Odfjell Vineyards
Spanish and Norwegian terms
A Norwegian shipowner's Chilean dream, built on biodynamic principles, gravity-flow engineering, and Fjord horses.
Odfjell Vineyards is a certified organic and biodynamic Chilean producer founded by Norwegian shipowner Dan Odfjell in the late 1980s. First commercial releases came from the 2000 vintage. The winery operates across Maipo, Maule, Curico, and Cauquenes, producing around 70,000 cases annually.
- Founded by Norwegian shipowner Dan Odfjell; first vineyards planted in 1991
- First commercial releases from the 2000 vintage
- Fully organic and biodynamic certified by 2012 (EcoCert Chile and Demeter)
- Gravity-flow winery designed by son Laurence Odfjell in 1997, built into a hillside
- Uses Norwegian Fjord horses for vineyard work to minimize soil compaction
- Produces approximately 70,000 cases annually across multiple Chilean regions
- All wines are free from artificial colors, synthetic preservatives, and GMOs
Origins and Founding
Dan Odfjell, a Norwegian shipowner, established Odfjell Vineyards in the late 1980s with a vision rooted in quality and sustainability. The first vineyards were planted in 1991, and the winery was formally designed in 1997 by his son Laurence as a gravity-flow facility built into a hillside, allowing gentle grape handling without mechanical pumping. The debut commercial vintage reached the market from the 2000 harvest. The estate is now led by sons Laurence and Dan Jr., continuing the founding philosophy.
- Dan Odfjell founded the project in the late 1980s
- First vines planted in 1991 in Maipo Valley
- Gravity-flow winery designed by Laurence Odfjell in 1997
- First commercial releases from the 2000 vintage
Organic and Biodynamic Farming
Odfjell Vineyards achieved full organic and biodynamic certification by 2012, holding both EcoCert Chile and Demeter certifications. The estate takes a holistic approach to viticulture, avoiding synthetic preservatives, artificial colors, and GMOs across all wines. One of the most distinctive elements of the operation is the use of Norwegian Fjord horses for vineyard work, a practice that eliminates tractor compaction and preserves the soil structure that organic farming depends on.
- EcoCert Chile certification for organic farming
- Demeter certification for biodynamic practices
- Norwegian Fjord horses used to prevent soil compaction
- All wines free from artificial colors, synthetic preservatives, and GMOs
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate centers on 85 hectares in Maipo Valley, complemented by additional vineyards in Maule, Curico, and Cauquenes. This spread across multiple Chilean regions gives the winemaking team access to diverse terroirs and microclimates. The vineyards benefit from a warm, sunny climate tempered by cooling ocean breezes, a combination that supports both freshness and ripeness across the grape varieties cultivated.
- 85 hectares in Maipo; additional sites in Maule, Curico, and Cauquenes
- Warm, sunny climate with cooling ocean breezes
- Multiple regional sources support a broad range of wine styles
- Sustainably farmed across all vineyard sites
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Look it up →Grapes and Wine Range
Odfjell focuses exclusively on red wine production, working with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Carignan, and Sauvignon Blanc across its vineyards. The portfolio is organized into clear tiers. Entry and mid-range wines include the Armador, Capítulo, and Orzada lines, while the super-premium tier features Elusiva, Vigno, Aliara, and Zippora. The Vigno designation reflects the estate's work with old-vine Carignan from Maule, a grape gaining significant recognition in Chile.
- Exclusively red wine production
- Key varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Carignan, Syrah, Malbec
- Mid-range: Armador, Capítulo, Orzada
- Super-premium: Elusiva, Vigno, Aliara, Zippora
Odfjell's reds are shaped by warm Chilean sun and ocean-influenced freshness, producing wines with ripe dark fruit, firm structure, and a distinctly pure character that reflects the estate's commitment to organic and biodynamic farming. Old-vine Carignan from Maule adds savory depth and earthy complexity to the top-tier expressions.
- Odfjell Armador Carmenère$12-16Approachable entry-level Carmenère from certified organic vineyards, showing Chile's signature grape at a fair price.Find →
- Odfjell Orzada Carignan$25-35Mid-range old-vine Carignan from Maule, biodynamically farmed with savory depth and earthy complexity.Find →
- Odfjell Vigno Carignan$55-75Super-premium Maule old-vine Carignan under the VIGNO designation; benchmark for Chile's top Carignan producers.Find →
- Founded late 1980s by Norwegian shipowner Dan Odfjell; first vines 1991, first commercial vintage 2000
- Certified organic (EcoCert Chile) and biodynamic (Demeter) by 2012
- Gravity-flow winery built into hillside; Norwegian Fjord horses used for soil preservation
- Vineyards in Maipo (85ha), Maule, Curico, and Cauquenes; warm climate with ocean cooling
- Super-premium tier includes Vigno (old-vine Maule Carignan), Elusiva, Aliara, and Zippora