Curicó is Chile’s second largest wine producing valley. Only its southern neighbor Maule has more area planted to vine. French Vitis vinifera vines were first planted here in the mid-1800s, and most of Chile’s top producers have vineyards, with or without cellars, in the region. Curicó’s modern winemaking history began however when Spanish producer Miguel Torres began his first New World endeavor here in the 1970s. Numerous factors, such as the Mediterranean climate, a 5-month summer dry season with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), sufficient rainfall (700 mm / 28 in) and well-drained alluvial soils make this valley vitiviniculturally attractive. Winemaking is the region’s primary economic activity. This relatively large valley is sub-divided into the Teno River Valley to the north, and the Lontué River Valley to the south. Most of the area’s winegrowing and winemaking activity is concentrated in Lontue, primarily near the town of Molina. The two rivers come together to form the Mataquito River, which flows out through the Sagrada Familia to the sea. Curicó’s winding rivers and diverse geographic landscape provide the opportunity to work with many different varieties. In fact, national statistics (SAG) list 32 different types of wine grapes grown in the area (17 red and 15 white). Curicó is also home to the country’s largest vineyards, and vast extensions of vine-laden lands are visible from the highway. In fact, travelers heading south the Lake Country pass through one section of 8 km (5 mi) without interruption.