The Chilean vineyards and wineries have a long standing tradition of over 460 years, and they can be found from Elqui to Malleco Valley, and from the Andes to the sea.  The extention of the plantations and the variety of climates allows for a huge variety of wines.
The production area in Chile is divided in 15 valleys, each with particular characteristics.

Wine Routes

Most valleys, wineries, town councils, and other wine related organizations have worked together to create the wine routes. These are series of activities aimed at promoting the wine cultre, offering services with which tourists can get in touch with the local scenarios and make the most of their trips.
The most typical activites are:

• Wine tasting lessons.
• Fiesta de la Vendimia, where the grape harvest is celebrated.

Recommended books

• Tasting Chile: A Celebration of Authentic Chilean Foods and Wines (Hippocrene Cookbook Library), by Daniel Johelson
• Chilean Wine: The Heritage, A Journey from the Origins of the Vine to the Present, by Agustin Huneeus and Rodrigo Alvarado
• Vinos Chile/ Wines of Chile (Un Recorrido Por La Cava Y El Bar/ a Visit to the Wine Cellar and Bar) (Spanish Edition),  Norma editors 

Other websites

• Viñas de Chile: http://www.vinasdechile.cl/
• Chile Vinos (online store): http://www.chilevinos.com/

More Information

• 15 Health Benefits of Wine, According to Science: https://www.jenreviews.com/wine/

Valleys in Chile:

Northern Chile

Elqui Valley

Being one of the epicenters of astronomic tourism, Elqui Valley's clear skies let the sun shine over the vineyards during most of the year. The area is typical for its table winess, especially cbbernet sauvignon, but also for its fruit productiona. Pisco, a grape distilled, is an excellent drink and a very important part of the national gastronomic culture.

• Featured vineyards: Cavas del Valle, Falernia

• Featured destinations: Pisco Elqui

Limarí Valley

The first vines in this valley were planted in the XVIth century, and up to this day, the "camanchaca" (a sea originated fog) irrigates the vines at night, disappearing at sunrise. Its soils are strongly mineral, being cabernet sauvignon its largest production.

• Featured vineyards: Casa Tamaya, Maycas del Limarí.

• Featured destinations: Socos Thermal Springs, Fray Jorge National Park

Choapa Valley

Even though there area no wineries in this area (just vines), from Illapel to Salamanca you can find great quality Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, all of them with high acidity and low PH indexes.

Central Valley

Aconcagua Valley

Traditional purple grapes grow near the Aconcagua, America's highest mountain with 6.956 mts above sea leve.

• Featured vineyards: Errázuriz.

Casablanca Valley

Since the 80's, this area has been producing fresh, delicious wines, in a perfect environment for white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc.

• Featured vineyards: William Cole, Indómita, Viu Manent.

• Featured destinations: La Campana National Park

San Antonio / Leyda Valleys

Some of these vineyards are located just 4 km. away from the sea, a challenge to the vines and the wine that comes from them. The result is greatly refined white wines. Nevertheless, its red wines are also starting to stand out.

• Featured vineyards: Matetic, Casa Marín

Maipo Valley

Famous for its well balanced wines, the Alto Maipo Area produces the most emblematic Chilean Cabernets. It is one of the most ancient and diversified wine areas in our country.

• Featured vineyards: Chocalán, Concha y Toro.

• Featured destinations: Aculeo Lagoon, Río Clarillo National Reserve, Lagunillas Ski Center, Colina Thermal Springs

Cachapoal Valley

Capital of the Chilean agricultural activity, this area is remarkable for its red wine and carmenère production. These full-body fruit wines are produced in the Peumo area, near the coastal range.

• Featured vineyards: San José de Apalta, La Rosa.

• Featured destinations: El Morado National Monument, Palmas de Cocalán National Park, Río Cipreses National Reserve, Rapel Lake, Chapa Verde Ski Center, Cauquenes Thermal Springs.

Colchagua Valley

The south area of Rapel Valley is one of the most well known wine zones in Chile. Its wines are permannently in the world's best wine rankings, and its varieties are widely recognized: cabernet, carmenère, syrah, and malbec.

• Featured vineyards: Viñedos Orgánicos Emiliana, Las Niñas.

• Featured destinations: Pichilemu, Termas del Flaco.

Curicó Valley

Since the XIXth century, more than 30 types of grape have been cultivated in this valley. It all started when the Spanish wine merchant Miguel Torres made his first expeditions to the new world, which attracted investments and, in time, turned this area into a true wine paradise. 

• Featured vineyards: Miguel Torres, Aresti.

• Featured destinations: Vichuquén Lake, Laguna Lorca National Reserve.

Maule Valley

It is the largest and one of the oldest valleys in Chile. Its vines are cultivated in dry land, among which carignan, cabernet sauvignon and malbec stand out.

• Featured vineyards: Lomas de Cauquenes, Carta Vieja.

• Featured Destinations: Altos de Lircay National Reserve, Colbún Lake, Panimávida Thermal Springs, Quinamávida Thermal Springs.

Southern Chile

Itata Valley

Some of the most ancient vines in our country have been planted in the north area of the southern wine zone, near Concepción. This valley mixes the best of both world, joining tradition and modernity. Moscatel de Alejandría is its largest production. 

• Featured vineyards: Casanueva, Del Alba.

• Featured destinations: Chillán Thermal Springs.

Biobio Valley

Due to its constant rain and strong winds, this is one of the most challenging areas for winemakers. A variety of cold climate stocks have been planted, such as sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Pinot noir has also been giving very interesting results.

• Featured vineyards: Agustinos, Veranda.

• Featured destinations: Salto del Laja, Laguna del Laja National Park, Antuco Ski Center, Lleu Lleu Lake.

Malleco Valley

It is the southernmost wine area in Chile. Its Chardonnay has proven to be a great quality one, and the attempts with pinot noir seem to be very promising.

• Featured vineyards: SoldeSol