The wine and pisco route in the Ica region

Ica is Peru's wine region. The impressive number of vineyards visible in the desert is testament to this. A stay in Ica is the perfect opportunity to discover the bodegas. Bodegas in Ica are what châteaux are to Bordeaux…

Many bodegas are open to the public (some ask for a small entrance fee, though it's negligible). A visit to a bodega is an opportunity to discover the methods of pisco production. Some do it industrially, but others have preserved traditional methods that may seem unusual.

The traditional method of pisco production

Traditionally, grapes are trodden by foot in large vats. The collected juice is then placed in large earthenware jars and exposed to the sun. Some prefer to use oak barrels imported from Europe. Pisco tasting is traditionally done with sugarcane. Distillation is carried out in silver stills heated by wood.

The harvest season is the occasion for a week of celebration in Ica. Traditionally, it takes place in March. If your trip to Peru coincides with March, we strongly recommend participating in this very special festival. A beauty queen is elected, and the group of beauty queens is invited each evening to a different bodega for grape treading and to perpetuate the winemaking tradition. The collected juice is left to ferment for some time, producing a first light alcohol called chicha, which is consumed in large quantities in the days following the harvest.

A few bodega addresses to visit:

- Bodega Ocucaje

About 30 km from Ica
Open 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm weekdays, and 9am to 12pm on Saturday

This bodega once belonged to the Jesuits. It is the largest bodega in terms of pisco production. The landscapes are sublime and you can spend a night there, as the bodega also functions as a guesthouse. The property is magnificent.

- Bodega Vista Alegre

5 km from Ica
Open 8am to 1pm and 1:45pm to 4:30pm weekdays, and 8am to 2pm on weekends

This bodega was also once owned by the Jesuits. It is one of the main pisco producers. The visit will allow you to see the pisco production process from start to finish. A tour of the cellars will reveal impressive barrels, as well as a traditional still. Outside, you can admire the antique press. The visit concludes with a tasting of wines and pisco, with the possibility of purchasing some at the small shop.

- Bodega el Lazo

3 km from Ica
Open every day

A bodega worth a detour for its colourful owner and rather eclectic décor, in which ancient jars, stuffed animals, sculptures and various antique objects are freely mixed together. You can taste pisco here using the traditional method with sugarcane. The bodega also operates as a nightclub on weekends.

- Bodega el Catador

3 km from Ica
Open every day

This bodega produces pisco as well as various dry and semi-dry wines. The visit will take you through the vineyards and allow you to visualise the entire pisco and wine production process. A tasting will be offered to conclude the visit. Note that the bodega also operates as a restaurant.