Chile is one of the world’s most exciting wine-producing countries, known for its high-quality wines, diverse terroirs, and excellent value. From the north’s sun-drenched valleys to the south’s cool-climate vineyards and hundreds of valleys in between, Chile produces bold reds, crisp whites, and unique varietals that have gained international acclaim.

Chile is a top-10 global wine producer and a leading exporter of quality wines. It was the sixth-largest producer in 2022 (after France, Italy, Spain, the USA, and Australia) and the fourth-largest wine exporter (after Italy, France, and Spain).

Its natural geography makes it an ideal wine-growing country. Bordered by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, it enjoys natural protection from pests and diseases, including the devastating phylloxera vine pest that affected much of the world.

The country’s climate is diverse, ranging from arid deserts in the north to cool, rainy conditions in the south. However, most of its wine regions benefit from a Mediterranean climate. This means hot and dry summers, which are perfect for ripening grapes. The cool coastal breeze helps maintain acidity and freshness, and the Andean influence provides cold mountain air, slowing ripening and adding complexity to wines. The long growing season ensures deep flavors and balanced wines. Many Chilean wineries practice dry farming, relying only on natural rainfall to produce more concentrated flavors.

Chile is categorised into six main regions.

Atacama is the northernmost region and is one of the driest places on Earth. It contains the subregions of Copiapó Valley and Huasco Valley. It has unique conditions favorable for growing grapes but is perhaps better known for producing pisco. The cool, dry climate helps to produce grapes with concentrated flavors. The region focuses on Pedro Ximénez, Muscat and some experimental Syrah and Chardonnay. The region has emerging boutique wineries experimenting with high-altitude and coastal vines.

Coquimbo is south of Atacama and is more well-known for its wine production. It contains Elqui Valley, Limarí Valley and Choapa Valley, prominent wine regions that also grow grapes for pisco. This region has a semi-arid climate, strong coastal influence, and high-altitude growing conditions. The key varietals are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Syrah. The area has some of Chile’s highest-altitude vineyards.

Aconcagua is home to some of Chile’s boldest reds, including spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon, cool-climate whites and Pinot Noir. It contains the subregions of Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley, and San Antonio Valley (including Leyda Valley). The region borders Santiago to the north and west. The climate varies from warm and dry in Aconcagua to cool and coastal in Casablanca and San Antonio. Look out for Cassablancas Sauvignon Blanc.

The Central Valley is Chile’s most important and productive region, covering four major valleys.

The Maipo Valley is also referred to as Chile’s Bordeaux. Maipo is close to Santiago and is famous for some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in South America. Rapel Valley contains Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys. Cachapoal Valley is warm and great for Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon. Colchagua Valley is one of Chile’s most prestigious wine areas, known for full-bodied reds like Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Curico Valley’s varied climate allows many grape varieties to thrive, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc standing out. Maule Valley is one of Chile’s oldest wine regions, known for its old-vine Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenère. This area focuses on sustainable and organic winemaking.

The South Region is cooler and wetter than its northern counterparts, ideal for fresh, aromatic wines. It contains three sub-regions. Itata Valley is known for its ancient, dry-farmed País and Carignan bush vines, whilst Bío-Bío and Malleco Valley are emerging cool-climate regions producing top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Austral is a very young wine region in Chile that is pushing the limits of viticulture. It contains the subregions of Cautín Valley and Osorno Valley. The climate is cold and wet, similar to Patagonia, and it produces cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Chilean wineries are investing in Patagonia vineyards, breaking new ground in extreme conditions.