The federal presidential republic in the north of South America on the Caribbean coast with the capital Caracas covers 912,050 km². It borders Brazil to the south, Colombia to the west and Guyana to the east. The Orinoco forms the southern border. The island of Margarita is located off the mainland. Venezuela became independent from Spain in 1811.
The first vines were planted by Spanish Jesuit monks near Cumana on the coast as early as the 16th century. Towards the end of the 19th century, European immigrants established viticulture. The tropical climate allows two harvests a year. Mérida on the edge of the Cordillera at around 1,000 metres above sea level is considered the best wine-growing region. In 2021, the vineyards covered 1,391 hectares. The predominant grape varieties are Barbera, various varieties from the Criolla group, Grillo, Isabella and Jacquez. However, table grapes are mainly produced on it.
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena