This old polo field has become one of Chile’s most famous vineyards, Viñedo Chadwick in Alto Maipo. Alfonso Chadwick was one of Chile’s most prized polo players but when he retired he allowed his son, Eduardo Chadwick, to plant vines on his beloved polo field in 1992. Sadly Alfonso died the next year and never got to see Viñedo Chadwick produce the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon it does today. One of Chile’s top luxury labels.
Viñas Inéditas winery, and the Terroir Sonoro brand, is the boutique wine production of Chilean winemaker Juan José Ledesma who doesn’t like to play things by the book.
Between putting music speakers inside fermenting oak barrels and making unorthodox blends, Ledesma is also a champion of old vines and historic (including Criolla) varieties in Itata and Bío Bío. Worth seeking out.
Viñamar winery mainly focuses on sparkling wine from Casablanca although within its 274 hectares it also has Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Carmenère which are used for still wines. The Viñamar winery is open for tastings and their restaurant Macerado is a nice place to refuel during a visit to Casablanca valley.
Viña Maipo is one of the big players not only in Maipo but also with vineyards in Casablanca, Colchagua, Cachapoal and Maule producing some 35 million bottles of wine each year. The portfolio of Viña Maipo winery is inevitably wide but what they are best known for is their Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from Maipo. Established in 1948 but now owned by Concha y Toro.