Nestled in the heart of the Cachapoal Valley, Vina Tipaume stands as one of Chile’s pioneering signature wine projects, embodying a steadfast commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Established in 1996, this family-run vineyard has remained true to its philosophy of minimal intervention, crafting natural and artisanal wines that tell a unique story of tradition, sustainability, and innovation.
The visionaries behind Vina Tipaume
The roots of Vina Tipaume trace back to Yves Pouzet, an agronomist and oenologist from the University of Paris, who arrived in Chile in the early 1980s to contribute to the establishment of Vina Los Vascos. Before setting foot in Chile, he had honed his craft in renowned wine regions such as Chablis in France, Napa Valley in the United States, and Ica in Peru. Shortly after his arrival, he met Valentina Grez, his future wife and lifelong partner in the vineyard venture.
For nearly a decade, Yves worked across various wineries in Chile, Brazil, and India, all while searching for the ideal land to bring his winemaking dream to fruition. In 1995, during a climbing excursion in Rengo, Yves and Valentina stumbled upon a small plot of land that would become the birthplace of Vina Tipaume. Named after a nearby stream, Tipaume derives its name from Mapudungun, meaning “place of departure,” symbolising the life-giving waters that flow from the Andes to nourish the valley.
From its inception, Vina Tipaume has championed organic viticulture. As the vineyard evolved, it embraced biodynamic principles, ensuring that every aspect of cultivation and winemaking aligned with nature’s rhythms. The vineyard spans five hectares and is home to a diverse array of grape varieties, including Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Lacrima Cristi, Viognier, Pinot Noir, and Sangiovese.
Unlike conventional vineyards, Vina Tipaume does not rely on irrigation. Instead, the vines are encouraged to develop deep root systems, drawing water and minerals from the subsoil. This natural approach enhances the complexity of the wines while fortifying the vines against diseases. By fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem, the vineyard ensures that every bottle of wine is a pure expression of its terroir.
The evolution of Vina Tipaume’s wines
For several years, Vina Tipaume sold its organically grown grapes to larger wineries. However, in 2004, the family decided to build a cellar beneath their home, allowing them to vinify their own wines. The following year, they produced their first vintage—1,162 bottles of meticulously crafted wine.
Between 2008 and 2011, Yves and Valentina delved into the ancient tradition of winemaking in clay amphorae. This ancestral method, used by European winemakers over 5,000 years ago, became a defining feature of Vina Tipaume’s philosophy. In 2011, they released their first commercial amphora-aged wine, aptly named Grez—both a tribute to Valentina and a nod to the French word “gres,” meaning clay.
A small but impactful production
Today, Vina Tipaume produces approximately 3,000 bottles annually. Each bottle reflects the vineyard’s unwavering dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship. Half of their production finds its way to some of Chile’s finest restaurants, including Boragó, Ambrosia, and 99, while the remaining half is exported to discerning markets in Brazil, Japan, Norway, and Belgium.
Despite its small scale, Vina Tipaume has made a significant impact on the organic wine movement in Chile. As pioneers of minimal-intervention winemaking, Yves and Valentina have demonstrated that wine can be both an art and a reflection of the land from which it comes.
More than two decades since planting their first vines, the Pouzet-Grez family remains committed to the principles that first inspired Vina Tipaume. Every bottle embodies the purity of organic and biodynamic farming, the wisdom of ancestral winemaking, and the passion of a family devoted to their craft.
Vina Tipaume is not just a vineyard—it is a living testament to the harmony between nature and winemaking, a place where tradition and innovation coalesce to create wines that tell a story of patience, perseverance, and respect for the earth.
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