Chile has a long viticultural history for a New World wine region dating to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. In the mid-18th century, French wine varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were introduced. In the early 1980s, a renaissance began with the introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks and the use of oak barrels for aging. Wine exports grew very quickly as quality wine production increased.
Since 1995, the number of wineries in Chile has grown from 12 to over 70 by 2005 and Chile is now the fifth largest exporter of wines to the United States. Chile’s climate has been described as midway between that of California and France. And due to its unique geographical location, nestled between the high Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile has remained free of phylloxera louse which means that the country's grapevines do not need to be grafted. The most common grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère.
In some international competitions, Chilean wines have been ranked highly. For example, in the Berlin Wine Tasting of 2004, 36 European experts blind tasted wines from two vintages each of eight top wines from France, Italy and Chile. The first and second place wines were two Cabernet-based reds from Chile: Viñedo Chadwick 2000 and Sena 2001. The Berlin Wine Tasting of 2005 held in Brazil featured five Chilean wines in the top seven. And in the Tokyo Wine Tasting of 2006, Chilean wines won four of the top five rankings.
For all these reasons we consider it vital to offer a Spanish and Wine program for our wine-loving guests. You will learn more about Chilean wines and their production, wine tasting and will also visit some of the finest wineries in Santiago.
The program includes a wine-tasting class and a visit to a different winery each week. All you need to do is prepare to become a wine expert in just a few classes. Salud!
Dr. Ann Moncayo
Wingate University
Spanish Professor
Educational Focus: I enjoy teaching Spanish literature and culture.
Chile: I like the people, the music, the culture and the friendliness that there is everywhere. I can walk through the streets and feel perfectly happy as I do it. I feel part of the city - I just feel at home.
Escuela Fronteras: My week here has been the busiest I've had in a long time and I've learned a lot. I would definitely send students here.
Rebecca Vermeer UK Thank you very, very much to all of you for making our 2 weeks of studying here so enjoyable. We've had a great time and are sad to be leaving you. Hope to see you all again someday!
Chile has a long viticultural history for a New World wine region dating to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. In the mid-18th century, French wine varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were introduced. In the early 1980s, a renaissance began with the introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks and the use of oak barrels for aging. Wine exports grew very quickly as quality wine production increased.
Rebecca Vermeer UK