Samaipata is located at the entrance to theValles Cruceños region. This area was once home to the Incas, the Guaraní, and the Spanish. The arrival of the Spaniard Ñuflo de Chaves in 1548 marked the beginning of a long struggle between the Guaraní, who ruled the region, and the Spanish.
Following the founding of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in 1561, the region’s first vineyards were established around Santa Cruz de la Sierra“La Vieja,” on the slopes of the Serranías del Sutó.
As the Spanish colony became established, the first vineyards were planted in the valleys at the eastern end of the Andes.
In 1618, the Spaniards Pedro Escalante and Mendoza founded the “Town of the Valley of Purification,” Samaipata, which in the local Quechua dialect means “Rest in the Heights.” At that time, major vineyards emerged, such as those of the Order of Mercy in Tembladeras and those of the pioneering families from Santa Cruz in Chilón.
The wine from the region’s earliest vineyards was destined for the wealthy mining towns of Upper Peru and the parishes of the Diocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
By reviving this tradition, the Uvairenda estateis contributing to the revival of winemaking in the Valles Cruceños.
In homage to the origins of its people, the vineyard’s name derives from the Spanish word for “grape” and the Guaraní word “renda,” meaning “place”; thus,Uvairenda is “the place of the grape.” In this way, Samaipata joins the traditional wine-growing region of Tarija in producing fine wines whose quality should be a source of pride for the Bolivian people.
When people talk about wine, Bolivia—a country defined by its high altitudes—isn’t necessarily the first place that comes to mind! Let yourself be surprised by a vibrant journey of discovery through the high-altitude wines of Tarija and Santa Cruz, along with the incredible story of Francisco and Humberto.
Discover Bolivia’s wine country on a wine tour of the southern regions of Bolivia. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or an expert, discover the diversity of Bolivian wine: vintage blends, organic wines, and exceptional wines grown at high altitudes from vines over 200 years old.
Since Bolivia’s vineyards are concentrated in the Tarija and Samaipata regions, you’ll have the chance to explore the different wine-growing regions, terroirs, styles, and range of wines. Explore the various wine routes, discover different grape varieties, and taste the wines that have contributed to this country’s reputation as a wine-producing region. Between Tarija and Samaipata, marvel at the delicious Syrah and Tannat wines crafted from grapes grown at high altitudes in this extraordinary country.
The most common grape varieties in the country are Sauvignon, Muscat of Alexandria (which is highly drought-resistant), Tannat, Merlot, Chardonnay, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, as well as Torrontès, which originates from Argentina. They can all be vinified in different ways, resulting in a variety of wine styles.
