Viña Santa Rita, Historical vineyard in Buin, Chile

Viña Santa Rita is a winery in Alto Jahuel, in the Buin commune, whose main plant and distribution centre stand on the estate. The long single-storey building has a terracotta barrel-tile roof and a deep corridor on white square pillars, with a red facade behind them, dark wooden doors and windows, and benches along the walkway. The building sits on a low stone base above steps, and low rectangular hedges line a pale path in front.

Viña Santa Rita was founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernández Concha. In the 1970s it was controlled by the García Huidobro family; in 1980 the Claro group acquired it together with Owens Illinois, and in 1988 Claro took full control. In 1997 it expanded to Argentina through its Doña Paula subsidiary, making Malbec-based wines.

The Andean Museum on the property displays objects from Pre-Colombian times, including collections from Rapa Nui, Diaguitas, and Mapuche peoples. Visitors can see traditional crafts and artistic styles from these cultures.

The estate is easy to access and offers guided tours through the wine production areas and museum. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are extensive and there is much to explore on foot.

The name of Santa Rita's best-selling wine, 120, recalls the 120 patriots who fled the Battle of Cancha Rayada and were sheltered by Doña Paula Jaraquemada in the buildings that now form the winery. The restaurant Doña Paula occupies the spot linked to that episode. The Alto Jahuel estate also holds the Andean Museum, with pre-Hispanic and colonial pieces.