Articles avec #tourisme & vineyards tag

Viticulture in the Valleys of Bio-Bio and Itata

Chilean vineyards are not geographically concentrated. Several hundred kilometers separate the wine region of northern Chile, where we find the national drink Pisco, to the wine valleys of the south Chile

Accessible by motorway Santiago-Puerto Montt, it joined the wine growing areas of the basins Itata and Bío-Bío, cooler for grape growing regions.

Area is surrounded to the north by the region of Maule, on the east by Argentina to the south by the Araucanía region and to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

These two valleys of the Itata and Bío-Bío have mainly produces large quantities of table wine from the grape país. Cooler and wetter than other wine regions, will certainly become a favorite region for Pinot Noir, which has not been very successful, but we expect better results by choosing more suitable soils, Pinot Noir is grape variety of Champagne and Burgundy regions which prefers cool like: Riesling and Gewurztraminer.

These valleys play a subordinate role. Although Chilean wines are not well known today, but they will play in the future an increasingly important role, especially, with that climate conditions ho are more favorable

The northern sector of the southern regions, "Itata Bio-Bio, are not new to the wine industry . Some of the oldest vineyards were planted in colonial times near Concepción.

Today the area has a mixture of old and new vines, offering many opportunities for exploration and growth.

They are located 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of Santiago. The climate is Mediterranean. With a rainfall of 1,100 mm of rain per year, soils are composed of alluvial clay and sand.

Today little found: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon and Carignan. Moscatel de Alexandria

Chilean wine has achieved a quantum leap, and have little to be excited to see the progress of these wines in the future.

The southern region of Chile

The area is accessible by highway Santiago-Puerto Montt or plane at the airport in Concepción. The region, with over 1.8 million inhabitants, is the second most populated after the Santiago area.

Its regional capital Concepción is,. Its population in 2002 was 912,061 inhabitants, urban majority.

The other two cities are important Chillán and Los Ángeles.

Coal is mined in large quantities, mainly in the mining center of Lota. Production in the region is practically enough to the needs of the country. Agriculture is also highly developed and dedicated in part to export.

As landmarks, we can cite the Salto del Laja, the Baths of Chillan, volcanoes Antuco (2985 m) and Chillán (3212 m).

The Central Valley of Chile and Vine

The Central Valley

Longitudinal valley, it is one of six large areas of terrain that divide Chile.

From north to south, we have found first, Maipo Valley, Valley Recall, Curico Valley and the Valley of Maule.

Valley Maipo, River Longe of the same name, located between 500m and 1000m above sea level, the difference in varieties is explained by the oceanic influence. The floor of the valley is renowned for its high salinity from irrigation from the river and the low potassium level, which has an impact on the vines.

Much larger valley Recall, is irrigated by two rivers, the Cachapoal and Tinguirrrica, which flow into the river Reminder are average altitude of 500m, the vines are planted at the foot of mountains, with a higher humidity than in the Maipo Valley.

Smaller Curico Valley, with vineyards planted more frequently located in the central plain, and on the slopes of the surrounding mountains, the climate is humid due to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean.

Located south of the central region it is the Valley of Maule elongated valley is spread over a large area, surrounded by the Andes and the hills along the coast, the vineyards are also suffering from low potassium levels and deficiency nitrogen.

The main varieties of the Central Valley, are international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. "Icon" grape of Chile, Carmenere, there are also varieties such as: Malbec, Viognier, Riesling and Gewurztraminer.

The Central region is so extensive that one valley to another variety of soil is different, and is found in the quality of most wines. In addition, a number of sub-regions recognized independently and are now able to specify their sub-region of origin

In terms of wine production in the Central Valley, is the main growing region of Chilean wine, the most productive and best known internationally of Chile, located directly across the Andes.

The most widely grown is Maipo Valley, known for Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine region of Rapel, cultivates Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon, Curico Valley is widely known for its Chardonnay and Valley Maule wine produced mainly from the Country (local variety) Pais

Advances in viticulture techniques help improve the vineyards in these regions

The Central Valley

Is made up of the administrative regions of the Valparaiso region, the area of ​​General Bernardo O'Higgins, Maule region, the region of Biobio and Santiago area

Historically, this region was the main place of important events for the country and is the most populated area. In addition, it is home to major industries and factories in the country.

