Discover modern boutique wineries in the Casablanca wine region

This intriguing town hides a myriad of bohemian cafés and innovative restaurants, and wandering its narrow, winding streets is a perfect way to get away from it all. If you tire of the hills, you can always ascend or descend using one of its many historic funiculars

Discover elegant, cool-climate wine in Casablanca, Chile

Wine production is a recent phenomenon in this Chilean valley. Located northwest of Chile’s capital, Santiago, and east of coastal Valparaíso, this up-and-coming wine region is within easy-striking distance of both, even on a day trip. This relatively young wine region, with vineyards only being planted during the revitalisation of the Chilean wine industry, is the perfect place to discover the best cool-climate wine in Chile.

Sauvignon Blanc to rival New Zealand’s Marlborough

Casablanca valley wine is principally crisp whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and stunning Casablanca Pinot Noir. Elegant examples of Syrah and Merlot are also on the increase. This is a region just coming into its own, experimenting with plantings on higher slopes and focussing on matching the best varieties to terroir and climate. The region is growing fast and gaining worldwide recognition for its premium wines. It’s a young valley of modern cellars with state-of-the-art winemaking technology and their number is on the rise. Casablanca boasts a range of garage wineries, boutique wineries and more palatial affairs, with most opening their doors to visitors to taste their Casablanca wine and tour their facilities. You can even visit an organic farm boasting a whole range of animals, including llamas.

The perfect climate for cool-climate winemaking

Although Casablanca is located at 33°S, thus much closer to the Equator than any other European wine-growing region, the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean makes viticulture possible in this otherwise hot central part of Chile. Cool foggy mornings due to the mists which have settled the evening before, greater cloud cover than elsewhere in Chile and the cooling evening breezes thanks to the cold Humboldt Current just off Chile’s coast help to moderate its Mediterranean climate and provide the perfect climate for cool-climate winemaking. The region’s prestigious, innovative reputation shows through in its wines and increasing numbers of wineries outside the Casablanca valley are also sourcing grapes from the region when they wish to add cool-climate wines to their range.

Breathe in the Casablanca Valley wine region’s stunning natural backdrop

Not only does the Casablanca Valley produce stunning wines, it also boasts spectacular scenery. Stretching 30km east-west from the border of the Valparaíso province, its vine-covered, rolling hills are the perfect backdrop for tasting the magnificent cool-climate wines. Cycle through the vineyards, enjoy horseback riding or simply sip Casablanca wine in the beautiful grounds of one of many of its wine estates. The commanding peaks of the Andes are never far away and the sun-kissed, sandy beaches of the coast are a short drive away should you bore of the verdant, thriving vineyard landscape of this internationally acclaimed wine region.

Colourful buildings tumbling down steep hills

Visitors to the Casablanca Valley wine region should not miss visiting Valparaíso, the historic UNESCO-protected port town which is centre of the Valparaíso region. Colourful buildings tumble down the steep hillsides, the tops of which provide stunning views over the harbour and the Pacific beyond. This intriguing town hides a myriad of bohemian cafés and innovative restaurants, and wandering its narrow, winding streets is a perfect way to get away from it all. If you tire of the hills, you can always ascend or descend using one of its many historic funiculars. Fans of the poet Pablo Neruda should also visit La Sebastiana, his eclectic Valparaíso house. Neighbouring Viña del Mar, boasting a long sandy beach, and known as the Garden City is also a pleasant place for a stroll or an aperitif overlooking the ocean.

Our local experts at Wine Paths will help you discover this region at the heart of Chile’s endeavours to show that it does not only excel at red wines. Let them design your visit to the Casablanca wine region so that you can experience how one region is raising the bar of quality Chilean wine.

 

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