Maule Valley

Maule Valley

Chile’s largest and most diverse valley, the Maule Valley, is composed of three distinct sectors. The variety of wines produced in this valley allows bright, fruity reds from noble stock as well as unique wines made from the fruit of ancient bush vines that for many years were used for homemade table wines, but not generally showcased by seasoned winemakers. These wines, made from grapes such as Carignan and Uva País have caused many critics to rethink their opinion of these so-called rustic varietals. 

Itata Valley

Slow but steady is the key phrase in Chile’s oldest wine region, the Itata Valley. Grapes were first brought into the country through the port near Concepción and made their way overland to the capital in the mid-16th century. Hot summers and very wet, cold winters presented challenges to noble varieties that have only been overcome with recent technology. A small, but dedicated group of growers are producing wines for export as well as for local consumption. 

Bío Bío & Malleco Valleys

Although experimental vineyards are making headway further south, Bío Bío & Malleco Valleys, about 650 kilometers south of Santiago, remain Chile’s viticultural southern extreme, for all practical purposes. Volatile weather conditions make attention to detail crucial for winegrowers, but the region is proving very exciting for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc wines. This is a region to keep an eye on as young vineyards start producing what growers expect to be exceptional cool-climate wines.