The orchards and vineyards of the Aconcágua Valley are fed by more than 100 canals and aqueducts, each carrying glacial runoff from the Andes via the Aconcágua River and its tributaries. With its natural abundance of nutrient-rich water, this valley was the first growing area to be planted in the early years of the Chilean fruit industry. Today, it produces the largest variety of fresh fruits of all of Chile’s nine growing regions, and delivers double the production volume of other regions.
The Acancágua Valley is separated into three major growing regions one coastal and two inland, named Quillotá, San Felipe and Los Andes respectively. Although San Felipe and Los Andes are located in separate valleys, they enjoy similar climates – much like the lower San Joaquin Valley of California, but with lower night time temperatures. This phenomenon gives the region’s stone fruits, grapes and red apple varieties stronger pigmentation for high appetite appeal. The coastal valley of Quillota has an exceptional climate for sub-tropicals, like avocados. Sixty five percent of the Chilean avocado production is presently grown in Quillota.