Its economy is a mixture of the three different sectors. Predominate in rural agriculture, farming, viticulture, forestry, and is the natural habitat of the coconut Chile

In city areas predominate, are industry, banks, services, and aréonautique

The wine region of Aconcagua in Chile

Northernmost Chilean wine regions, includes two valleys of the Aconcagua Valley and Casablanca Valley, the first, the Aconcagua valley is relatively flat, ranging from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean, this great wide valley 4 km, is surrounded by high mountains from 1500 to 1800 meters.

These vineyards are equipped with equipment more modern.

With a climate similar to Mediterranean, hot and dry, with some difference of temperature between night and day. Aconcagua Valley is the hottest Chilean region capable of giving some good wines.

It is suitable for the production of red, like cabernet sauvignon, which gives a quality wine, planted on a circle of limestone hills.

While the vast majority of Chilean vineyards are established on the plains with fertile soil, the vines here occupy the hills, whose returns are less important, with a better grapes. quality

Among the varieties grown in this valley apart from the Cabernet Sauvignon have some Pinot Noir, Merlot Carmenére, Sangiovese, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,and some blend wines from Red and White grapes .

Northwest of Santiago,

The smaller of the two valleys, the Casablanca Valley, closer to the Pacific Ocean, has winds of the cool, moist ocean, with a denser plantings, it is surrounded by rolling hills that do not exceed 400 meters altitude

Between Santiago and Valparaiso, this promising valley is too far from the Andes to be able to economically benefit from its water.

It has managed to grow, recently, as drilling of wells tapping the aquifer. The soil is poor and sandy. But with a cool breeze from the ocean that slows the ripening of the grapes, which retains so much better aromas.

The harvest started a month later than in most other regions of Chile.

This land is ideal for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Aconcagua

The fertility of these valleys are among the largest in Chile for agriculture, farming and fruit growing. As the vine valley of Aconcagua is also one of the most important centers of traditional rural festivals.

Located east of the region of Valparaiso, Aconcagua Valley is the last of valleys extending Atacama to Valparaiso, between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean

It is part of the great natural wealth of Chile. 80 km north of Santiago, Aconcagua Valley, is irrigated by the river of the same name, which flows into the Pacific up to Concon, north of Valparaiso.

Throughout the valley, were able to discover small villages, rich in history and traditions, not forgetting, visit the Serrania del Ciprés. At the heart of the valley, the Bellavista, mountainous backdrop.

Just 100 km from Santiago, San Francisco park of Los Andes, recent private initiative dedicated to conservation, offers opportunities for fly fishing for experts and amateurs, horse riding, excursions and paragliding are also available.

Aconcagua, the highest peak of the Andes and dubbed the "Colossus of America", is located in Argentina, eight miles from the Chilean border. It rises at an altitude of 6962 meters and dominates a vast provincial park protecting animal species typical of the Cordillera, particularly the Andean condor.

Viticulture in Chile

Chile stretches over 5000 kilometers wide from 400 to 90 km and runs along the chain of the Andes .République Chile, Chile and Spanish República de Chile.

South American countries, that share borders with Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast and east Argentina.

The government also claims possession of the Antarctic continent.

The extent of Chile is approximately 1,236,000 square kilometers. Including Easter Island, located 3,000 kilometers from Valparaíso in the Pacific Ocean, depuis1888.

On three continents - South America, Oceania and Antarctica - Chile can be defined, as a tri-continental countries. Its capital is Santiago.

The vines are grown on 1,400 km

The diversity of wines, reflects microclimate and different soil types.

Are climate is comparable to the countries of the Mediterranean with wet winters and spring, which provides ideal conditions for wines quality, thanks to temperature variations between night and day, accompanied by a perfect sunshine and proximity of the Pacific Ocean.

Viticulture was introduced to Chile with the conquistadors, and it was only in the 70s that a Spanish company cleaned the vineyards, and brought new varieties, while modernizing the winery equipment.

Later in the 1990s, some big companies came from wholes countries, to operate in Chile.

The four major wine regions are: Aconcagua, the central valley, on the southern region of O, and the region of Coquimbo.

Today Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Chile covers 47% of the total production of the vine, with Merlot for Red grapes in white varieties found in the first Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Chile

The country is located in a highly seismic and volcanic zone: this activity stems from the thrust of the Nazca plate tectonics in the South American plate supporting the continent. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The Andes to the east, the natural border with Bolivia and Argentina, rises (6893 meters), the highest in the world Ojos del Salado the active volcano.

Chilean territory is crossed by several rivers that are usually born on the Andes and have their mouth to the Pacific Ocean.

