The Buenos Aires of the North
Editor’s Note: Below is a note from Diego Samper, the Bonner Private Wine Partnership’s intrepid wine explorer. Diego’s travels between Paris and Buenos Aires give him a unique perspective on Argentina’s culture, economy, and its remarkable wines. This week, he reflects on the spirit of Buenos Aires and the enduring magic of its wine making traditions. If you’re interested, don’t miss the chance to experience the wines he mentions – at an incredible discount just for Bonner Private Research subscribers. Bonner Private Wines is not yet able to ship orders outside the US.
By Diego Samper
The last year has been spent zigzagging between Paris and Buenos Aires, two cities separated by more than just geography. Paris, all elegance and refinement. Buenos Aires, raw, improvised, and alive.
The comparisons are inevitable, especially when you hear Buenos Aires called “the Paris of the South.” But these days, with strikes in France, rising inflation, and political unrest sweeping Europe, maybe it’s time to call Paris the Buenos Aires of the North.
This week, back in Buenos Aires, I’ve been trying to put my finger on what’s changing here. It’s not just the inflation—though 140% is a hard number to ignore—it’s the mood.
There’s a strange cocktail of resignation and optimism, as though the city is bracing itself for what comes next.
On my way to dinner one night, my taxi driver—a man in his 60s, full of the passionate energy you only find in Argentines—gave me the usual rundown of politics.
“Forty years of corruption,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s exhausting. But Milei is finally making changes.”
Then, with a grin, he added, “We’ve got great meat, you know? The asados here are probably the best in the world. And the wines—mamita!”
He threw up his hands in exaggerated joy.
“My cousin brings me Italian wines sometimes. They’re good, sure. But nothing beats a good Malbec and a steak. Now that’s Argentina!”
Taxi drivers here are like unofficial historians. They live and breathe the city in a way no economist or journalist ever will. His pride in Argentina’s simple, timeless pleasures mirrored what I’ve been sensing—a confidence that feels different this time.
But like everything in Buenos Aires, optimism doesn’t come without its contradictions.
Over dinner with an ex-UBS banker friend, turned full-time investor, the conversation inevitably turned to the economy.
“Now’s the time to buy property here,” he said, swirling his glass of Malbec. “It’s a third of the price of Paris. All cash, of course. But if credit comes back, there’s going to be a boom.”
At the same dinner, my friend who runs a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant shared how much he’s spending on the perfectly clear, fancy square ice for his welcome drinks.
“Do you know how much I’m paying for ice?” he asked, shaking his head. “A dollar per cube, on average.”
Then, with a resigned laugh, he added, “Adjustments are always easier on paper. But when it comes time to execute, it’s the people who bear the weight. For the government, it’s the public. For me, it’s my margins.”
It’s absurd, and yet entirely fitting for a place where resilience means finding humor in the chaos.
The peso, absurdly strong for now, only adds to the surrealism. It’s propped up artificially, but no one believes it will last.
Devaluation is inevitable; it’s a matter of when, not if.
And yet, here’s Buenos Aires, dancing through the uncertainty with the defiant energy it’s always had.
Sitting with a group of locals and expats, we reflected on the waves we’ve seen over the past 15 years of living in and out of this city: the booms, the busts, and the quiet in-betweens.
There’s a rhythm to it all, and somehow, it always finds its way back.
Investing in what we know
Argentina has always been a paradox for investors. The opportunities are immense: billions of dollars waiting to flow into mining, energy, and agriculture. The land is rich, and the potential is staggering. But it’s the uncertainty that holds everyone back.
Investments are easy to get into; the real challenge comes when you try to cash out.
For us, when we don’t know what to do, we stick to what we know—and what we understand.
And what we know is wine—Argentine wine.
Over the years, it’s proven to be a safe bet. But right now, it’s more than that: it’s an incredible value.
Wine prices in Argentina have skyrocketed. In some cases, our club members are getting wines better priced than what you’d pay walking down the streets of Buenos Aires.
We don’t know how long this will last, but for now, it’s the truth.
As my taxi driver said, this city feels like it’s finally making changes.
Wine has been our anchor, our constant in the chaos. It’s not just a product; it’s a connection—a way to bring Argentina’s resilience and spirit to people around the world.
If you haven’t tried our wines yet, give us a try.
In fact, our one-of-a-kind Argentine Collection features many of these incredible wines... Deals we’re proud to offer.
They’re a sneak peek into the richness of this country, a way to experience the best of Argentina from wherever you are.
Cheers to Buenos Aires—and to making sense of chaos one sip at a time.
Diego Samper
P.S. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to taste the heart and soul of Argentina, our wine club is your invitation... Each bottle tells the story of resilient winemakers who defy the odds to craft something extraordinary.
And as a special offer for Bonner Private Research readers, we’re offering $80 off & complimentary shipping…Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive a BONUS Argentine Tasting Kit… where you can truly taste the Calchaquí Valley, on US!
Bonner Private Research receives a small commission on any wines sold through this letter. We also regularly enjoy the Argentine Malbecs during the cold North American winter.