Aconcagua Region – click to enlarge
Chile – click to enlarge
Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the coastal range, Aconcagua Region is in central Chile, just north of the more famous Maipo Valley. It stretches approximately 100 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean inland toward the Andes. The valley is divided into several sub-regions, each with unique terroir that contributes to diverse wine styles. The Aconcagua River, which runs through the valley, is critical in the local climate and irrigation systems.
The main city of Los Andes is the largest urban center in the valley, providing access to both the region’s vineyards and the mountains. It’s a historic city, once a key hub for trade, as it sits near the border with Argentina. Other important towns include San Felipe and La Calera, both offering proximity to the valley’s wine estates and agricultural areas.
The region has three main subregions.
The Aconcagua Valley lies north of Santiago and borders Argentina. Located closer to the Andes, this sub-region is home to high-altitude vineyards with cooler conditions, producing wines with fresh acidity and intensity. This area produces wines with fresh, vibrant profiles, particularly Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with more complex, nuanced characteristics due to the cooler conditions at higher elevations.
The Casablanca Valley sits just 75 km northwest of Santiago and is one of Chile’s premier cool-climate wine regions. It lies between the coastal mountain range and the Andes foothills, stretching toward the Pacific Ocean. The valley provides ideal conditions for growing cool-climate grape varieties, making it a standout region for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The valley is relatively rural, but the town of Casablanca serves as the region’s main hub for the wine industry. The nearby city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site and port city, provides additional access to the valley. The region is easily reachable from both Santiago and the coast, making it a popular destination for wine tourism.
Travelling south, the San Antonio Valley is a coastal wine region located southwest of Santiago. Its proximity to the ocean significantly influences the wines produced here, making it one of Chile’s coolest wine-growing regions. San Antonio is a small town that lends its name to the valley, known primarily for its vineyards and agricultural activity. The valley concentrates on the same wine styles as Casablanca. San Antonio Valley is a rapidly emerging wine region, with increasing recognition for its high-quality wines on the international stage, especially those from Leyda and Lo Abarca.
Aconcagua Valley has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The coastal influence ensures a cooling effect along the western side, while the eastern side is more sheltered and experiences warmer temperatures. The cool maritime breezes from the Pacific also regulate the temperatures, creating a diverse microclimate ideal for growing a variety of grape varieties.
The valley’s proximity to the Aconcagua Mountain, the highest peak in the Americas, gives the region a stunning backdrop for its vineyards. While it’s less well-known than regions like Maipo or Colchagua, Aconcagua Valley has become increasingly recognized for its premium wines, particularly those from the coastal sub-regions, where oceanic influences help produce distinctive, high-quality wines.
