Chile

Between the Ocean and the Andes

Map of the wine regions of Chile

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The Big Picture

Chile

Chile's vineyards lie between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, with the Coastal Range creating a third defining influence. Together, these natural boundaries shape a remarkable range of climates, from cool ocean-facing vineyards to warm inland valleys and high-altitude mountain slopes.

Climate & Viticulture
  • The Humboldt Current brings cool sea breezes and Camanchaca morning fog to the coast.
  • The Coastal Range shelters inland valleys, while gaps allow cooling ocean air to penetrate.
  • The Andes provide altitude, cool katabatic night winds and a wide diurnal temperature range.
  • Vineyards fall into three zones — Costa (Pacific-cooled), Entre Cordilleras (warm inland valleys) and Andes (higher-altitude vineyards).
  • Carmenère is Chile's signature grape variety.

Costa (Pacific-cooled) → Entre Cordilleras (warm valley floors) → Andes (high-altitude, mountain-cooled).