Dry farming (cultivo de secano in Spanish)

Dry farming / cultivo de secano meaning in viticulture

Dry farming, known as cultivo de secano in Spanish, is a viticultural practice where grapevines are cultivated without any supplemental irrigation, relying entirely on natural precipitation and soil moisture retention. This traditional method forces vines to develop deeper root systems, often extending 10-15 meters underground, which can enhance grape concentration and terroir expression. In South America, dry farming is particularly prevalent in Chile’s traditional regions of Maule, Bío Bío, and Itata, collectively known as the Secano Interior—a specific inland zone where this practice has been historically employed. The cooler, rainier regions of Patagonian Argentina and Chile also support dry farming due to adequate natural precipitation, typically receiving 400-800mm annually. Similarly, the humid wine regions of Uruguay and Brazil often operate without irrigation systems. However, the majority of Argentina’s and Chile’s wine regions, particularly those in arid areas like Mendoza and the Atacama Desert zones, require extensive irrigation networks due to annual rainfall below 200mm. Dry farming typically produces lower yields but can result in more concentrated flavors and wines that reflect their specific terroir more intensely.