Valleys of Chile

LIMARÍ VALLEY

The oenological potential of this valley, located in the IV Region, became known some years ago through its first varietal icons: some fresh, flinty Chardonnays and aromatic, expressive Syrahs. Young vineyards embellish the Elqui valleys and hills, an area with a long-standing tourist tradition involving esotericism and astrology.

This region offers interesting tourist attractions, including the beautiful La Serena and Coquimbo cities – highly popular tourist spots with restaurants, hotels, a casino and endless stretches of semi-desert beaches. The Limarí Valley also offers cultural attractions such as colonial architecture and a mythical trip to Montegrande, where Nobel Prize awardee Gabriela Mistral was raised.

Photo: Courtesy of Viña Tabalí.

ACONCAGUA VALLEY

The Aconcagua Valley has a long-standing wine tradition that dates back to the time when the first families settled in the area and grew fruit groves and vine arbors, which are still standing today.

Red grape varieties have been grown for a long time, but the good performance of some white grape varieties recently grown along the coastal area reveals the potential of this valley for whites as well.

Regarding tourist options, in addition to its traditional wine route, this area has the advantage of being close to the popular Santiago and Valparaíso cities. It also offers an enriching wine tourism experience that brings together history, culture and winemaking, since it has inherited a unique colonial tradition.

In this valley tourists may have the chance to go horseback riding in the mountains, fly-fish on the upper course of the Aconcagua River and raft on its lower course, or indulge in a wide variety of local specialties. Serranía del Ciprés and San Francisco de Los Andes Park are places that should not be missed.

Photo: Courtesy of Viñedos Seña.

CASABLANCA VALLEY

The first vines were planted around mid 1980 and rapidly brought about changes in the wine history of the country. Since then, the old coastal plain lying by the road from Santiago to Valparaíso became the home to crisp, fresh, white Chilean wines. The characteristics of its soil and climate favored the production of top quality Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties.

In only slightly more than a decade, Casablanca Valley became an attractive tourist spot in the region, ranking second in number of annual visits. Its wines have their own denomination of origin, and its wine route serves to promote wine tourism.

Vineyard restaurants have greatly contributed to the development of this market by offering signature cuisine, tasting rooms and wine shops, among other services.

Photo: Courtesy of Loma Larga Vineyards.

SAN ANTONIO / LEYDA VALLEY

In this new wine region, vineyards climb up the rolling hills and stretch as far as only a few kilometers away from the sea to render fine crisply acid white wines with great mineral freshness and delicious, spicy red wines.

Although San Antonio’s wine history is quite recent, it has already proven to be ideal for varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

In addition, Leyda offers interesting and inviting wine experiences in the peacefulness of the Chilean vineyards.

Photo: Courtesy of Viña Casa Marín.

MAIPO VALLEY

One of the most traditional wine-producing areas in Chile, the Maipo Valley is located in the Central Valley, where the first grapevines were introduced by the Spanish Conquistadors. There, sheltered by the Mediterranean climate and favorable soil conditions of the Andes and Coastal mountainside, the vineyards yielded the first musts.

Most of the country’s top wines are sourced from this land, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, which stands out for its intense color and delicate aromas, and for its incredible capacity to retain minerals. It also has good potential for the production of Syrah and Chardonnay.

Due to its natural assets (closeness to Santiago city, variety of winemaking styles and several hotel and restaurant options), tourism has come almost as a given in this valley, which attracts the largest number of visitors.

Typical sites worth visiting are the Maipo Island, famous for its native heritage and rural essence, and Calera de Tango, well-known for its colonial-style buildings, among other attractions.

Photo: Courtesy of Viña Carmen.

COLCHAGUA VALLEY

This is one of the most popular wine regions in Chile, famous for its full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah and Malbec.

With over 500 years of history, Colchagua is the heart of Chilean rural traditions and culture. Its beautiful landscape is surrounded by foothills that preserve their native flora and fauna and stand against the imposing backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

Traditional culture plays a very important role in tourism development. Chimbarongo and Lolol are traditional spots where visitors can see the colonial architecture and archeological past of the city.

Viewed as a tourist destination, this is the most sought-after valley due to the various options available in terms of wine, gastronomy and hotels. The traditional vintage festival and the wine train are also among its tourist attractions.

Photo: Courtesy of Viña Los Vascos.

CACHAPOAL VALLEY

Located less than 60 miles away from Santiago, this valley is flanked by the Andes and Coastal Mountains and is divided into two different winegrowing areas. One lies by the Andean foothills and produces Cabernet Sauvignon. The other receives maritime breezes that enter the valley over the low heights of the Coastal Mountains and keep the vineyards cool, at an ideal temperature for the production of Carménère and Merlot.

Among the countless options to choose from and enjoy are Rancagua, the tourist hub and historical capital, with its regional museum and Rapel Lake, a beautiful natural spot to practice water sports. In addition, the valley’s wine route offers various outdoor activities such as horseback riding, barbecues and mountain biking.

Photo: Courtesy of Viña Gracia de Chile.

CURICÓ VALLEY

Curicó is the third largest wine region in Chile, with viticulture as its main activity.

This valley is characterized by the diversity of its soils and climate, which allows for the development of a greater diversity of red and white grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carménère, Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling, among others.

Los Queñes, Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve, and the architecture and historic monuments of the city may be counted among its tourist attractions. The various circuits around the vineyards combine technology and tradition, including tours to see the vinification process and visit wineries of the area, haciendas (old estates) and old parks.

Among the most important milestones of its tourist offer are the vintage festival, celebrated in March, and its rich and varied local gastronomy.

Photo: Courtesy of Ruta del Vino Valles de Curicó.

MAULE VALLEY

This valley is located in the southernmost point of the Central Valley, and has a long-standing winemaking tradition that dates back to colonial times. The white varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier, and the red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Carignan and of course, Carménère, are some of the varieties produced in this large valley.

With its abundant fauna and flora, this valley is a tourist destination by nature and has recently become a wine producing area. However, its wine route has already promoted numerous initiatives like tastings and other activities. The Wine Festival and Carménère Night are the signature events of the area.

Altos de Lircay National Reserve and Los Descabezados and Quizapú volcanoes are interesting options that invite visitors to enjoy the natural landscape, as well as the rich and varied local gastronomy.

Photo: Courtesy of Viña San Pedro.

BÍO BÍO VALLEY

This valley is characterized by its volcanic soils, valleys and native forests, which stand side by side the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. Here, viticulture requires more patience, skill and nerve than in any other valley. Yet, the daring efforts of a few, who decided to invest in the area and are planting cool-climate varieties, have paid off in exciting wines with fresh, natural acidity.

Almost all the Bío Bío Valley tourist attractions are linked to the sea. It is also an important regional capital and a cultural, academic, industrial, commercial and financial center.

Photo: Courtesy of Viña Agustinos.