Kaiken

Kaiken is an Argentine winery, established in 2002 by Aurelio Montes, known from the Chilean winery Montes. With Kaiken, he followed his dream of harnessing the unique terroirs of Mendoza and creating wines that combine power, elegance, and the influence of the Andes. The name refers to the Patagonian wild goose that flies over the Andes, symbolizing his step towards Argentina.
With vineyards in Mendoza and Salta, Kaiken operates at altitudes of up to 1250 meters. The combination of warm days and cool nights ensures wines with freshness, structure, and concentration, where craftsmanship and terroir are central.
Read more about the different labels
Estate
The Estate line serves as the gateway to the Kaiken portfolio. These wines are characterized by a fruity profile, subtly enhanced by oak aging. The result is a range of classic, varietal-driven wines that are approachable and a pleasure to drink.
Ultra
Ultra is the heart of the winery. These wines offer exceptional concentration, structure, and depth. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay are selected from premium vineyards in Mendoza. The style is rich, modern, and refined, striking a balance between ripeness, freshness, and oak complexity. A perfect step up for those seeking luxury without the iconic price tag.
Indómito
The Indómito line is relaxed, modern, and made from grapes grown at high altitudes in Mendoza. The wines feature intense fruit, crisp acidity, and a pure, unpolished style. Think juicy Malbec, lively Cabernet Franc, and crisp Chardonnay. Accessible, energetic, and perfect as an introduction to the Kaiken signature.
Aventura
Aventura is Kaiken’s exploration line, which explores off-the-grid terroirs. The wines come from subregions such as Chacayes, Valle de Canota, and other mountainous areas of Mendoza. Expect powerful Malbecs with mineral tension, layered structure, and a distinct Andean character. A line for lovers of adventurous, terroir-driven wines.
Terroir Series
The Terroir Series brings together Argentina’s rich winemaking history and iconic grape varieties in wines full of character. This line focuses on grapes that have shaped the country, such as Malbec, Bonarda, and Petit Verdot, complemented by Torrontés. In terms of style, they offer more structure and depth than the Estate line, yet remain accessible and versatile.
Disobedience
Disobedience, a creation by Francis Mallmann and Kaiken, is a bold blend that breaks with traditional conventions. Mallmann is a renowned Argentine chef, so it’s safe to say that Disobedience is an excellent wine-pairing choice. This line is typically composed of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, delivering a rich, modern style with depth, ripe fruit, and soft tannins. It is a wine that embodies creativity and culinary finesse.
MAI
MAI is Kaiken’s iconic Malbec and ranks among Argentina’s very best. The grapes come from their oldest vineyards in Vistalba and are harvested by hand. The wine is aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels and then bottle-aged for another two years. The result: intense, powerful, silky smooth, and exceptionally complex.
Nude Rosé
Nude Rosé is a modern, crisp rosé with an aromatic profile and a soft, juicy texture. The wine features light red fruit notes and a subtle spiciness, making it perfect for warm days.
Sparkling
Kaiken produces elegant sparkling wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They are light-bodied, fresh, and feature soft brioche notes combined with citrus and red fruit.
Divina
Divina is Kaiken’s new premium white wine collection, sourced from some of Mendoza’s most prestigious terroirs. Featuring an elegant Chardonnay from Los Chacayes and a refined Torrontés from Gualtallary, Divina showcases a new side of the winery. Inspired by the art of living in the moment, the collection combines terroir expression, finesse, and contemporary enjoyment. Divina stands for elegance, character, and the power to turn fleeting moments into unforgettable memories.
Frankly
Frankly is Kaiken’s purest expression of Cabernet Franc. Sourced from a small plot in Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, this wine is all about authenticity, terroir, and minimal intervention. With intense aromas of cassis, ripe berries, and herbs, combined with a refined structure and a long, mineral finish, Frankly showcases what Cabernet Franc can be in its purest form: authentic, elegant, and uncomplicated.
Wines of Kaiken
The story of Kaiken
Pioneering Spirit on Both Sides of the Andes
Kaiken was born out of a pioneering spirit: Aurelio Montes literally crossed the Andes to harness Argentina’s potential. He brought Chilean technical expertise with him and combined it with the power of Argentine terroir, creating a unique wine style. Kaiken is constantly exploring new subregions such as Chacayes and Valle de Canota: areas that are now considered the most exciting terroirs in Mendoza. In this way, the brand remains true to its origins as a trailblazing explorer.
Craftsmanship & History
The winery is housed in a historic 1920s bodega in Vistalba, where tradition and modern craftsmanship come together. Here, all the grapes are harvested by hand and carefully processed, with great attention to precision and detail. The wines are made from fruit grown in their own vineyards, located in the best terroirs of Mendoza and Salta. This ensures that Kaiken remains a house where authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship are central to everything they create.
Respect for terroir
The winery deliberately selects terroirs where climate, soil, and altitude combine to create something exceptional. In Mendoza, they work on alluvial soils originating from the Andes, while in Salta, at extreme altitudes, the aromatic Torrontés truly comes into its own. They let natural conditions do the work as much as possible, with low yields and minimal intervention. As a result, every wine reflects the pure character of the Andes and the power of the Argentine landscape.
Sustainability & Biodynamics
At Kaiken, sustainability is all about restoring the vineyard’s natural balance. Parts of their vineyards are cultivated using biodynamic methods, which make the soil more active, vibrant, and resilient. The high elevation of their vineyards in Mendoza also creates natural conditions where cool nights, clean air, and strong airflow ensure healthy grapes with great concentration.