With an average rainfall similar to that of the Medoc (more than 1,300 mm / 51 in per year), a deep and generous subterranean water table, and cool evening mists that creep down the Andean foothills, the Bío Bío is both blessed and challenged. Fruit ripens slowly this far south, and the harvest begins a full 20 to 25 days after the harvests in more northerly valleys have reached full swing. Rain and cold weather make winegrowing here more complicated than in other areas. Traditionally the vineyards were massively planted with the little-demanding variety País used in simple rustic wines for local consumption. Today enterprising winemakers have initiated a transition toward more exciting varieties less suited to the warm conditions in Chile’s more northerly climes. Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling express themselves very well here with higher acidities closer to those found in Old World bottlings.