Elqui and Limarí give Coquimbo two distinct wine settings. At the southern edge of the Atacama Desert, Elqui has clear skies, intense sunshine and thin, rocky soils. Vineyards need irrigation, while high-elevation sites produce Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Its Syrah is aromatic, balanced and intense.
Limarí's coastal mornings are cooler, with ocean fog moderating the warmth. Its limestone soils, unusual in Chile, come from ancient seabeds lifted during the formation of the Andes. Chardonnay is the valley's best-known grape, and Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir have bright acidity. Limarí also makes sparkling wine, while Syrah gains power farther inland. Elqui and Limarí have more than four centuries of continuous winemaking tradition. Coquimbo also lies within Chile's defined Pisco-producing area, though Pisco is a separate spirit category.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Coquimbo clear, with a direct route back to the map.