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Arequipa, located in southern Peru, is a breathtaking city. Its historic center is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built from volcanic sillar rock, Arequipa's historic area demonstrates a fusion of European and Indigenous architectural styles, showcased in the skillful works of colonial craftsmen as well as Criollo and Indigenous builders. This combination is evident in the city's sturdy walls, archways, vaulted ceilings, courtyards, and open areas, not to mention the elaborate Baroque decorations that embellish its façades.
Arequipa is not merely a beautiful destination. It is also a farming region known for its emerging wine scene. Here, small yet skilled producers craft Pisco and distinctive wines from old Criolla grapes. Although Arequipa accounts for a small fraction of Peru's grapes, one of the oldest wine-producing countries, the region's unique terrain and rich winemaking history make it a fantastic place for anyone wanting to experience authentic South American wine.
The heart of Arequipa's wine region lies in the Vítor and Caravelí Valleys. Here, old grapevines and skilled small-scale production thrive. Pisco is the region's most famous drink, but it is also gaining recognition for its excellent dry wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. For travellers eager to sample something unique, Arequipa's Pisco Route offers visits to approximately 17 vineyards where you can learn about the local winemaking culture.
Peru has a long history of making wine, and its wine regions are some of the most special in South America. While coastal areas like Lima, Ica, Moquegua, and Tacna have long been known for making Pisco, Arequipa has created its own special place. The Valle de Majes and Caravelí, in particular, have become the heart of the region's winemaking, mixing old and new methods.
Arequipa's location in southern Peru gives it a special advantage. The region's dry weather is affected by the Humboldt Current from the Pacific Ocean, its high altitude, and the amazing Andes Mountains. These factors combine to make Arequipa a perfect place for growing grapes. Today, the Valle de Majes and Caravelí are the main areas for making wine, each with its own special character.
Geography of Arequipa: Peru's varied land—including the coast, mountains, and jungle—sets the stage for its wine regions, which extend south from Lima. In Arequipa, the Vítor and Caravelí Valleys are the key places for growing grapes, where the land and weather provide perfect growing conditions.
Climate of Arequipa: Arequipa's dry weather is a key part of its terroir. The Humboldt Current, the region's high altitude, and the influence of the Andes all contribute to shaping the growing conditions. These factors come together in the dry areas at the north edge of the Pacific coastal desert, making Arequipa a special place for growing grapes.
Soil Composition: The vineyards in the Vítor and Caravelí Valleys are planted in colluvial clay soils, which add to the special character of the wines made here.
Impact of Elevation and Climate on Grape Varieties: Arequipa's higher altitude distinguishes it from other Peruvian wine regions. Its terroir is especially favourable for fragrant white grapes like Torrontés. In Caravelí, vineyards are an impressive 1,800 meters above sea level, making the region's growing conditions even more special. The combination of altitude, exposure, and dry climate creates the perfect conditions for making wines with exceptional character and depth.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
Arequipa, often referred to as the "White City," is a place of stunning beauty and rich history. This nickname comes from the beautiful old buildings constructed with light-coloured volcanic rock, which impart a special and timeless charm to the city. Arequipa lies at the foot of three prominent volcanoes—Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu—and represents a city where nature and culture harmoniously converge. The region showcases a fascinating blend of indigenous traditions and Spanish influences, evident in its well-preserved historic centre. However, beyond the city, the landscape transforms into a playground for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, featuring some of the most extraordinary and breathtaking scenery in Peru.
The Arequipa wine region features a predominantly dry climate, characterized by low humidity and minimal rainfall, resembling a desert. With approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, Arequipa remains warm most of the year, yet its weather is anything but dull.
Temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (41°F) in the coldest months to a pleasant 25°C (77°F) at their peak, meaning the days can feel quite different from one another. The wet season lasts from December to March, bringing afternoon clouds and light rain to freshen things up. Winter, occurring in June and July, features cooler temperatures, typically around 6°C (43°F). Despite these fluctuations, humidity remains moderate, averaging around 46%. It can rise to 70% in the summer and drop to 27% in autumn, winter, and spring.
The wind also contributes greatly to the region's unique climate. Mountain breezes usually blow northeast, while valley breezes blow southwest, creating a cooling effect that helps balance out the warm days. Wind speeds are about 1.5 to 2.5 m/s, which adds to the dry but always-changing conditions that make Arequipa's wine-growing areas so unique.
