South America's southernmost wine-producing region,  it is around twice the size of California. It is a desert with around 180 mm of rain per year, where viticulture is possible only near the rivers that carry meltwater from the Andes providing much-needed irrigation. This ultra-arid climate of warm days and cold nights extends the growing season in the region, slowing the ripening process and letting them develop rich varietal character while retaining acidity. The stony alluvial soils are well drained, and allow root systems to grow deeply into the ground in order to access important minerals and hydration.