1.- INTRODUCTION
Many people around the world recognize the Grapes from Peru as exceptional among the world markets due to the quality that it possesses in addition to a special and unique flavor. Thanks to the geography of Peru, it is also possible to appreciate a great amount of ecosystems where the climate and temperature varies allowing them to be cultivated in different regions in a special way, the Peru Grapes. In general, the wine industry is destined to supply the domestic market as well as the international market, gaining an important place in the world market, being considered valuable for its sweetness, freshness and high nutritional value. Without a doubt, one of the most outstanding aspects of Peruvian Grapes is that even during transportation they are kept in optimal conditions, which has made them a great alternative for markets outside Peru.
Due to the great popularity of Peruvian Grapes during the last few years, the wine industry has grown significantly, being one of the most dynamic agricultural sectors in Peru, mainly in places such as Ica, Piura and Lambayeque, which have positioned themselves as the main producers of Peru Grapes, thanks to their varied geography and a climate suitable for a great production, as well as the freshness of the night, which is an excellent place to offer a quality harvest. In addition to that, modern technologies have allowed the agricultural practice to improve considerably during the last years and has caused that Peru can increase the production in a considerable way so that it has been able to cover both the internal demand and also the export expectation that was had for the international markets, currently the Grapes from Peru are harvested for the purpose of direct consumption and at the same time for the elaboration of wine being mainly the Red Globe as the most appreciated.
2.- Historical importance of Peruvian Grapes
There is no doubt that Peruvian Grapes are an important and significant part of the great cultural and historical heritage of Peru since this fruit is part of the traditional agriculture that has existed since pre-Columbian times. It is known that the ancient civilizations that once inhabited this territory cultivated and harvested grapes in the coastal and Andean region. Already with the arrival of the Spaniards in the XVI century in the production of Peruvian Grapes they introduced new varieties that were coming from Europe and from that moment the grape has become an icon and symbol of the Peruvian agriculture mainly in the places where its production is more significant as the case of ica where its production is a cultural inheritance that has been inherited for generations. This great production is also one of the main characteristics of the economic sources that Peru maintains today.
3.- Positioning of Peru in exports
Currently Peru is considered as one of the main exporters worldwide in terms of grape production, in fact it occupies the third place in the world ranking only behind China and the United States, mainly destined for the consumption of markets in Europe, Asia and the United States, due to its excellent quality and the fact that it has the characteristic of keeping in proper condition even with the complicated transportation that represents the export, it is also preferred mainly for its sweet taste, large size and crunchy texture.
4.- PERU’S PERFECT GROWING CONDITIONS
Peru is one of the few countries in the world that has such a varied geography that allows the existence of exceptional climates which are quite favorable in terms of the production and cultivation of grapes, this thanks to the constant progress and improvement of agricultural techniques has allowed the activity of grape production to develop and improve constantly. The combination of warm temperatures during the day and cool winds during the night creates an ideal environment for the Peruvian grape to develop in a balanced way that results in a crunchy texture, sweet and juicy flavor and a large size.
In a direct way also participates the great variety of minerals that exists in the extensive territories which are drained frequently and in this way an abundant harvest is guaranteed and of course of high quality, this has allowed Peru to be one of the main places where the production of grapes has become something exceptional.
5.- Ica Valley
There is no doubt that in all of Peru, the region of Ica is the most privileged in terms of grape production since this place has traditionally been considered the cradle and place of origin of Peruvian viticulture, having even a historical background since colonial times, It is mainly characterized by being located in the coastal region where mainly a desert environment is appreciated so that the environment commonly contains high temperatures during the day and quite low at night which directly favors the development of the grapes as this climate coupled with the irrigation of nearby rivers provides the right conditions for the Grapes from Peru can develop in a unique way achieving an incredible wine production.
And it has a very special and unique geography since it combines a desert mountain territory, extensive valleys with the presence of rivers and an extensive strip near the coastal region so that the whole area receives a considerable amount of sunshine hours throughout the day which directly affects the ripening of the Peru Grapes. On the other hand, the warm climate and dry daytime environment allows a development that directly affects the texture and flavor which is directly complemented by the freshness that can be felt during the night, in addition to this, the Pacific Ocean directly regulates the temperature, making it an ideal environment for the growth of large crops of Peruvian grapes.
6.- UNIQUE MICROCLIMATES
“The region of Ica is quite distinctive from others due to the presence of small microclimates that allow diversification in the production of grapes so that in this way you can get to get several varieties, these variations in temperature, humidity and of course sun exposure are mainly due to the geography that has the place in addition to the altitude and proximity to the sea. In a direct way it is appreciated that the microclimates can help and favor the ripening of grapes and even in some cases have produced sweeter grapes due to a longer exposure to the sun so that others come to have a more noticeable acidity, it is also one of the aspects why Peruvian grapes are considered as extremely valuable in international markets.”
7.- Other regions where grapes are grown
There are many places in Peru where grapes are also massively cultivated for an adequate production, mainly in the cities of Piura and Lambayeque. Thanks to the fact that these regions also have a warm and sunny climate during most of the day, they have come to produce unique and exclusive varieties that are recognized worldwide, such as Red Globes and Thompson Seedless, which are commonly demanded in international markets and are possible to obtain because of their proximity to the Pacific Ocean and also because they have fertile soil for high quality production.
