Viña Ventolera

The winery

Viña Ventolera was born in 2008 in San Juan de Leyda, in the Leyda Valley, within the coastal zone of San Antonio, on the initiative of businessman Vicente Izquierdo Menéndez, who wanted to make wines with a strong sense of place in one of Chile's youngest and coolest valleys. In 2011 Stefano Gandolini, who also has his own winery in Maipo, joined as partner and head winemaker. The name comes from the sea wind, the ventolera, which sweeps into the valley every midday and cools the vineyards.

The estate occupies gentle hills about 200 meters above sea level and 12 kilometers from the ocean; according to the winery itself, of its roughly 600 hectares some 160 are planted. Weathered granite rich in quartz dominates, beneath a thin layer of red clay, and the afternoon breeze keeps the grapes fresh and their acidity intact. The modern cellar has capacity for 150,000 liters between stainless-steel vats and French oak barrels, and next to it a wind turbine generates part of the power. The house focuses on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Syrah: the Ventolera line brings together the varietals and a blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah; Private Cuvée and Rare Cuvée are wines with long aging on the lees, in steel tanks or new barrels; and Cerro Alegre, a Sauvignon Blanc, and Claro de Luna, a Pinot Noir, come out in runs of fewer than 2,200 bottles. Outside Chile its entry line, Litoral, is also known. In 2025 Robert Parker Wine Advocate gave between 94 and 96+ points to several of its wines.

The winery publishes no visits, tours or public opening hours, and is not listed with Enoturismo Chile; inquiries go by phone or email. Its wines are bought in the official website's online shop, which sells cases of six bottles with home delivery. Ask about availability before planning a purchase, because each wine is made in limited quantities.