Contact us
Cavas del Valle
Contacto
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Write us
contacto@cavasdelvalle.cl
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Km 14,5 ruta D-485
(1 km antes de Montegrande), Valle de ElquiIV Región - Chile
OUR STORY
Cavas del Valle
A Pioneering Project in the Upper Elqui Valley
It all began with a pioneering couple: geologist Raymundo Piracés and economist María Luisa Duerr. Together, they founded Cavas del Valle in 1996, introducing the terroir of the Upper Elqui Valley to Chile’s wine industry map. Before then, this region was known only for its pisco production and table grape exports. At the time, no one associated fine wine with Chile’s IV Region—or with vineyards above 1,000 meters above sea level. What they did was truly a bold bet. Developed as a family project, we see our vineyard as a life mission: to craft wines of ever-greater quality that contribute to regional tourism and to Chile as a whole. With this vision, the founders moved to the Elqui Valley after establishing their professional careers in Santiago.
Unique Terroir
At 1,100 meters above sea level, with a semi-arid climate, six months of summer, extreme dryness (<10% humidity), and only 60 mm of annual rainfall, these conditions produce intensely flavored grapes with thick skins, deep aromas, and high levels of natural antioxidants.
Signature Grape Varieties
Syrah: Planted in 1996, inspired by Shiraz (Iran). Uniquely aromatic intensity.
Rosé Muscat: A local variety, hand-harvested, forming the base of our dry wines, sparkling wines, and late harvests.
Natural Cultivation
No agrochemicals. We fertilize with grape pomace compost and sheep manure. Weeds are managed naturally. Botrytis-free. We use powdered sulfur and natural oils as protective agents.
Economic Sustainability
Artisanal production (~25,000 bottles/year). Direct sales only. Zero advertising—entirely word-of-mouth. We export to Germany, Switzerland, England, and Bolivia.
Historic Winery
A 19th-century adobe house restored by Raymundo. Walls 80 cm thick provide natural thermal insulation. An underground cellar maintains stable temperatures (16–19°C). Houses production, aging, and sales areas.
Vinification & Aging
Early manual harvest (first in Chile). Controlled fermentation, post-fermentation maceration, and aging in French oak. Minimum aging: 6 months (Reserva), 12 months (Gran Reserva), and over 2 years (Premium).
