like you’re in the vineyards of Mendoza
Just over an hour from downtown Buenos Aires, you’ll find Isla Paulino. To get there, you’ll need to board a wooden shared boat at the port of Berisso, and once you disembark, you’ll find yourself far from concrete and noise, surrounded by lush vegetation, reed beds, and eucalyptus trees. Isla Paulino is a little-known island. It might remind you of the Tigre Delta with its wooden houses on stilts, the tranquility, and the river beach.
But this island stands out from the Tigre Islands because it—and others in the area—are home to hidden vineyards. It’s not the same landscape as Mendoza, but feeling surrounded by these vineyards on the Coast is quite an experience. It’s so close to the city! Some estates grow their own grapes and produce their own varieties of wine. Have you ever tried wine from the Coast?
What Is “Vino de la Costa”?
The island’s winemaking history dates back to the early 20th century, when Italian and Portuguese immigrants settled on the lands of Isla Paulino and discovered that the Isabella grape variety (also known as “uva chinche”) grew very well in that type of soil.
In recent years, a group of local producers, together with the National University of La Plata, revived the old grapevines and revitalized the tradition, achieving official certification as a Geographical Indication (GI) for “Vino de la Costa.”
Where to live the experience: The must-visit stop at Finca Isabella
To move from theory to tasting, the island’s must-see spot is Finca Isabella, where the winemakers themselves open their doors to guide you along the trails beneath the grapevines.
There, you can enjoy guided tastings right where the grapes are grown, hear directly from the owners about how the artisanal harvest is carried out, and pair your glasses of wine with country-style appetizers and homemade sweets.
Unlike the vineyards in Mendoza, the vineyards on Isla Paulino grow in a humid environment, resulting in a completely different, wild-style wine. It’s typically light, rustic, and aromatic, with a low alcohol content.
Quick Guide to the Getaway
- How to get there: Travel by car or bus to the Berisso Ferry Terminal (Av. Génova and Río de la Plata) and take the shared ferry to Isla Paulino (a 20-minute ride).
- What to bring: Insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and cash (digital payment options are limited on the island).
- Best time to visit: From November to April to see the vineyards laden with fruit and experience the artisanal grape harvest.
