Pioneer of the Region
Charting the course for natural wine in southern Chile. Roberto Henríquez works with unspoiled old vines to create wines of profound authenticity and place.
A pioneering voice for the Bio Bio Valley, championing unspoiled old vines and traditional methods long before they became trends.
Roberto Henríquez stands as one of the original architects of Chile's natural wine movement in the southern valleys. Working in the Bio Bio long before it gained international recognition, he has consistently championed the region's unspoiled old vines and traditional farming practices.
His approach is intellectual yet intuitive—studying the specific terroirs of the Bio Bio while allowing the wines to express themselves with minimal intervention. Henríquez was among the first to recognize the potential of the region's dry-farmed País and other heritage varieties, working to preserve these living links to Chile's viticultural past.
As a mentor and inspiration to younger winemakers in the region, his influence extends beyond his own cellar, helping to establish the Bio Bio as a global destination for authentic, terroir-driven natural wine.
Unspoiled old vines in the granitic soils of the Bio Bio, preserved through dry-farming and traditional bush training.
Unspoiled Heritage
Henríquez works with some of the most pristine old vineyards in the Bio Bio—plots that have never known chemicals or irrigation. These unspoiled vines, many over a century old, represent a pre-industrial viticultural heritage increasingly rare in modern Chile.
Bush Vines
Traditional head-trained gobelet vines, ungrafted and unirrigated, surviving through deep root systems and the wisdom of centuries. These bush vines produce naturally low yields of intensely concentrated fruit.
Bio Bio Valley
Cool-climate influence from the Pacific meets granitic soils in these historic valleys. The diurnal temperature shift preserves acidity while allowing for phenolic maturity—a unique combination that Henríquez was among the first to champion.
Wines of place, crafted with patience and respect for the ancient vines that produce them.
País Viejo
From unspoiled centenarian vines. Light in body but profound in character, offering wild strawberry, earth, and smoke notes. A masterclass in the potential of Chile's historic País variety when treated with reverence.
Old Vines UnspoiledCriolla Mix
A traditional field blend of País and other heritage varieties co-planted in the same historic vineyards. Fermented together to express the vineyard's holistic character rather than single-varietal identity.
Field Blend Co-fermentedMoscatel Granítico
Dry Moscatel from granitic soils, showing the variety's savory side. Aromatic yet structured, with notes of orange peel, herbs, and wet stone. Fermented with native yeasts in neutral vessels.
Granitic Native YeastCinsault del Bio Bio
Elegant and perfumed with remarkable freshness. Red berry fruit, floral aromatics, and a distinct mineral backbone from the valley's decomposed granite soils. Whole bunch fermentation adds complexity.
Whole Bunch Mineral"To make wine from these vines is to participate in a history that began long before us."
Roberto Henríquez's work represents a bridge between past and future—preserving the unspoiled vineyards of the Bio Bio while establishing a blueprint for thoughtful, terroir-driven natural winemaking in Chile. His pioneering spirit continues to inspire a new generation of winemakers committed to authenticity and place.