Nestled in the heart of the Bolivian Andes, Viñedo Casa Blanca is a testament to the resilience and passion to growing grapes. Our vineyard thrives in the unique microclimate of the Cinti Valley, where high-altitude conditions, long equatorial days, and a blend of volcanic and alluvial soils create an unparalleled terroir.
The story of our vineyard began eighty years ago, when Pedro Aramayo Brusela first looked upon the crimson cliffs of the Cinti Valley and saw more than just stone—he saw a future. Alongside his wife, Tomassa Escalante Aramayo, they dedicated their lives to the arduous task of working this high-altitude terrain, taming the arid soil of the "Bolivian Colorado" through sheer grit and a deep love for the land.
The torch of this legacy was eventually passed to their daughter, Isabel Elena Aramayo. Recognizing the unique soul of her family’s inheritance, Isabel chose to transform her portion of the land into a specialized sanctuary for viticulture. By investing her inheritance into the vines, she married her parents’ hardworking past with a vision for viticulture. Today, every bunch of grapes we produce carries the strength of her father and mother, Pablo and Tomassa, and the visionary heart of Isabel Elena.
The Cinti Valley is one of the most distinctive wine-growing regions on Earth, defined by a "triple threat" of geography that defies traditional winemaking logic. Growing grapes here isn’t just agriculture; it’s an act of extreme high-altitude adaptation.
Sitting between 2,300 and 2,500 meters above sea level, Cinti is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world. At this elevation, the atmosphere is thinner, meaning the vines are exposed to intense UV radiation. To protect themselves, the grapes develop thicker skins, which results in a higher concentration of tannins, color, and polyphenols. This gives Cinti wines a structural depth and aromatic intensity that lowland vineyards simply cannot replicate.
Located at approximately 20° South, the valley is significantly closer to the Equator than the famous regions of France or California. This proximity ensures a consistent, powerful solar cycle. However, the heat is tempered by the altitude, preventing the grapes from "cooking." The result is a unique "solar ripeness"—wines that are incredibly bold and fruit-forward while maintaining a surprising, crisp acidity.
The towering red sandstone walls of the South Cinti canyons act as natural thermal radiators. During the day, the crimson cliffs absorb the sun’s heat; at night, they radiate that warmth back into the valley floor.
The Diurnal Shift: Despite the "cliff-warmth," the desert air allows for a massive temperature drop at night (often more than 20°C difference).
The Result: This drastic swing allows the vines to "rest" at night, preserving the natural acids and floral notes that are often lost in warmer, lower climates.
Because of this unique environment, the Cinti Valley is the birthplace of Singani (Bolivia’s national brandy) and preserves ancient "creole" vines. Many vines here are not trellised on wires but are allowed to climb high into Molle and Chañar trees, a traditional practice that protects the fruit from the intense ground heat of the canyon floor.
The topography of South Cinti is defined by a high-altitude valley system, averaging 2,300 to 2,500 meters above sea level, carved out by the Rio Chico and Rio Grande.
The land is characterized by steep, jagged cliffs and deep gorges. Erosion has created "fins" of rock and sharp ridges that rise abruptly from the valley floor.
The "Valley of the Moon" Effect: Like other parts of the Bolivian Andes, Cinti features heavy "badlands" topography—areas where soft sedimentary rock has been heavily eroded into intricate, pipe-like formations and sharp spires.
This is a narrow, winding corridor where the red walls close in, creating a dramatic contrast against the narrow strip of green vegetation along the riverbeds.
The Arid Heights: The canyon tops and slopes are semi-arid. The primary vegetation consists of giant columnar cacti (Cardones), thorny shrubs, and "Molles" (pepper trees). The soil here is rocky and holds little water.
The Fertile Floor: In stark contrast to the red walls, the valley floor is a lush, green oasis. This is one of Bolivia's premier wine-growing regions. The microclimate created by the canyon walls protects the vineyards from harsh winds and traps heat, allowing for the cultivation of high-altitude grapes (Singani and wine) and fruit trees (fig, peach, and pomegranate).