Located to the north of Mendoza, the predominant grape in San Juan is Syrah; Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Bonarda, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Bland and Viognier are also planted here. The vineyards are located in five valleys: Tulum, Ullum, Zonda, Pedernal and Calingasta, with Tulum Valley being the most important. The soils here are alluvial, with sand and clay, and the weather here is warm and very dry, with very little precipitation; there is a much lower risk of late freezes and hail here than in Mendoza.