Chile's Wine Regions
Rutas del Vino, Vineyards, and Wine Regions in Chile
One of the world's top wine producing nations, Chile, has a well developed tourist infrastructure for those wishing to visit wineries and travel the many wine routes.
One of the world’s dominant wine producing nations, Chile has come unto its own in recent years thanks to the evolution of Carmenérè grape, which has fared far better than it ever did in Europe.
Chile’s grape growing regions are found mainly in the central regions of the country and are bordered by Atacama desert in the north, the Andes to the east, the Pacific to the west, and the glaciers of Patagonia to the south. The natural borders have protected vineyards from disease and the country is the only in the world to be free of mildew and phylloxera, which have devastated the world’s wine crop in recent years.
Although wine has been produced in Chile since colonial times, premium wines are a relatively new phenomenon. French technology reached Chilean shores in the last 50 years and since 1995 the total area of all vineyards has expended by more than 80 percent. Chile now makes up approximately five percent of the world’s harvest.
Chile’s wine regions are quite easy to reach from the capital of Santiago and extensive information on visiting each region and it’s vineyards is readily available. There are dozens of regions, but below you will find some of the most popular:
Maipo Valley
The vineyards in this popular wine region are probably the most visited because of their proximity to the capital. Although they can be visited on a day trip the vineyards are not small and insignificant. Two of Chile’s best known vineyards can be found here: Viña Cousiño Macul and Concha y Toro. Among the two Concha y Toro, near Pirque, is better known and produces the Concha y Toro, Don Melchor, and Casillero del Diabolo labels that are found in supermarkets around the world. For more information visit: www.valledelmaipo.com.
Casablanca Valley
Lately the Casablanca valley is being promoted as one of the alternative valleys as it sees less traffic but is well known by connoisseurs. White varietals such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Pinot Noir, are the highlights of this coastal valley between Santiago and Valparaíso. Temperatures don’t reach above 20°C during the vines vegetative period, creating excellent conditions for white wines. For more information visit: www.casablancavalley.cl.
Maule Valley
The Maule Valley, located near Talca just south of Santiago, is one of the most complete wine destinations in Chile. There are more cellars here than anywhere else in the country and the wine routes are the best organized. The Mediterranean climate between the foothills of the Andes and the Chilean plain produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenérè, and Merlot.For more information visit: www.valledelmaule.cl.
Colchagua Valley
The Colchagua Valley is the poshest wine region in Chile. This is where you will find spas, boutique hotels, and the best tasting rooms and restaurants. The region sits 152 kilometers south of Santiago, near the town of Santa Cruz. The best Carmenérè comes from here, as well as excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. For more information visit: www.colchaguavalley.cl.
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