Happily we're seeing an improvement in the overall quality of Chilean wines and there are some producers who attempt to make serious quality wines which can compete on an international basis. Some, indeed, are of an international standard. Many only aspire to be great, falling short in delivering the goods. Chile has long been producing wine, though it's only relatively recently that American wine drinkers have been introduced. The Spanish were amongst the first to settle and engage in wine growing.
Chilean history is commemorated on some wine bottles.
Teaming up with an Argentinean general, O'Higgins returned with the 120 team, plus four or five thousand more and were victorious in further battles with the Spanish. In 1818, O'Higgins became the head of the new republic of Chile. A few years after, French scientists and vineyard people made their way to South America. They often brought cuttings from home, typically Bordeaux varieties. Exports of wine became very important in the 1880s and into the 20th century.