Which region borders the Atacama Desert and is the most northerly of Chile's wine regions?

The Coquimbo region is notable for being the most northerly of Chile's wine-producing areas and is immediately adjacent to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. The climate in Coquimbo is influenced significantly by the desert, providing a unique environment for viticulture.

In this region, several sub-regions, including Elqui Valley and Limarí Valley, are known for producing a range of wines, particularly those derived from varietals such as Syrah and Chardonnay. The close proximity to the Atacama not only impacts temperature and rainfall but also contributes to the terroir, which can result in wines with distinct character and mineral attributes due to the arid conditions.

The other regions listed – Aconcagua, Cachapoal, and Itata – are located further south and do not share the immediate boundary with the Atacama Desert, making them less relevant to the question about the most northerly wine region adjacent to this arid environment.