Chilean fruit

So, we didn’t only down stiff Pisco Sours on the trip, thanks to the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, we were lucky enough to tour the fresh fruit orchards and vineyards of Chile. Most were 1-2 hours from Santiago by bus, surrounded by lush green hills, a back drop of the Andes and a constant stream of warm sunlight. We were able to see everything from where the fruits are grown, packed and then eventually shipped from the port city of Valparaiso. It was a fascinating look at how fresh Chilean fruit including blueberries, avocados, table grapes, apples and pears make it to the grocery store looking lovely, even in the dead of winter.

Red table grapes, Copiapo Valley, Chile

Red table grapes, Copiapo Valley, Chile

Green table grapes, Copiapo Valley

Organic apple orchard, Placilla, Chile

Handmade birdhouses are a haven for insect-eating birds in the organic orchards

Blueberry orchard, Lampa, Chile

Blueberries ready for shipping, Vitalberry, Lampa, Chile

Pears being sorted, Placilla, Chile

Sauvignon Blanc Grapes, Viu Mament Winery

Vineyards, Viu Mament, Chile

Colorful crates stacked up at Greenvic Organic Orchards, Placilla, Chile

Valparaiso, the main port for exporting Chilean fruit