The Chilean wine industry is experiencing significant changes due to the impact of climate change, primarily driven by rising temperatures and water shortages. Both large and small wine producers are increasingly migrating south in search of better conditions for their vines, a trend that reflects the broader challenges faced by the industry globally.
Chile’s elongated geography offers natural protection against many pests that affect vineyards, thanks to its flanking by the Andes mountain range, the Pacific Ocean, the Atacama Desert, and Antarctic territory. This biogeographic isolation has historically enabled Chile to cultivate vineyards with fewer chemical interventions, fostering a sustainable viticulture industry that focuses on quality over quantity. According to Olga Barbosa, an ecologist at the Universidad Austral de Valdivia, this uniqueness provides Chilean wine with distinct characteristics, making it one of the world’s leading wine exporters, ranking fourth globally behind France, Italy, and Spain.
Traditionally, Chile’s major wine-producing regions have been concentrated in the central regions of O’Higgins and Maule. However, these areas are increasingly affected by climate change, prompting vineyards to move southward to regions like BioBío, Araucanía, and Los Ríos. In these southern regions, both large and small-scale wine producers are experimenting with new sites that offer cooler climates and more stable water sources. Small-scale winemakers are even venturing into areas as far south as Chiloé Island and Coyhaique in the Aysén region, marking a significant shift in the traditional boundaries of Chilean viticulture.
The transition to southern regions presents both challenges and opportunities. For example, in the Valdivia province, vineyards face difficulties such as a lack of local analysis laboratories, which complicates the winemaking process. Despite these challenges, the cool climate and unique terroir of southern Chile offer high-quality grapes that ripen at different times compared to the central regions. The Rebellín family vineyard and the Trapi del Bueno vineyard are two examples of small-scale operations in Valdivia that have adapted to these conditions, producing wines with distinct characteristics that are gaining recognition for their quality.
The migration of vineyards to the south has been gradual, with large vineyards still concentrated in the BioBío region. However, the effects of climate change are expected to push more producers further south over time. In regions like Maule and Valdivia, the changing climate is altering the quality of the terroir, leading to variations in the grapes’ growth and wine production. While large vineyards have the financial capacity to relocate, small producers often lack the resources to do so, making them more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Chile’s wine industry has seen significant growth since the 1990s, with wine exports in 2023 reaching 677.6 million liters, generating $1.514 billion in revenue. The main export destinations include Brazil, China, and the United States. The industry supports nearly 12,000 wine producers and around 394 exporting companies, the majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. As climate change continues to affect traditional wine-producing regions, the economic implications for both large and small producers are profound, with the potential for shifts in global trade dynamics.
As vineyards move south, it is crucial to consider the impact on the surrounding ecosystems. According to Barbosa, protecting biodiversity and maintaining native vegetation is essential for sustainable viticulture in the face of climate change. The Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity has been working with vineyards to identify favorable climate conditions for winemaking while emphasizing the importance of conserving the natural environment. In southern Chile, where unique conditions create distinctive wines, preserving these ecosystems is key to the long-term success of the wine industry.
The migration of Chile’s wine industry to the south due to climate change highlights the adaptive strategies that are necessary to sustain viticulture in a warming world. While the move presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to explore new regions and create wines with unique characteristics. The continued success of Chilean wine will depend on the industry’s ability to balance innovation with the conservation of its natural environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the fruits of its labor.
