The Leyda Valley is a relatively new viticultural area, west of Santiago and just 14km from the sea. Historically a wheat and barley producing area, this cool but sunny valley’s potential for vine growing was recognised in 1997 by the Fernandez family, who installed an 8km irrigation pipeline from the Maipo River and set about planting Pinot Noir, Sauvignon and Chardonnay vineyards. The press comments would suggest that their brave decision to invest in this region was a wise one. Now with 249 hectares under vine, a thoroughly modern winery, a clutch of awards and burgeoning links with selected producers of Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and Carmenère in warmer regions, Viña Leyda is growing markedly in significance.