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The art of wine making first arrived in Chile with the Catholic missionaries. Wine was needed to celebrate the sacrament at mass - so the padres began to plant and tend to their own vines. The first professional vineyards were recorded in Copiapo in 1554.

It wasn't until the 1830's that wine making was taken seriously. Increased exchange with Europe brought not only vine clippings, but European expertise. The most notable of the European viniculturalists was Claude Gay, who brought over 60 clippings to Santiago, including all the principle grapes of Bordeaux.

The clippings thrived in Chile's fertile central valley, and Chilean wine began to appear on the international market.

The International Chile Wine Boom

Chilean wine became a necessary import in the 1830s, for both Europe and the United States after a plague of phylloxera (the most dreaded of vineyard pests) devastated harvests in all the major areas.

Chile's wine industry continued to thrive, untouched by phylloxera - Chile and Argentina remain the only major wine growing countries to have never been visited by the pest. Chilean wines increasingly appeared on the international market - even winning a Grand Prix in Paris.

Slowdown in the Early 20th Century

The onset of World War II marked the beginning of a period of stagnation for the Chilean wine industry. Due to unstable political climate and poor economy, domestic consumption dropped. International exports came to a halt as war raged throughout Europe.

The post war years brought no respite for the Chilean wine industry. Agrarian reforms hit vineyards hard, and a closed door policy began to dominate the Chilean market. The industry continued a downward spiral until the return of democracy gave new life to the vineyards.

Chilean Wines Make a Comeback

The wine industry recovered quickly. Chile vineyards planted 100,000 hectares of vines, and the international interest in Chilean wine returned, stronger than ever. International technology, expertise, and money all poured into Chile. The arrival of stainless steel vats and American and French oak aging barrel revolutionized the industry.

Chilean wine exploded on the international market as quality wines became available at extremely low prices. Chilean wine had finally arrived, and continues to grow in popularity today. While a highly prized wine throughout the world, it is still quite cheap - a perfect combination.

Contact The Chile Information Project to reserve your Wine Tasting Tour today.

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