Chile’s Colchagua Valley, approximately 90 miles south of the capital, Santiago, is making a name for itself in the international wine market. Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains and extending west to the Pacific coast, its distinct terrain, warm climate and high fertility have made it an outstanding producer of reds such as Carménère, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. In 2005, Wine Enthusiast named it the “Wine Region of the Year”.

Viu Manent, a family-owned winery founded in 1935 and located in the Valley, most recently received a gold medal from the World Carménère Competition for its Carmenère Reserve 2007, and has also been awarded for its Malbec and Noble Semillon. Click on the video above for a short tour of Viu Manent’s Colchagua vineyard as Miguel Mujica, viticultural manager of the company, explains why the region is so ideal for grape growing and how Viu Manent produces its wines.—Dennis Marrero