The heart of Bolivian production is in Tarija – the country’s wine capital and home to 95% of the country’s wine production. There’s no mistaking the wine capital on arrival, as Tarija proudly promotes its wine production symbolised by a big glittering wine glass sculpture towering over the town.
The town of Tarija is nestled in-between the hillsides of the wine valley. Although the hills looks the same height as the city, Bolivia is the highest altitude wine region in the world. Vineyards can reach up to 3,000 meters above sea level, and are never less than 1,800m above sea level, giving Bolivia’s wines a very unique character.
The high altitude gives the grapes significant sun exposure and also a big diurnal temperature range from day to night, preserving racy acidity and some of the highest levels of resveratrol in wines (arguably making them healthier for your heart!) The reds are rich in colour, tannin and acidity, and the whites are highly aromatic with the same marked acidity typical of Bolivia.
Taste
Muscat, Bodega Sausini
Muscat de Alejandria is the queen of grapes in Bolivia. It is usually used for singani production, however a handful of producers are using the high quality Muscat for still wine and this one from Sausini is a shining example. A flamboyant jasmine nose that gives way to an aromatic mouth with fresh acidity.
Cepas de Altura, Syrah, La Concepcion
Syrah is one of the best adapted red varieties in Bolivia. This Syrah from La Concepcion has a very fruit-forward character filled with explosive notes of dark forest fruit and blueberries, in the mouth it is also filled with fruit and a peppery spine of tannin complimented by bright acidity.
Singani Los Parrales, Reserva Aniversario, Kuhlmann
Singani is the superstar spirit of Bolivia, coming from 100% Muscat de Alejandria at altitude. This is the top Singani from Kuhlmann winery and you’ll find a wonderfully aromatic nose with light fruit aromas and hints of chamomile and a characteristically smooth finish.
Eat
Bolivia is home to hundreds of unique and exotic ingredients, and the restaurant that best puts them to use is GUSTU in La Paz. Owned by Claus Meyer, otherwise known as the founder of the renowned Noma restaurant in Denmark, GUSTU is one of the best culinary experiences in South America. Part of the philosophy of GUSTU is to empower local producers through fair trade and training so that they can strengthen their own businesses as traders and keep the culinary heritage alive. With hundreds of unique native ingredients in the Andean highlands of Bolivia (including more than 200 potato varieties!) these heritages are worth protecting.
Sleep
To get a complete look over the valley, Los Parrales hotel is the best spot. A ten minute drive up above the town, you get great hilltop view over Tarija town and the surrounding hillsides which are the gateway to the wine region. This is also the top hotel resort in Tarija: the large bedrooms open out onto private balconies, and in the centre is a swim-around pool and gardens which are perfect for beating the Tarija heat in Summer time. The owner of the hotel is also part of the same family that make Kuhlmann sparkling wines, so you can order a chilled bottle of Bolivian bubbly to while away the afternoon with the best view in Tarija.
In La Paz, you can get some good R&R in Camino Suites located in the lowest part of the city, ideal as a base for exploring the city before moving onto the wine regions. With an action plan in place for helping you cope with the inevitable altitude acclimatisation process, oxygen tanks are at the ready and an on-call doctor is included in your stay.
Do
Bolivia is a climbing hotspot in South America and offers some of the most challenging and beautiful mountains and volcanoes to climb on the continent. In Tarija proper, most active outdoorsy folk rave about visiting Valle de los Condores (Condor Valley) where you can climb up to the top of the peak to see the local inhabitants swoop through the air with pose and grace.
In La Paz, you have a true buffet of climbing options – from very challenging ice climbs through to rock climbing for beginners. The other great outdoors attraction near La Paz is of course Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America that on first glance appears like a sea because of its size. There are many islands to visit on the lake, but the most unusual of them all are the floating artificial islands made of reeds.