The presence of the Atacama desert in the far north of the country, explains that there are almost no rivers in this region with the notable exception of Loa River.

To the south, the number of streams increases. Which Biobío River along 380 km, located in the region of Bío-Bío

Agriculture of Chile production, particularly diverse in its geography and climate. forestry and fishing accounted for only 4.9% of GDP

Vine in Central Otago

Is located in the Otago region, south of the South Island of New Zealand. However, the area known as Central Otago includes not only the district but also named the Queenstown-Lakes District, located in ouest.

New wine region, but extends by the day.

This recent expansion of the cultivation of the vine now dominates cherries and apricot orchards. The extreme climate rewarded careful site selection with varieties adapted louse wines of great intensity which represents the expression of this region.

It is the highest altitude region of New Zealand's wine country and the most southerly in the world. Affectionately, called "central" Central Otago is the innermost region of New Zealand, located in the southern half of the South Island.

But today, in Central Otago, gold, this wine. With Pinot Noir, emblematic grape of the region, in the southern vineyards where you will find a pleasant welcome in most areas, with the possibility of the visited and tasted their wines.

It is Seventh region area, which produces some of the best Pinot Noirs from New Zealand, predominant grape in this region. And Chardonnay for white wines, an elegant variety, generally.

The wines are a reflection of the air and the colors of this spectacular region.

Wine Country's most southerly in the world and the highest, are semi-continental climate, with large temperature variations, and plenty of sunshine with short, warm summers. and dry autumns and wet

The landscapes of the valley with these vines contributes to both the purity and the amazing complexity of the vineyards with grape varieties, more resistant to cold such as: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio , Viognier for white: the Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Gamay, as well as wines from traditional method of the Blanc de Noir. and blended wines.

Finally, do not forget that New Zealand is a young country in terms of wine production: not more than twenty years. It will improve every day methods and the choice of grape varieties in different regions, winemaking techniques The wine world has to work with New Zealand.

Central Otago

This area of ​​959.24 km2 9, is dominated by the mountains of the Southern Alps and crossed by the Clutha River and its tributaries.

The plateau of the Maniototo, located between the headwaters of the Taieri River is a northern tributary of the Clutha, the Manuherikia, is also considered part of Central Otago.

The economy is based on sheep farming, culture and tourism. For several years, we see deer farms.

The Central Otago offers a powerful, sunny landscape, dry and brown, with old eroded mountains, alpine herb fields and rivers to the powerful flow.

A spectacular breathtaking, with snowy mountains and rivers at the bottom of ravines landscape attracts visitors from afar, or Many tourists opt for the rental of motorhome, which allows them to see the most places remote and are also captivated by the excellent facilities cellars and wine tourism opportunities.

The Canterbury Region and vines

The Canterbury region is a region of New Zealand is located on the coast of the South Island It includes the Canterbury Plains, the great city of Christchurch and parts of the Southern Alps.

The area is known for its vineyards in the Waipara and around Christchurch and more recently in Kurow.

News crops are planted in the north of Canterbury, as the crops of olives, nuts, lavender, asparagus, saffron flowers and more than 1,500 hectares of vines planted on 63 vineyards.

The Waipara Valley, located in the Canterbury region has a well established reputation as a wine-producing region in New Zealand.

The average vineyard area is about 10.5ha, allowing specialization in Waipara Valley.

The first plantations of the valley were: Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir has established a solid reputation. Pinot Noir grown in the Waipara Valley produces wines custody

The region has a great reputation for other aromatic varieties such as Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Merlot, Syrah, Roussanne, Pinotage, Müller-Thurgau, and also produces red blended wines as well as wines from Traditional Method .

Of all the wine regions of New Zealand, North Canterbury shows a wide variety of soils where the vineyards are located. It represents a unique.et laboratory and its wines are highly rated internationally,

Geology and processes that have shaped the landscape, has contributed to soil formation. Canterbury or focuses on a small space very different soils, such as limestone, deep soil, Soil of gravel, and soil chalk , and Winemakers just beginning to see the results of their vineyards with Pinot Noir.

Canterbury

It is the largest of the sixteen regions of New Zealand, covering 42,200 km ². It is bounded on the north by the Conway River and to the west by the Southern Alps. The Waitaki River south forms a natural border, while to the east lies the immense Pacific Ocean.

The Canterbury region has a large central part of the east coast of the South Island, centered around the city of Christchurch.

