Texas water plan could boost Chile’s Coquimbo wines

Chile’s Coquimbo region could expand its premium vineyard area if it adopts an artificial lake system inspired by Texas, according to agricultural strategist Maximiliano Morales. 

Reservoir shortfall threatens wine potential

The recent weather front in Chile’s Coquimbo Region has exposed a key weakness — a lack of intermediate reservoirs and efficient rainwater collection systems. Despite ongoing drought, much of the rainfall was lost through surface runoff, causing flooding and damage, without being captured for agricultural or urban use.

While the region has major reservoirs, most are at very low levels. Coquimbo’s total potential storage capacity is about 1,325 million cubic metres, vital for irrigation, water supply and multipurpose use. La Paloma, the largest, can hold 750 million m³. Puclaro in Elqui Province has a capacity of 209 million m³, Recoleta near Ovalle in Limarí Valley holds 96–102 million m³, and Cogotí about 150 million m³. Other reservoirs include La Laguna, Culimo, El Bato, and Corrales.

“In light of this, the region should closely examine Texas’ experience in the 1940s, when the state faced severe droughts and rapid population growth,” said Maximiliano Morales, strategic advisor for agricultural projects and founder of AndesWines.com. “To ensure urban, agricultural, and industrial development, Texas implemented an ambitious strategy: building a vast network of artificial lakes, dams, and locks.”

Lessons from Texas

Morales argues the Texas model proves it is possible to plan a rainwater storage system that reduces reliance on groundwater and water trucks, while also helping to prevent floods. The approach, he said, brings added value through tourism, recreation, and environmental benefits.

In Texas, particularly in the Hill Country around Dripping Springs and Fredericksburg, the combination of elevation, limestone-rich soils and a moderated climate has supported the growth of both European and hybrid grape varieties. The creation of artificial lakes in northern Texas has been key to moderating temperatures and ensuring reliable irrigation, enabling vineyard expansion and variety experimentation in semi-arid conditions.

Today, Texas ranks among the top five US wine-producing states, with recognition for Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. Morales believes “it’s a model that can be successfully replicated in Northern Chile.”

Building links

Morales, who lived in Texas as an exchange student, returned in 2017 and 2021 to build a strategic bridge between the Lone Star State and Latin America. His work has included organising international events in Chile and promoting soft-landing opportunities for Latin American entrepreneurs in Texas through an alliance with Splash Coworking in San Marcos.

During a local event in Chile, he proposed a tech-focused tour to Texas to study artificial lake systems, which underpin agriculture, wine, industry and tourism there. Around these reservoirs, extensive vineyard developments have created opportunities for visitors and investors alike.

At the International Seminar Wine InnovaTech 2024 in Chile’s Valparaíso Region, Sergio Cuadra, winemaker at Fall Creek Vineyards in Texas, spoke about vineyard management in semi-tropical climates and climate adaptation strategies. He pledged to collaborate with Chilean regions to identify local needs and support sustainable viticulture techniques. The initiative was sponsored by the Comité de Desarrollo Productivo de Corfo Valparaíso, via the Corfo Viraliza Programme.

Also speaking at Wine InnovaTech 2024 was Víctor Rico, a tech industry professional from Austin and former Head of Operations at WhatsApp. He discussed innovation, digital transformation, and technology’s role in wine, from enhancing traceability to improving marketing and sustainability. He also met entrepreneurs at Start-Up Chile, strengthening ties between the tech and agri-food sectors.

Premium vineyard opportunity

Morales sees the potential for expanding premium vineyards in Coquimbo, particularly for sparkling and fine wines. The region’s calcareous soils, low rainfall, and coastal climate are ideal for producing fresh, mineral-driven, elegant wines — qualities already attracting international investors seeking portfolio diversification.

Examples include Azur, a Chilean sparkling wine from Limarí Valley noted for its freshness and minerality; Viña Tabalí, known for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and high-altitude red blends; and Caballo Loco Grand Cru Limarí, a 100% Syrah from Viña Valdivieso, crafted by winemaker Brett Jackson to reflect the valley’s minerality, coastal freshness, and balanced acidity.

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