One factor that truly makes Arequipa's climate distinctive is its exceptionally high levels of sunlight, among the strongest in South America. This intense sunlight is complemented by a refreshing ocean breeze, which cools the area and helps maintain an ideal temperature for the vineyards. However, not all parts of Arequipa experience the same dry climate. Coastal regions such as Camana, Caravelí, and Islay encounter more cloud cover, higher humidity, and a milder, semi-warm climate throughout the year, though they still receive minimal rainfall.
With pleasant weather nearly year-round, Arequipa is an excellent destination for wine enthusiasts. The region experiences around 360 days of sunshine.
From January to March, the region experiences warm temperatures; however, these months also present the greatest likelihood of rain, particularly from November to March. If you plan to visit the valleys, which are situated at elevations of 1,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level, the weather differs somewhat. From April to December, conditions remain dry, with temperatures ranging from a cool 3°C to a pleasant 25°C. Conversely, from January to March, the valleys are semi-dry to humid, with substantial rainfall and temperatures fluctuating between a chilly 8°C and a comfortable 23°C.
For those wishing to pair wine tasting with other activities in the area, late March to June is also an excellent time to observe condors in their most active state. This period is particularly enjoyable for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn to the vineyards, the stunning landscapes, or the vibrant culture of Arequipa, the region promises an unforgettable wine journey at nearly any time of year, inviting you to come and explore its many treasures.
The Arequipa wine region sits on land that tells many stories through its different types of soil, which are key for wine production in this emerging region. When walking through these vineyards, anyone can sense that there's something special about the ground beneath - it's a story that begins with volcanoes and continues with time, slowly shaping the land.
Although the Arequipa wine region does not yet have well-known sustainability programs or certifications, its small, skilled producers are becoming more aware of eco-friendly practices. These dedicated winemakers are using increasingly sustainable methods to grow grapes, showing their strong commitment to protecting the environment while making their special and delightful wines.
One great example is Majes Tradicion, a green winery that uses solar panels and recycles grape pips and skins to reduce waste. Even though official sustainability certifications aren't common in the region yet, inspiring projects like this show how much the Arequipa wine community cares about being environmentally responsible.
Given its dry and challenging climate, managing water is also crucial for sustainability in Arequipa. Drip irrigation is often used to save precious water, but a recent study suggests it may affect the health of the surface soil. This shows how important it is to carefully examine and change irrigation methods to ensure the soil stays healthy and the region's beloved vineyards last a long time.
The Arequipa wine region, like many others around the world, faces big challenges as it looks to the future. However, these challenges also bring exciting chances for new ideas and growth, especially when it comes to sustainability.
Climate change is a major issue for Arequipa's vineyards. Changes in temperature and rainfall could affect grape ripening, water availability, and the overall health of the vineyards. To address these challenges, sustainable practices like saving water, maintaining soil health, and growing grape varieties that can withstand climate change will be crucial. These steps can help strengthen the region's vineyards and ensure they stay productive and thrive even as the climate changes.
Sustainability and innovation are essential for ensuring the Arequipa wine region's bright future. Encouraging organic and biodynamic farming, promoting efficient water use, and exploring eco-friendly packaging options are just a few ways to reduce wine production's environmental impact and preserve the land's beauty.
In addition, investing in research and development—like finding grape varieties that can withstand climate change and devising new ways to grow grapes—can help protect the region's wine industry for generations to come. Producers, researchers, and policymakers must work together to make these efforts successful and create a strong and environmentally responsible wine industry.
By fully embracing sustainability and innovation, the Arequipa wine region can continue to thrive while preserving its unique land and winemaking traditions. This journey requires careful planning and everyone's effort, but the rewards—a lively, sustainable wine industry that brings joy to people's lives—are definitely worth it.
Although Arequipa does not produce international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc, its vineyards are home to a really special grape called Quebranta. This tough grape has made a big name for itself in Peru's coastal desert climate, not just in Arequipa but also in Lima, Ica, Moquegua, and parts of Tacna.
Quebranta does really well under the strong sun of Peru's warm valleys, where it's hot during the day and cooler at night. A big reason for this is the Humboldt Current, a cold ocean current that flows along the western coast of South America. This current brings in dry, cool air that balances out the tropical climate, making it just right for Quebranta to grow. Because of this, the grapes get to enjoy long, hot, and dry days that help them develop rich, complex flavours and then cool nights that keep their bright acidity.
