Tradition meets innovation at Vinos Vilte

Nestled in the Central Valley of Tarija, Bolivia, Vinos Vilte is a family-run winery that blends tradition, innovation, and empowerment . Founded in 1994 by Pedro Antonio Vilte Salazar and Ana Eusebia Quiroga Gutiérrez in the community of Colón Norte, Avilés Province, the winery has grown to become one of the most recognised names in southern Bolivia. Known for its artisanal wines and commitment to quality, Vinos Vilte continues to expand its reach while staying true to its roots.

Initially, the Vilte family focused on grape cultivation, supplying other wineries in the region. But as the market shifted, due to falling prices and unpredictable weather, they decided to take control of their own destiny. In 1999, they built their first winery, and by 2004, expanded operations to produce high-altitude artisanal wines under their own label. Today, Vinos Vilte produces approximately 500,000 litres annually, offering a diverse selection of red and white wines. More than just a winery, Vinos Vilte has become a destination. Their wine tourism programme offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of Tarija. Guests can enjoy tastings with panoramic views of the Sama Mountain range discovering the stories behind the bottles.

Empowering women in wine
What truly sets Vinos Vilte apart is its commitment to gender equality and female leadership. Since 2020 the winery is managed by the four daughters of Pedro and Ana: Claribel, Ana Isel, Danielle, and Elia Vilte. The four sisters have academic degrees in viniculture, agronomy, marketing and business administration. So, a perfect match in expertise to successfully run this winery. Remarkably, 90% of the staff are women, making Vinos Vilte a beacon of empowerment in an industry traditionally dominated by men. One of their flagship wines is “Blend de Mujeres” (“Women’s Blend”), a red wine combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, crafted entirely by the women of the Vilte family. These wines are now distributed across Bolivia, including major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Sucre.

A partnership for growth
While Vinos Vilte remains a relatively small winery, its ambitions are bold. In 2024, the winery initiated a collaboration with PUM through representative Claudia Paccieri. This partnership brought in PUM expert Thomas Plakké in November 2024, who worked together with the team to develop a strategic marketing plan and brand-building roadmap to support both export ambitions and tourism expansion. Following that, winemaking expert Geert van den Bergh worked alongside the team of Vinos Vilte to optimise their production processes and improve wine quality. Looking ahead, a hospitality expert will visit Vinos Vilte. He will further elevate the winery’s tourism offering while strengthening the brand identity with a spotlight on the women-led production.

Looking forward
With deep family roots, a passion for quality, and a progressive vision for the future, Vinos Vilte is poised to put Bolivian wine on the global map. Through partnerships, innovation, and a strong foundation of female leadership, the winery represents not just a brand, but a movement.