Wines of Chile

Wine production in Chile dates to the mid-16th century, when Spanish missionaries planted the first vineyards. The modern industry took off in the mid-19th century with the importation of French grape varieties and winemaking expertise. Chile's geographic isolation helped its vineyards escape phylloxera, and the country is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Sauvignon Blanc from regions like the Central Valley, Maipo, and Casablanca.