Silvery beaches of the east coast to the peaks of the Southern Alps, experience a day in a balloon over the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps as a backdrop, the landscape of Canterbury will remain in your memory forever.

The highlight of the region is the point of New Zealand's highest. With the Aoraki / Mount Cook is located at 3754 meters, Contrast that with the wrong submarine off the coast of Kaikoura, which plunges thousands of feet deep, providing an ideal environment for the whales, dolphins and seals

Vines in Marlborough

Marlborough is a region of New Zealand located in the northeast corner of the South Island. It is known for its dry climate, the scenery of Marlborough Sound, and vineyards.

The first vines were planted in Marlborough in 1973, this wine region has become the largest wine region in New Zealand in just 20 years, it represents more than half of the plantings.

Warm, sunny days with cold nights give, Today a quality for white wines, with fresh flavors, like Sauvignon Blanc that is recognized worldwide. A wine that is fresh and perfect balance.

There are also lots of Chardonnay, the drier and lighter than their cousin Hawkes Bay style, there are also wines from Pinot Noir, but also Riesling with a high quality at affordable prices.

Less well known, the traditional method, which could worry some Champenois winemakers, both in quality and price, undoubtedly a necessary part of the South Island.

Fertile soils are composed of gravel, the climate is temperate warm and dry, and gives a this region ideal climate conditions for wine lovers.

The climatic condition, are hot and cold, between days and nights. That, gives conditions for slow ripening grapes, allowing winemakers to bring unique flavors and aromas.

Thousands of acres of vineyards produce different wines, such as Pinot Noir, Lambrusco-Red, Syrah, Montepulciano, Malbec, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon for red wines.

And: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Verdelho, Semillon for whites

Today Marlborough is 62% of the total area of the New Zealand vineyard. Apart from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety-king of the country, the region produces more Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The vineyards here are out of sight. The green of the fields covered with vines, in contrast to the surrounding hills parched.

The beauty of the campaign is unparalleled, with its majestic mountains, lush vineyards and a maze of waterways that form the Marlborough Sounds.

The region can be divided into four sections. Both are pretty rugged south and west; the south is home to the highest peaks in the region, in the Kaikoura Mountains These mountains form the north of the Southern Alps.

Between these two regions there is the Wairau River, which flows into the plains of the east, the center of which lies Blenheim.

The fourth section is located along its northern coast, where the drowned valleys of the Marlborough Sound are famous for their landscapes.

Nelson region and vine

Nelson region is in , just north of the South Island is two hours drive from Marlborough, This is a paradise for potters, painters, gourmets and wine lovers

It offers an impressive range of natural resources, many tourists destination.& little paradise, where you can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, taste the wines of the region or simply relax with a lot of outdoor activities, and stunning beaches,

Do not forget to book your accommodation in advance. The climate is mild and ideal for wine production, accompanied by a regional food, which is good, quality craftsmanship. You will come back!

An important part of the economy of the area is devoted to agriculture and viticulture, are with sunshine, fertile plains and snowy mountain chains, all in a small wine region.

Nelson is one of the smallest wine regions of New Zealand, one day is enough to visit most of its cellars.

Soil structure is composed of silt and clay in the soil, sheltered from the rain by the mountains to the west.

Wine cellars are nice and offer the opportunity to taste the wines, and very cozy with a fresh local cuisine.

Known for wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the region has a great reputation for aromatic varieties - Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Nelson wines are sold all over the world.

The vineyards of Nelson have focused on varieties adapted to climate, with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Black, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Montepulciano, Malbec, representing most of the grapes grown and wines Traditional Method.

The grapes are grown in the Moutere Hills and Waimea Plains: production is low but the quality is impressive.

The Nelson region in summer, long known for crops and orchards, vines grown from the 1800s, it was German settlers, who are settled in 1895 in the Nelson region, but the 1970s, who seen, pioneers producers, founded the modern wine industry.

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The Nelson region

The Nelson region is surrounded by mountains on three sides with Tasman Bay is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the Kahurangi National Park, Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa National Park Lakes Nelson door. It is a center for both ecotourism and adventure tourism, and has a great reputation among lovers of caving due to several important caves systems around Takaka Hill and Mounts Owen and Arthur, which hold the largest and deepest caves explored in the southern hemisphere.

Nelson has a temperate oceanic climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year and sunniest of all other region in New Zealand, the winters are stormy with gale-force winds and more frequent storms.

