Villa de Leyva

Overview

Villa de Leyva lies in the Boyacá department of Colombia's Eastern Andes at around 2,000 meters above sea level. The semi-arid valley has chalky soils, intense ultraviolet light, and cool nights that create surprisingly favorable conditions for quality viticulture in the tropics. The nearby colonial town is one of Colombia's most visited destinations.

Viñedo Ain Karim and Viñedo Umaña Dajud are the two best-known producers, both making Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc on small estates. Tastings and tours have become a popular addition to visits to the town's cobblestone streets and nearby fossil sites.

Key Varietals

• Cabernet SauvignonA structured red with cassis and herbal notes from the high-altitude Andean sites.
• MerlotA soft, plummy red that ripens in the valley's warm days and cool nights.
• ChardonnayA crisp, citrus-driven white made from Napa and French clones.
• Sauvignon BlancA fresh, herbaceous white that retains acidity at altitude.