Mission-style grapes were first planted in Chile by Spanish missionaries in the 16^th century. These grapes still make up more than half the total vineyard plantings. By the mid-1800s, European-style wine production had arrived in Chile. None of the wineries established in Chile fell victim to the phylloxera that devastated California and Europe. It was felt that Chile's unique topography, with the Andes on one side and the Pacific on the other, provides protects against invasion by deadly disease. As a result, original rootstock can be planted and grown without having to be grafted onto disease-resistant stock. As a result of this distinct advantage, Chile is attracting attention from some of the most famous names in winemaking. including France's Lafite-Rothschild.


Concha y Toro Winery

Concha y Toro is Chile's biggest wineries and also one of its oldest. Since the 1990s, its red wine has been synonymous with value and remains a popular choice for everyday consumption. However, recently the winery partnered with France's Mouton-Rothchild to create the well-received but pricey Vina Almaviva. Other Chilean wineries, including Santa Rita, Casa Lapostolle, and others are following suit in the production of high-end wines for exportation.