As he opened the door to this big, colorful assortment of boxes hugging Cerro Mariposa, good vibes burst out like the spray of an excited bottle of bubbly, ready to celebrate and be shared with others.
Alas, WineBox Valparaíso is nearly complete!
Winemaker Grant Phelps has a captivating energy. Always perceived in his wines, it now pulsates through his newest venture, WineBox Valparaíso.
A haven for winos, this “apart hotel” features several unique concepts. Most notably, it is the first structure to take a part of this crazy port city’s identity and give it life among the hills.
WineBox is a shipping container compound inspired by the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. Grant’s hometown took a hard hit that February afternoon. But it bounced back fast, utilizing containers as temporary residences, businesses and beyond. While visiting, those steel boxes reminded him of his adopted home back in Valpo…ideas began to ferment. Naturally, if he was going to do anything, wine would most certainly be involved. And so, WineBox began to take shape.
Helping make this dream a reality is architect Camila Ulloa. She is my Ted Mosby of Chile, a lovely young architect achieving her dreams and contributing to the hills of Valparaíso. Together, Grant and Camila have been pouring their good vibes into this project for years. It’s been full of challenges, from sketchy neighbors to major engineering feats. Getting those containers up the narrow winding streets of Valpo took a ton of organization, skill and hope. But finally, they can see the light at the end of one very complex box.
The WineBox
Even cooler than the structure itself –in my wino opinion– is the fact they will be making their own wines on site, body-plunged juice with Grant’s uninhibited touch. An urban winery! The first vintage is currently coming to age in barrel, but be on the lookout. If they reflect any bit of the love and patience put into building WineBox, then we’re in for a real treat.
The hotel also boasts an eco-friendly vibe, using recycled materials when at all possible. Doors, frames and bars made from pallets. Stools made from wine barrels. Even a few old tubs converted into couches.
And the art…it wouldn’t be real Valpo without some vibrant graffiti, and WineBox does not disappoint. Grant has housed several artists in exchange for original work, from talents such as Haylee Fieldes and Un Kolor Distinto.
When finished, this badass building made of boxes will boast a wine bar and wine shop as well, along with an AMAZING 360 rooftop view.
It truly is quite the package. As the rooms are equipped with kitchens, and the suites are full-on pimp, it’s perfect for a long weekend and then some…But, if all you have is one night in Valpo, WineBox would be one hell of a way to spend it.
Before:
After:
**Pics courtesy of Macarena Alvarez, Estudio Rupa, Matt Wilson, Marcelo del Pino, Amy Russell, Constanza Riveros Araya.
