Viña Pérez Cruz are a family boutique winery. Following the death of João Paolo Pérez, his widow Doña Mariana Cruz decided to start a wine venture on a property that had been in the family since 1964. She planted the first vineyards in 1994 and the first release was in 2002. Pérez Cruz is situated in Chile's Alto Maipo Valley region in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The soils here in the Upper Maipo Valley are deep and rocky, and the climate is Mediterranean; perfect for the cultivation of premium red grape varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. They are red wine specialists, having 250 hectares of sustainably certified vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented with Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Carmenere, Grenache, Mourvedre and Petit Verdot, from which they produce an impressive portfolio of blends and single varietal wines. Perez Cruz have an eco-friendly winery designed by award-winning Chilean architect José Cruz Ovalle. This is a stunning building, built from native wood with two central naves in the shape of barrels, outside arches conjuring the passage of wind through trees, and drywall bases echoing the original Inca constructions in the region. It is one of the most unique wineries in the world, with its wooded roof and natural light allowing for thermal isolation and free air flow circulation. Pérez Cruz's superb portfolio has garnered an impressive raft of awards and gold medals, which showcase the unmistakable character of Alto Maipo fruit. These are full-bodied and intense wines, packed with layers of flavour, and for wines of this quality are terrific value for money.