Pisco
TIMELINE
HACIENDA
LA CARAVEDO
The origins of pisco trace back to 1532, when Spanish Conquistadores arrived in Peru. At the time, imported wine was scarce and reserved solely for the Holy Church. By 1553, to meet growing demand, Marquis Francisco de Caravantes brought grapes from the Spanish Canary Islands. Within a decade, vineyards flourished in the sunny, arid lands of Ica—soon to become the cradle of pisco.
1560
Spaniard Francisco de Caravantes introduces European grapes to Peru for the express purpose of producing wine for church masses.
1604
Vineyards in Ica, Peru thrive, producing 81 million liters of wine; strong production emerges in other coastal regions.
1613
The first written reference to pisco appears in the will of a vineyard owner.
1684
Juan Facundo Caravedo Roque acquires adjacent vineyards and distillation equipment, founding Hacienda La Caravedo Est. 1684, the oldest working distillery in the Americas.
1700
Pisco production surpasses wine production in Peru. Born from an act of rebellion, pisco begins its rise in global popularity.
1830
First recorded export of pisco to the United States—destination: San Francisco, California.
1849
Pisco Punch becomes a sensation in San Francisco, remaining popular until Prohibition.
1899
Rudyard Kipling praises pisco in From Sea to Sea:
“I have a theory it is compounded of cherubs’ wings, the glory of a tropical dawn, the red clouds of sunset, and fragments of lost epics by dead masters.”
1916
American Victor Morris opens Morris Bar in Lima, Peru, creating the iconic Pisco Sour.
1920
Prohibition begins in the United States; all pisco imports cease.
1991
The Peruvian government declares pisco a national heritage, establishing a Denomination of Origin with strict production regulations. All producers must submit their pisco to INDECOPI for authenticity verification before sale—marking a renaissance in quality and pride..
2004
Johnny Schuler founds the Peruvian Academy of Pisco, dedicated to promoting and protecting Peru’s pisco heritage.
2011
Pisco Portón Mosto Verde Acholado launches in the United States.
2015
Caravedo Puro Quebranta launches in the United States.
2016
Caravedo Puro Torontel and Caravedo Acholado launch in the United States.
2016
Pisco Portón changes its name to Caravedo under pressure from Patrón Tequila. Caravedo Mosto Verde Acholado rounds out the global Caravedo Pisco portfolio.