It is a region rich in natural resources with amounts of argillite, asbestos, chromite, coal, copper, crude oil, dolomite, dunite, gold, granite, ore iron, lead, limestone, marble, molybdenum, natural gas, nickel, steatite, variant tungsten, uranium, and zinc are present in the region

The Wairarapa region and vineyard

Wairarapa is a geographical region of New Zealand.

It occupies the part southeast of the North Island, east of Wellington city, and south-west of the Hawke's Bay. Its name comes from the large lake Wairarapa.

Visit the vineyards of Martin borough or Cape Palliser, the furthest point south of the North Island

Grape growing in the area around Martin borough, in the south, is notable for its vineyards and wines, as well as the outskirts of Masterton and Carterton

Around Mangatainoka, near Pahiatua, there have also brews beer since 1889.

An hour's drive from Wellington, you can find Martinborough City, the wine center of the region, be sure to come and visited these vineyards.

Martinborough features, a warm microclimate, with hills to the east and west. and many vineyards producing wines, including: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Tribianco and wines traditional method for whites.

For red wines have found them: Pinot Noir. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese- Red, Merlot, Syrah, and blended wines

The vineyards are situated along the river beds that nourish the soil of the vineyards to the north and south of Martinborough city.

Day wines party came from Martin borough is celebrated in November, bringing tourists and professional’s viticulture during this period.

Wairarapa

This region is located an hour's drive north of Wellington. You will discover vegetated mountain ranges in the west, with its plains and cut to the East Coast

The region that is in the basin of the upper reaches of the Manawatu River. The river flows west between two mountain ranges (Tararua Range to the south and Ruahine Range to the north) via the Manawatu Gorge before passing through Palmerston and reach the west coast of the North Island.

While the main rivers in southern, cross the Lake Wairarapa, and throw themselves in the Palliser Bay to the east of Cook Strait.

East Coast contains settlements such as Tinui, Castlepoint and Riversdale Beach,

It offers tourists a pleasant and peaceful landscape in the mountainous area with hiking trails take you through fishing villages on the coast of Cape Palliser.

Greytown, village character of colonial architecture, attracts urban Wellington in Weekend, which is a historical example of what was Martinborough.

Tourism is an important industry for the city, and wineries, with specialized tour operators offer tours of the vineyards and wineries, and numerous dining options are offered in wineries.

Agricultural industries, with forests, crops, sheep, flocks of cattle and dairy cows are a major economic resource in the region, with deer farming, gaining momentum, growing olive trees, the lavender and nuts, and fishing off the coast of Cape Palliser and Ngawi.

The vines in the Hawke’s Bay Region

Hawke's Bay is one of the hottest and driest regions of New Zealand, which has one of the largest producers of wines, especially reds - cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah - but also some white amazing. It is the first step on the New Zealand wines road .

Hawke’s Bay wine region is the second country with the size and a long tradition of table wine, vine grows there for over 100 years.

Located east of the North Island, the two main cities are Napier and Hastings.

Hawke’s Bay is a popular destination for all those varieties that love the sun, as it benefits the greatest sunshine per year, the New Zealand Riviera, with a sunny climate and soil of pebbles.

The varied soils of this region, providing unique, producing a wide variety of wines, with red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Montepulciano, and for White Wines the: Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Grigio. As well some blended wines , White and Red.

In Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay is king, powerful, and rich in the red varieties Cabernet and Merlot, it is as well acclimated to the area.

Syrah growing, grape known in France in the region of Côtes du Rhône, has little to envy the French wines.

The reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the rich and powerful wines, white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, are among the best in New Zealand .

Hawke’s Bay

The region is located in the middle of the east coast of the North Island and bears the old name for what is now a large semi-circular bay which extends over 100 km from northeast to southwest Peninsula Mahia to Cape Kidnappers.

The region includes the coastal areas, plains and hills in the north and center; the plains of Wairoa in the north; fertile Heretaunga Plains around Hastings in the south, and within rather rough up chains of mountains Kaweka and Ruahine.

Hawhe’s Bay, welcomes the Maori party the largest in the country. You will also discover the farmer's market, with local and artisanal products

The Parks of Ruahine and Kaweka are an invitation to walk in the forest, on the coast Cape Kidnappers, we Keppel Cap Sizun in Brittany (France) with these gannets.

This bay offers all kinds of accommodation for tourism, and some wineries have guest rooms, providing the perfect setting for a holiday.

The region includes the districts of Wairoa, Hastings, Central Hawke's Bay, and a small part of Taupo and Rangitikei.