Viña Umpel200 años de historia
Rescuing 200+ year old Cepa País vines in the dry hills of Yumbel. Agroecological wines made by hand in wooden lagares—nothing added, nothing removed. Umpel means Yumbel in Mapuche.
UMPEL
Rescuing vines planted over two centuries ago in the hills of Yumbel.
Viña Umpel was born from the motivation to rescue ancient Cepa País vineyards planted more than 200 years ago, just a few kilometers from the town of Yumbel in Chile's Biobío Region (8th Region). "Umpel" means Yumbel in Mapuche, honoring the indigenous heritage of this land [^146^][^152^].
In 2014, a dream was realized. After 12 months of aging, the unforgettable "Del Peregrino" was born—named in honor of the pilgrims who arrive in Yumbel each year to venerate San Sebastián. These pilgrims have walked these dry hills for centuries, and the wine pays homage to their journey [^146^].
This is a sixth-generation family winery with roots stretching back approximately 200 years. The vineyards are located on dry hills (lomas de secano)—not irrigated, relying solely on winter rains. This water stress creates optimal quality as the vines concentrate their energy on the fruit [^152^][^149^].
Today, Viña Umpel manages six hectares of Cepa País, two hectares of Carignan, and three hectares of Malbec—all farmed organically and agroecologically, preserving the traditions of Chilean countryside farming [^144^][^149^].
"Ningún tipo de aditivo ni colorantes entran en este proceso."
Viña Umpel follows a strict agroecological philosophy. No herbicides, no chemicals—only organic management. The vineyards are tended exclusively by the hands of local farmers using traditional Chilean viticulture methods passed down through generations [^144^][^152^].
For powdery mildew prevention, they use only sulfur. The harvest is completely manual, and fermentation occurs in old wooden lagares made from Raulí wood—ancient wine vessels that have been refurbished to preserve their original character [^152^][^146^].
The winemaking is entirely manual and ecological: no yeast, no additives, no coloring, no water, no preservatives. No pressing is used to avoid affecting quality. Fermentation is monitored daily for temperature and density. The must is punched down (pisonea) once daily to stimulate fermentation [^152^].
After 14 days, the wine moves to special polyethylene tanks and wooden barrels for aging. The process closes with Eco corks—maintaining the 100% natural line from vineyard to bottle [^152^].
Nada Removido
100% Natural
Lomas de secano—dry hills where vines struggle and concentrate their energy.
Dry Hills
Vineyards are located on lomas de secano—dry hills that receive no irrigation. The vines rely solely on winter rainfall stored in the soil. This water stress forces the vines to concentrate their energies on the fruit, producing grapes of exceptional quality and intensity [^152^][^146^].
Ancient Vines
The Cepa País vines are over 200 years old—planted more than two centuries ago and abandoned for many years before being rescued. These grandfather vines produce tiny yields of concentrated fruit with deep roots in the dry Biobío soil [^146^][^149^].
Exposure
The terrain has northeast exposure, providing optimal sun exposure while maintaining freshness. Vines are trained in gobelet (vaso) shape—the traditional bush vine method that requires no trellising and is perfectly adapted to dry farming [^149^].
Local Hands
Vineyards are cared for exclusively by local farmers using organic methods. No machinery—just hands, wisdom, and tradition. The surrounding countryside provides a unique organoleptic profile that can be tasted in every bottle [^146^][^152^].
Vinos que apelan a la historia—wines that appeal to history.
Del Peregrino
The flagship wine—named after the pilgrims who visit Yumbel to venerate San Sebastián. Made from 200+ year old Cepa País vines on dry hills. Ruby-garnet color with cherry, plum, berry aromas and lightly spicy notes. Juicy palate with elegant yet rustic tannins—the ultimate expression of Chile's heritage grape [^152^][^155^].
Nena
100% Moscatel de Alejandría—the aromatic white grape of the Mediterranean. Shows apricot-orange color with medium turbidity. Intense floral aromas with typical oxidation, grape skins, soft spices. Juicy, smooth, fresh palate with lovely texture. A natural orange wine with soul [^154^][^162^].
Carignan
From 2 hectares of Carignan grafted onto old Pais rootstock. This French variety finds a new home in the dry hills of Biobío. Agroecologically farmed, hand-harvested, fermented in Raulí wood lagares. Structured and complex with the signature Umpel natural approach [^144^][^149^].
Malbec
From 3 hectares of Malbec—the variety that traveled from France to Argentina and now thrives in Chile's Biobío Valley. Planted in the same dry-farmed conditions as the ancient País vines. Deep color, velvety tannins, and the unmistakable stamp of agroecological farming [^144^][^149^].
Aquoecotogico
The agroecological expression of Umpel—field blends from the oldest vineyards. Shows how to make great wine with País grape: elegant yet rustic tannins, true terroir expression. A wine that proves the potential of Chile's heritage varieties when farmed naturally [^136^][^160^].
Vino del Secano
The dry-farmed wine—the essence of the secano tradition. Made in the same way as generations past: harvest by hand, fermentation in wood, no filtration, no additives. Just pure grape transformed by time and tradition. Living wine from living soil [^146^][^152^].
The San Sebastián Pilgrimage
Annual Pilgrimage
⛪ Yumbel Tradition
Six Generations
🍇 Family Heritage
Indigenous Roots
◆ Umpel = Yumbel
"Saber que es una bodega con más de 200 años de historia y que va por su quinta producción, no hace más que explicar las bondades Del Peregrino en comparación..."
Knowing this is a winery with over 200 years of history going into its fifth production only explains the virtues of Del Peregrino.