Chile's Vines

Chilean Wine Regions

Chile is often described and "the winemaker's paradise" where the unique influences and proximity of the cold Pacific ocean and snow capped Andes Mountains combine with warm, temperate sunshine and low rainfall.

Chile's vineyard areas, stretching some 600kms to the north and south of the capital Santiago, are some of the most naturally beautiful and environmentally friendly on earth.

Elqui valley
The Elqui Valley's crystal clear skies make for star-filled nights and sun-drenched days. With vineyards at more than 6,500 feet aboove sea level, this is Chile's highest and northernmost wine region. Elqui's unique combination of geographic, geological, and climatic factors result in surprisingly fresh and spicy wines, including distinctive and impressive Syrah.

Aconcagua valley
Aconcagua is the last east-west transversal valley before the long, north-south Central Valley begins. Pure Andean water, a stable climate, clear skies, and low risk of frost create ideal conditions for winegrowing. Today the number of organic and biodynamic vineyards in the valley is increasing rapidly. Top varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carmenère.

Limarí & Choapa valleys
Ocean breezes blow inland and cool this otherwise hot, dry area. Clear skies, abundant sunshine, rain-free summers and frost-free springs contribute to rich red and crisp white wines such as Syrah and Chardonnay. The Choapa Valley is Chile's newest region and produces unique Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in rocky foothill soils 2700 feet above sea level.

Casablanca valley
With a clear maritime influence, Chile's first cool-climate wine region has produced crisp white Sauvignon and Chardonnay since the mid-1980s.
Early-morning fog keeps temperatures low and adds moisture in an otherwise dry terrain. Midday breezes clear the fog, allowing radiant sunshine to reach the vines and the temperatures to rise steadily throughout the afternoon.

San Antonio valley
One of Chile's youngest wine regions, San Antonio -- which includes Leyda -- is also the closest to the sea. A lack of fresh water, low temperatures, and thin soils make winegrowing a challenge, but pioneering wineries produce exciting cool-climate wines such as Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc with bright fruit, naturally high acidity, and a distinct mineral character.

Cachapoal valley
Just 100 km south of Santiago, the Cachapoal Valley has a long agricultural heritage. Winegrowing is a major industry, and nearly 90% of the wine grapes grown are red varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the valley's vineyards are close to the Andes, where broad temperature differentials and poor soils lead to many of Chile's finest premium wines.

Maipo valley
Santiago is home to one of Chile's most prominent wine regions. The valley is particularly known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, which comprises 60% of the more than 10,000 hectares planted here. Efforts have been made to define three sub-valleys: Alto Maipo near the Andes, Middle Maipo in the central plain, and Coastal Maipo to the west.

Colchagua valley
Most of Colchagua's wineries are grouped in the interior of the valley, where its warm climate is well-suited to red varieties. Many vineyards now seek out cooler conditions, however, and climb into the hills and extend west toward the sea. Colchagua produces rich Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Syrah, as well as some of South America's finest Malbec.

Curicó valley
The Curicó Valley is largely affected by the Coastal Range, which blocks the maritime influence and creates a continental effect. The result is a pronounced daytime-night time temperature differential that is very beneficial for flavour and aroma development, particularly in red wines. Curicó is Chile's largest producer of Sauvignon Blanc.

Itata valley
South of the Maule Valley the Coastal Range descends into the sea and the central plain widens. Traditional varieties still predominate in Itata -- believed to be Chile's first wine region, as the original vines entered through the
port of Concepción -- but adventurous growers are planting noble varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay with good results.

Maule valley
Chile's largest wine region reveals an interesting blend of tradition and innovation. Ancient vineyards dot the valley, and small-scale growers still dry-farm rustic bushy head-trained País vines. Newer vineyards with noble varieties give rise to unique and complex red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère thanks to the valley's vast diversity of climates and soils.

Bío Bío & Malleco valleys
These remote areas spark increasing interest as winemakers push the geographical limits for grape growing, and new vineyards and varieties continue to appear. Despite low temperatures, high rainfall, and high risk of frost, the results are impressive, and many wineries now source Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Riesling from the region for small quantities of exciting wines.

Source: Wines of Chile