With a long winemaking tradition, Chile has already dedicated more than two decades to promoting wine tourism. Today in Hispanic Entrepreneurs we answer the question of what is the wine route in Chile. A tour that will take you through the producing regions and the most important vineyards in the country.
We celebrate Wine Day!
Every year, on September 4, Chile celebrates National Wine Day. Celebration that was made official by decree in 2015 and with which the importance of this product in the country is recognized.
But why was this date chosen? The answer is related to a historical fact. It was on this day, but in 1545, when Pedro de Valdivia asked "vines and wines to evangelize Chile" from the then King of Spain.
Unknowingly, this was the first step in a long history of growing and fermenting grapes. Centuries later, Chile is among the world's largest producers of this drink, which became one of the country's main representatives abroad.
This is the day in which we celebrate this tradition and what better way to do it than to know the wine route in Chile.
Facts about wine in Chile
Do you know how much wine Chile produces? According to the latest report from Agricultural and Livestock Service production reached 1.033.722.888 liters. Of this figure, 85,9% corresponds to wines with a designation of origin; 11,8% to those without DO, and 2,3% to those produced with table grapes.
Next, we leave you other information that will surely interest you:
- Chile is the largest wine producer in the southern hemisphere and the fifth in the world according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
- Almost 2 million people in the world consume Chilean wine.
- According to the census of the National Institute of Statistics, in 2013 there were 339 productive wineries.
- 88,7% of the wineries produce wines with DO
- The first certified production of fermented grapes occurred in 1.555.
- The Maule Valley has the most extensive cultivated area, with about 31.000 hectares.
- The most extensive vineyard in the country is that of Concha y Toro, which has around 1090 hectares.
Meet the history of Viña SanRoke.
What is the wine route in Chile
That Chile is a world benchmark in wine production reflects that the territory has the ideal characteristics for it. This product has become the largest export and its economic importance is undeniable. However, it should be noted that its contribution also extends to other areas.
Today we refer to one of them, tourism. In the Chile wine regions Eleven wine routes have been established. This means that those interested can visit the vineyards and cellars, participate in tastings and other related activities.
These regions are also popular for grape harvest fairs and festivals.
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The routes are divided by region as follows:
Coquimbo region
Here are the routes of the valleys of Elqui and Limarí.
Elqui is not only a fertile land, but also stands out for its beauty thanks to its location in the foothills. The most widely grown vines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carménère and Chardonnay. Among the vineyards that can be visited is Cavas del Valle, where artisanal organic wines are produced.
Limarí has about 1700 hectares of cultivation, the largest dedicated to cabernet sauvignon.
Aconcagua wine region
For some this is disputed the title of best wine route in Chile along with Central Valley. Here is the Aconcagua Valley, which is popular for the production of syrah. In addition, there are several vineyards that have opened their doors to the public.
In the Casablanca Valley the initiative was taken to produce organic wines in the country and some of the best export wines are also produced here. This area is where the most white grapes are produced.
Finally, San Antonio, one of the newest wine regions and which has been certified by DO since 2002. Hard-to-find strains such as sauvignon blancs, chardonnays and pinot noirs are produced here.
Central Valley Wine Region
It is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic. Wine has been produced in the Maipo Valley since 1.555 and here are some of the vineyards such as Concha y Toro and Santa Rita, among others.
The Cachapoal Valley was the area chosen by French families to set up their wineries here and there are several vineyards open to the public.
In this region there is also the Colchagua wine route, the first in Chile and one of the most popular. One of the attractions is the wine train that runs for 40 minutes around the vineyards.
Curicó, located further south, is the second largest wine producer and its winemaking history begins in 1.800.
Maule is also in this region. Cultivation began in colonial times and dry cultivation still persists, in which the vines only receive rainwater.
Southern wine region
Here we find the Itata Valley. The production of white vines, table wines and high quality abounds here.
You already know what the wine route is in Chile. Like these, there are other regions with abundant production, but that still do not have established tourist routes.
