Casablanca Valley
A cool coastal valley planted only from the 1980s, which turned Chile from a red country into a white one too.
Updated 30 August 2026
Until the 1980s Chilean wine meant the warm central valleys and it meant red. Pablo Morande planted the first commercial vineyard in Casablanca in 1982 on the argument that the fog and cold air coming off the Pacific through this valley would suit white varieties, which was contrary to the received wisdom at the time; it worked, and the valley is now the country's principal source of sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, with pinot noir and syrah alongside. The wineries sit either side of route 68 between Santiago and Valparaiso, which makes it the easiest wine region in Chile to visit without planning.
Highlights
- A valley planted from 1982 - against the conventional wisdom.
- Cold Pacific air and fog - what makes the whites work.
- Sauvignon blanc and chardonnay - the valley's mainstays.
- Wineries on the main road - the easiest wine region to reach.
When to go
Year round; March and April for the harvest. A full day.
Things to know
Most wineries require booking rather than dropping in. Tasting means arranging a driver - route 68 is a fast motorway. The valley is agricultural and the scenery is modest compared with Colchagua. Weekend slots fill.
Nearby
Valparaiso is west; Santiago is east along route 68.
What to pack for Casablanca Valley
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
