Chilean Wineberry

The Chilean wineberry, or Maqui, is a large shrub or small tree native to the Valdivian rainforests of Chile and adjacent southern Argentina. Typically growing up to 15 feet in height, the Chilean Wineberry will naturally produce numerous thin trunks, creating a unique, lofty appearance. Trees are fast-growing, evergreen, and cold-hardy and make a great addition to both formal gardens and edible landscapes. In Chile, the Mapuche people have cultivated this fruit for centuries. They have used maqui berry for making Chicha – a famous traditional Chilean drink.

It has the same flavor as blackberries. In the natural environment, maqui berries are the loved food of many birds. The natives often consume raw Chilean wineberries. Being hailed as a so-called ‘super food’, the fruits of the Chilean Wineberry are high in anthocyanins and other antioxidants. These berries help prevent cancer and boost the immune system. While the berries are small, the trees produce them in abundance and they are often used to create juices, jams, and wines.