Ecuador is characterized by its small geographical size and itsimmense biological and cultural diversity. The Andes, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands are home to a surprising number of ecosystems, which is why this region is one of the primary sources of the food we consume worldwide.
If there’s one ingredient that stands out, it’s definitelycocoa, whose finest variety—known as“fino de aroma”—not only originates from Ecuador but is still primarily produced there.
With such awide variety ofterroirs, one might imagine it would be easy to produce a wide range of wines. However, there are only two majorwineries, one of which has earned a reputation for itself:Dos Hemisferios. You’re about to discover the story behind this unique project.
The central theme of this tripwill be THE SENSES. We invite you to visit the country’s vineyards, of course, but also the production and processing facilities for its other iconic products, such as cocoa and coffee. You’ll also enjoy some culinary surprises featuringroses, for which Ecuador is renowned as one of the world’s leading producers.
We invite you to journey down the Andes, starting inQuito—arguably the most beautiful colonial capital on the continent—and continuing on to Cuenca, staying at the country’shistoric haciendas, before reaching the Pacific Coast in Guayaquil for a final taste of local wine.
If you’re looking to add meaning to your trip, this is sure to delight you. This 14-day tour highlights the five senses, starting with taste and smell. The tour follows four main themes: chocolate & coffee, wines & spirits, culinary heritage, and aromas.
On the Route of the Senses in Ecuador, YOU'LL LOVE:
– A tour of the country’s two vineyards
– Discovering exceptional cocoa
– Charming historic accommodations
– A visit to an organic rose grower
– Culinary stops featuring lesser-known ingredients
Discover Ecuador’s vineyards as you travel across the country from north to south, and combine these
visits with tastings of local cocoa and coffee.
Because Ecuador lies on the equator, it does not have distinct seasons. This makes wine production a challenge. There are only two significant vineyards in Ecuador, one of which has made a name for itself on the international stage.
The name isDos Hemisferios (the “two hemispheres”), a reference to its geographical location. This venture began in 2004 when Guillermo Wright and Alejandro Taramelli brought the first grapevine cuttings from France—Cabernet Sauvignon—followed by Brazilian clones of Cabernet and Malbec. Their current production is approximately 60,000 bottles per year. Chaupi started earlier, in 1994, in the valley on the outskirts of Quito.
Dos Hemisferios has cultivated grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Chardonnay on limestone soils rich in marine fossils. This makes for a wonderful viticultural experience in a tropical climate with a daily temperature range of 14°C and a maritime climate influenced by the Humboldt Current. The proximity to the equator accelerates the grape’s growth cycle, allowing for two harvests per year.
The average annual temperature is 24°C, and the vines enjoy many days of intense sunshine throughout the year. This allows plots of harvested vines to coexist alongside others of different varieties that are just beginning to grow.
