On the eve of our first Agro(Bio)Blitz in Cauquenes, on October 9, the director of the Anillos ATE230028 project, Dr. Enrique Mundaca, together with the principal investigator Dr. Ximena Quiñones, made a preliminary field visit on September 25. On this occasion they had the privilege of visiting not only some of the vineyards of the members of the Asociación Gremial Vid Seca (who will participate in the Agro(Bio)Blitz of the Anillos project), but also the headquarters of "Vid Seca", a trade association of winegrowers in the dry lands of Cauquenes.
Vid Seca: A model of resilience and sustainability in viticulture. Composed of 18 associates, this association not only fights to preserve the Country Grape and traditional viticulture techniques, but also promotes sustainable development through innovative practices. Its members are small producers who combine inherited wisdom with modern technologies to produce quality wines that reflect the unique character of the Cauquenes drylands.
Vineyards Visited:
- Viña Don Heraldo - Felipe Zuñiga
- Gran Hidalgo Vineyard - Luis Carlos Hidalgo
- Viña Muñoz-Espech - Francisco Ruiz
A coordination meeting was also held with the Agricultural Engineer Diego Morales of the Department of Development of the Municipality of Cauquenes.
This visit allowed our team to learn more about how the integration of wine heritage with eco-cultural practices can help preserve both Agrobiodiversity and local traditions. Vid Seca not only protects livelihoods and traditions, but also promotes innovation and sustainable rural development. The association has created the concept of "Vino Asociativo", where the collaboration and collective decision of the associates highlight the strength of the community in the production of unique wines.
The Impact of Vid Seca AG on the Community:
With initiatives such as "Vino Asociativo" and the preservation of the Country Grape, Vid Seca not only safeguards the cultural heritage of Cauquenes, but also offers a sustainable model for others to follow. The association's activities promote heritage protection and educate new generations about the importance of sustainability and conservation.
This meeting underscores the relevance of our Anillos project in promoting support for initiatives that merge culture, science and sustainability. We are excited to continue working with Vid Seca and other local partners to enrich our project and contribute to the conservation of Chile's biocultural heritage.
