New Generation
Young winemaker reviving ancestral Dama Juana traditions. Organic and biodynamic País from the hills of Itata, fermented in native raulí wood vats.
Gustavo Riffo represents the youthful vanguard of Itata's natural wine renaissance, bridging ancient tradition and biodynamic innovation.
As one of the younger winemakers in the Sur Natural collective, Gustavo Riffo brings fresh energy to Itata's centuries-old viticultural traditions. His project, Lomas de Llahuen (Hills of Llahuen), focuses on recovering the authentic character of the valley's historic vineyards.
Riffo works exclusively with dry-farmed, head-trained vines cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. His approach combines rigorous ecological stewardship with deep respect for the traditional methods passed down through generations of Itata farmers.
Based in the Llahuen area of Itata, he maintains small plots of heritage varieties, working manually from vineyard to bottle to ensure each wine expresses the specific terroir of these granite hills.
Dama Juana tradition meets biodynamic precision in native raulí vats.
Dama Juana
Traditional Chilean fermentation method using large earthenware or wooden vessels. Riffo employs this ancestral technique to achieve gentle extraction and pure fruit expression in his Pipeño-style wines.
Raulí Vats
Fermentation and aging occur in vats made from native Chilean beech (raulí), a traditional wood that imparts subtle structure without overwhelming oak flavors, allowing the granitic terroir to shine.
Biodynamic
Certified organic with biodynamic preparations. Vineyard work follows lunar cycles and employs natural composts and herbal teas to enhance soil vitality and vine health without synthetic inputs.
Lomas de Llahuen. Granite hills cultivated according to biodynamic principles.
Llahuen Hills
Situated in the elevated sector of Llahuen, these vineyards benefit from cooling altitudinal breezes and excellent drainage. The granite-derived soils provide the mineral backbone that characterizes Riffo's wines.
Organic CertifiedHeritage Varieties
Dry-farmed País bush vines ranging from 60 to over 100 years old, interplanted with traditional Mediterranean varieties adapted to Itata's unique climate. All farming is manual and chemical-free.
BiodynamicAuthentic Pipeño and heritage wines from the hills of Itata.
Dama Juana País
The flagship Pipeño fermented in traditional Dama Juana style. Fresh and rustic with notes of wild strawberry, earth, and herbs. Light-bodied with soft tannins, perfect for casual drinking.
Dama Juana RaulíLomas Cinsault
From dry-farmed bush vines on granite soils. Bright and aromatic with red berry fruit, floral notes, and a distinctive mineral finish. Fermented with native yeasts and minimal sulfur.
Granite Soil Native YeastLlahuen Moscatel
Dry Moscatel from historic plantings. Intensely aromatic with orange blossom and citrus, yet structured and savory on the palate. Aged in raulí vats for texture and complexity.
Dry Farmed Aromatic"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire."
Gustavo Riffo embodies the new wave of Itata winemakers: young, environmentally committed, and deeply rooted in place. Through Lomas de Llahuen, he demonstrates that biodynamic precision and ancestral methods can coexist, creating wines that honor the past while looking toward a sustainable future.