On the other hand there are also places where during the last decades the activity of viticulture has been producing and resurging, in cities like Arequipa, Cusco and Ancash is where cool microclimates have been adapted to grow some local varieties of grapes, this mainly because the demand for wine consumption has increased so small vineyards have been created in a boutique style that has allowed a limited but select production. It is also like to appreciate that in regions such as Moquegua, Tacna and Junin the production and cultivation of grapes has been implemented due to the investment of infrastructure and agricultural technology so there is a high probability of diversification in production of Peruvian grapes.
8.- POPULAR PERUVIAN GRAPE VARIETIES
8.1.- Red Globe
It is considered one of the most popular and conical varieties among all Peru Grapes, mainly because of its large size and thick skin and bright red color. This is the grape that is mainly exported to international markets such as Europe, Asia and the United States, which primarily stands out for having a sweet and juicy flavor and a crunchy texture that makes it quite special for consumers. This particular grape is one of the most productive in Peru as it has been constantly improving thanks to agricultural innovations and cultivation techniques that have been implemented in recent times, of course it is quite demanding when it comes to development conditions as it needs a warm climate and at the same time dry as well as a constant and proper irrigation management which in many respects raises production costs quite a lot, however it is safe high quality production, no doubt that its large-scale production represents one of the highest percentages in economic income that the country has thanks to exports.
8.2.- Seedless varieties
- Seedless Crimson
It is a very particular type of grape that stands out for its intense red color and its large size and sweet flavor. There is no doubt that this is one of the most appreciated variations due to its crunchy texture and the balance between sweet and bitter. However, what makes it a favorite for international exports is its delicate flavor. In Peru, its production has expanded on a large scale thanks to the high demand for it, especially in North America and Europe.
- Thompson seedless
This other variety is a little more classic and at the same time emblematic of the market that likes to consume seedless grapes. It is characterized unlike other investments by its peculiar light green color which makes it a softer option for the palate with sweet and refreshing flavor, although this grape variety is originally from California, in Peru has managed to improve its quality standard and has managed to give it a special position among the most exported grapes each year, it is also important to mention its ability to stay in good condition even with long-distance transport.
- Seedless Llamas
It is one of the most recent and of course promising grape varieties that the Peruvian market has been developing, it is distinctive for a large size and pale green color that is quite similar to the Thompson version but with an even sweeter taste and with better resistance to any kind of diseases that may exist, it has gained a great popularity among the Asian and European markets also for the delicious balanced taste and a great resistance to weather.
8.3.- Unique and native varieties
- Quebranta
This grape variety is one of the most special that exists in Peru since it is used in the production of pisco, which is also known as the national liquor. It has a thick and yellowish green skin and is mainly cultivated in the region of Ica, it is also recognized for having a high quality must production capacity, which makes it perfect for the distillation of pisco. The Quebranta grape option has a very delicate and fruity flavor with a slight touch of acidity, which makes it highly appreciated in national and international markets.
- Toronto
This grape variety native to Peru is cultivated mainly in rural areas belonging to the Andean region, it is also used in the production of pisco but it differs by having a more aromatic and intense profile with hints of tropical fruits and a slight acidity that gives it an even more refreshing taste. Although it is not recognized by the market as other varieties, Toronto has a very important role in the production of beverages such as pisco and in fact it is what is most commonly used.
- Italia
This grape is not originally from Peru, but in our territory it has found a special habitat that allows it to develop to a unique quality, its unmistakable flavor is sweet and has a very characteristic aroma that has made it very popular, mainly among the consumption of table grapes. Of course it is also used in the production of other inputs such as sweet and sparkling pines, this is mainly grown in regions near the coast as ica and Piura for this reason is considered one of the varieties that has more prestige in the Peruvian market.
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9.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- When is the best time to visit Peruvian vineyards?
The best time of the year to visit the Peruvian vineyards is undoubtedly during the harvest season that occurs between December and March. During these months you can appreciate the process of harvesting grapes and allows visitors to enjoy the celebration of the Grape Harvest, which is recognized as the biggest cultural festival of the place.
- Which Peruvian grape variety is considered the most valuable export?
There is no doubt that the Red Globe is the most valuable grape variety in the export process, thanks to its large size, intense red color and sweet flavor it has become a favorite in international markets such as Europe, Asia and the United States.
- How do Peruvian grapes differ from California or Chilean grapes?
The main difference is based on the climate and growing cycle, since being close to the coastal region it enjoys warm and pleasant temperatures during the day while at night the coolness gives the balance that the grapes need to ripen with better quality.
- Can visitors participate in grape harvesting in Peru?
Yes, the grape harvest festival is a traditional celebration that invites world travelers to participate actively during the harvest season, in fact many of the vineyards offer tourist activities that help tourists enjoy a traditional immersion.
- What makes the Ica Valley ideal for grape cultivation?
The main aspect that makes the ica valley ideal for grape harvesting is undoubtedly the desert climate as well as the warm temperatures that can be felt during the day, while at night the coolness favors the ripening process.
Now that you know more about the activity of Viticulture, you can make it part of your adventure and Auri Peru can create a customized adventure just for you, contact us now and together we will live an incredible travel experience during this 2025.
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