How, where, and why people are eating in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as reported by our local team. Plus our "Quick Hits" for how to have the best culinary adventures in the city.

To call the drinking of yerba mate a fixation in parts of South America would be an understatement. Yerba mate (MAH-tey) in Argentina and Uruguay is consumed regularly by an estimated 98 percent of the population, and, like tea in other countries, has social and cultural significance and rituals associated with friendship, business relationships, leisure, hospitality, etiquette and national identity. As a social ritual, mate brewing requires a bit more than just yerba, the vessel (calabaza), straw (bombilla) and hot water (80 degrees C – 175 degrees F – is the usual temperature, but around 50 degrees C or 120 degrees F is preferred); if you are in a group setting, you’ll also need to know a bit of its language of respect and solidarity.

Buenos Aires is overflowing with places to drink wine — from natural wine specialists and stylish newcomers to a classic bar that’s been pouring since the ’90s. Here are the best wine bars to visit right now.