This area is the big unknown in Chilean wine-culture, and includes the Itala and Bio-Bio valleys.
Some of the Spaniards oldest vineyards are found in the Itaca Valley. The old traditions are being revived on nearly 200 hectares of experimental plantings of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Frost makes for certain risks in the South. But the Gewürztraminer and Riesling are producing promising results.