The highest vineyard is over 3500m above sea level!
Where is it? In Tibet!
Extravagant strides for delicate indulgences.
The highest vineyards above 2000m can be found in the majestic Andean and awe-inspiring Himalayan mountain ranges of South America and Asia, respectively. In contrast, the highest vineyard in Europe is 1150m above sea level, in Visperterminen, Switzerland.
Intense sun exposure, large diurnal temperature changes, and limited accessibility to surface water results in grapes with thicker skins, slower ripening with conserved acidity, and lower yields. This produces wines with deeper colours and more complex flavours, for that elegant touch.
Below are a few examples of different vineyards from different continents, and common varietals.
Asia
Cai Na Xiang, Qushui County of Lhasa, Tibet
Height: 3563m
Varietals: Vidal, Muscat, Bei Bing Hong (indigenous Icewine variety)
South America
Altura Máxima Vineyard, Colomé, Argentina
Credit: Bodega Colomé
Height: 3111m
Varietals: Malbec, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
North America
West Elks American Viticultural Area, Colorado, USA
Credit: Stone Cottage Cellars
Height: 2000m
Varietals: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot
Africa
Clos Malaza, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
Credit: Prime Mada Guide
Height: 1500m
Varietals: Petit Bouschet, Sévillard, Chambourcin, Villardin, Varousset, Couderc 13
Europe
Visperterminen, Switzerland
Credit: Coop Genossenschaft
Height: 1150m
Varietals: Heida
2024-04-28
References:
‘World’s highest vineyard’ is in Tibet, says Guinness World Records - Decanter
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