Chile
The first grape to be brought to Chile was the País (pa-EES) grape in 1548. It adapted quickly to Chilean soils and vineyards were quickly planted from the Limari Valley in the north to the Bío-Bío Valley in the south. The Maipó region, just south of Santiago, is one of Chile's best-known and longest established quality wine regions. Chile led the New World as the first to make wines for export.
Chile’s diverse geographical areas and Mediterranean climate provide just the right conditions for a very broad range of grape varieties, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc, lush Chardonnay, zippy Riesling or fragrant Viognier to vibrant Pinot Noir, juicy Merlot, spicy Syrah or classic Cabernet Sauvignon.