Discover the wines of Bolivia - World Wine Tourism

Wouldn't you bet on a Bolivian wine? Well, you'd be wrong! While the country was never considered a major wine producer in the past, today Bolivian wine is on par with its Chilean and Argentinian neighbors. Two main valleys offer the best wines in Bolivia. Let's explore them with the local travel agency Bolivia Excepción:

Tarija Valley: a leading region for Bolivian wine

The Tarija region accounts for 83% of the country's wine production. This is due to its mild climate and fertile soil, reminiscent of Spain's wine regions. As throughout Latin America, it was the Jesuits who introduced grapevines to the country, initially for use in the Mass. Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly prevalent in this region. This grape variety adapts very well to all types of soil and produces distinctively colored and tannic wines.

Our favorite stop: Bodega Campos de Solana

The most renowned winery in the country, it has been run by the Granier family for over fifteen years. The vineyards, situated at an altitude of over 1,850 meters, receive more sunshine than in traditional wine-growing areas, resulting in grapes with a more intense flavor and aroma. In addition to this unparalleled natural resource, the Campos de Solana winery boasts a team of professionals well-versed in the latest technological advancements. Here, one can taste the Colección de Altura (High Altitude Collection): crafted with the vineyard's finest grapes, this wine is then aged for two years in French oak barrels and surprises with its woody notes. It is composed of 50% Petit Verdot, 25% Tannat, and 25% Malbec and pairs beautifully with cheeses and red meats.

Los Cintis Valley: Ecology and Authenticity

Further north, in the Chuquisaca region, the wine route continues towards the Los Cintis Valley. The wineries there are more rustic and traditional than those in the Tarija region and produce a great deal of singani, the national grape liqueur. The Cerro Cuchilluni mountain range, which protects the valley from strong winds, and its temperate climate make it a particularly suitable region for viticulture. Furthermore, the iron-rich soil gives the grapes a unique flavor that is reflected in the local wines. Muscat of Alexandria is widely cultivated here for white wine and singani, along with Merlot and Riesling, imported by German Jesuits. Torrontés, the emblematic wine of Northwest Argentina, is also produced.

Our favorite stop: Bodega de la Villa

What we appreciated most during our visit to the winery was its traditional and ecological approach to agriculture. Wine production on this land dates back a very long time; it felt like stepping into a living museum of an almost obsolete method of production. This is partly explained by the scarcity of arable land in the region: winegrowers are thus forced to plant their vines closer together, preventing any tractors from passing. The biodynamic agriculture practiced by the Villa winery is a holistic vision of nature, connected to astronomy. Indeed, the grapes are cultivated, tended, and harvested in accordance with the lunar cycles.

Singani, the national liqueur of Bolivia

Singani is to Bolivia what Pisco is to Peru : its flagship spirit. Made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape variety, it is Bolivia's unique geographical and meteorological conditions that led winemakers to create this singular liqueur. On the one hand, the vines produce grapes with a very high sugar concentration thanks to the high altitude and strong sun exposure, ideal for producing syrupy spirits. On the other hand, the torrential rains characteristic of the Tarija region sometimes make harvesting the ripe fruit impossible. Winemakers cannot therefore store the wine for extended periods and had the idea of ​​using distillation rather than fermentation to overcome this drawback. This is how they obtained a 70% ABV grape liqueur: singani. Very popular, singani can be drunk straight or in cocktails: the Chufflay (singani, lemonade), the Poncho Negro (singani, coca) or the Yungueñito (singani, orange juice).

I don't know about you, but we'd really like to organize a Bolivian dinner to try some good bottles from the country and sip cocktails with exotic names!

To learn more about the wine route in Bolivia: http://www.bolivia-excepcion.com/guide-voyage/caves-vins-bolivie/route-vin-bolivie

Agathe (Argentina Excepción)