The soil in Arequipa's vineyards is another big plus for Quebranta. This grape absolutely loves loose, mineral-rich soils, especially sandy loam, with a pH of 7.5 and a conductivity (CE) of 2.02 dS/m. Over time, Quebranta has gotten used to the region's rocky terrain and tough climate, which makes it really resistant to phylloxera, a bug that has caused extensive damage to many vineyards worldwide.
While Quebranta is definitely the star of the show, other grapes like Mollar, Albilla, Negra Criolla, and Moscatel also help make the region's vineyards more diverse. These grapes, each with their own special qualities, play an important role in shaping the unique wines and spirits of Arequipa, adding more depth to the region's rich winemaking history.
Tucked away in the beautiful landscapes of southern Peru, Arequipa is a new wine region where high-altitude vineyards, volcanic soils, and traditional winemaking are revitalizing local traditions. Historically known for making Pisco, Arequipa is now seeing a new wave of passionate winemakers who are exploring the potential of its native grape varieties—especially Quebranta—to create special wines that capture the region's unique identity.
While Quebranta is mostly distilled into Pisco, its potential as a wine grape is turning heads. Wines made from Quebranta tend to have a savoury, herbal, and slightly leafy finish, often with mild oxidative and bitter notes. Some expressions have floral aromas and a light spritz, blurring the line between rosé and orange wine styles. Usually light to medium-bodied with moderate acidity, these wines go well with many different foods.
Its extremely high-altitude terroir deeply influences Arequipa's wines. The region's volcanic soils and cooler temperatures create the perfect conditions for aromatic white grape varieties, many of which undergo skin-contact fermentation to develop deeper texture and complexity. Winemakers in Arequipa like to use traditional techniques, often using methods like:
More and more winemakers are using these old techniques to produce natural wines, aging their wines in underground cellars carved into the region's volcanic rock.Pisco Production in ArequipaArequipa plays a key role in Pisco production, Peru's national spirit, benefiting from a dry climate that allows grapes to get very ripe. This region has been producing pisco for a long time, with both aromatic and non-aromatic grape varieties, including:
With their light to medium body, balanced acidity, and savoury complexity, Arequipa's wines pair beautifully with many different Peruvian and international dishes. Some great pairings include:
The story begins in the 16th century, shortly after the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1530s. They brought grapevines from the Canary Islands and planted them near Lima, marking the very beginning of winemaking in South America.
From there, vineyards began to spread south, reaching areas like Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Peru experienced what many consider its golden age of winemaking. There was a strong demand for Peruvian wine, which was traded throughout South America. Arequipa, in particular, emerged as a significant hub for agriculture, and its vineyards and wineries have proudly maintained a tradition that has lasted over 400 years.
The early grape varieties included the Prieto variety, brought from the Canary Islands, as well as Mollar, Albilla, and Moscatel. Interestingly, the Catholic Church played a significant role in promoting grape cultivation, as wine was important for church rituals. The valleys of Ica, Arequipa, and Moquegua became central to producing wine and aguardiente, which they supplied to various regions.
In Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna, grapes were converted into wine in large clay jars, often marked with crosses or other symbols. Some of these jars date back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. While Arequipa stored the jars under cover, in Moquegua and Tacna, they were buried almost completely to help regulate the temperature during fermentation. Producing Pisco traditionally involved direct and discontinuous distillation, using equipment primarily crafted from copper.
However, the 19th century posed challenges. Natural disasters, financial difficulties, and trade restrictions imposed by the Spanish crown led to a decline in grape production. To survive, many vineyards shifted their focus to producing Pisco and sweet wines.
Today, the Vítor and Caravelí Valleys are the primary regions for grape cultivation in Arequipa. These valleys feature vineyards planted at elevations above 1,200 meters in clay soils that have washed down from the hills. They are home to ancient grapevines and small, traditional producers who specialize in crafting Pisco and unique wines from historic Criolla varieties. Arequipa remains a vibrant agricultural region, with its fertile land supporting a variety of crops. Some wineries, like El Socabon in the Vitor Valley, have been established for hundreds of years.
What's exciting is that a new generation of winemakers is beginning to leave its imprint by producing wines from native grape varieties, such as Quebranta rosés. This blend of tradition and innovation signifies that Arequipa's wine legacy continues to evolve and thrive.
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