The Patagonian Wind: Terroir You Can Feel

How to Complete

3 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. ⛰️ 1

   Walk a Vineyard During Wind

   adventure Free

   Feel what the vines endure - terroir you can experience.

   Ask any winery about the windiest conditions. Walk through a vineyard when winds are blowing (common in afternoon). Feel the stress the vines experience daily. This physical experience explains why Patagonian Pinot has thicker skins and bolder flavors.

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2. 📜 2

   See Windbreaks and Training

   history Free

   How do viticulturists manage 50-knot winds?

   Ask about wind management: windbreaks (poplar trees are common), trellis systems, vine training. Some vineyards have elaborate wind protection; others embrace exposure for thicker-skinned fruit.

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3. 🍷 3

   Compare Wind-Exposed vs Protected Wines

   Optional

   wine $$

   Taste the difference wind stress makes.

   Ask a producer if they have wines from both wind-exposed and wind-protected blocks. The exposed wines typically show deeper color, more tannin, and bolder structure. This is wind terroir in the glass.

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Insider Tips

• ✦

  Patagonian winds regularly exceed 50 knots - dress appropriately

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  Wind stress creates thicker skins = deeper color, more tannins, bolder flavor

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  The massive temperature swings (30°C+ daily) also contribute to thick-skinned fruit

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  Poplar trees as windbreaks are a Patagonian landscape signature