History

The history of Neyen de Apalta has unfolded in an exceptional corner of the Colchagua Valley. Nestled into a horseshoe-shaped ring of hills, the winery produces a treasured red wine that reflects the notoriety of this terroir that is bathed by the Tinguiririca River, blessed by the sun, and sheltered by the Coastal Mountain Range.

The original Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon vines have shown the qualities of this micro-valley since their grapes were first harvested at this, the valley’s oldest winery, around 1890. Until recently, the vineyard’s rich fruit supplied valley producers for many decades.

By 2002 the Apalta Valley had become a source of prestige in the world’s wine scene, and the Raúl Rojas family knew that the 125-hectare property in the coastal foothills that they had owned for more than 30 years possessed special characteristics for winegrowing. It was time to create a new vitivinicultural project, and Neyen de Apalta was born.

Our desire to make a single, truly great wine encouraged us to search for the unique blend that would best represent the virtues of this valley. Our Neyen, which means “spirit” in the native tongue, had to reflect the centuries of existence and the soul of the Apalta terroir. The same vines that began to weave our history so many years ago now form the foundation of our very high quality wine.

Faithful to our concept, we restored the winery that been witness to the potential of this small valley for a century. We were certain that the spirit of the winery still remained within the deteriorated walls of the building.

This is now the reception point for the grapes that have captured the character of these original vines and offer intense aromas of red fruits, spice, ripe tannins, and well-rounded, persistent, and expressive flavors—the image of the qualities of this, its own particular home.