Extreme temperatures, intense desert sun and the height of the land give grapes grown in Chile's Atacama Desert a thick skin.Local farmers from the world's driest desert say that gives wine made from the grapes a rich, strong taste.The grape growing area is 3,600 meters above sea level in between mountains with few plants.The grapes from Caracoles vineyard withstand severe hot and cold weather.Sixty-seven-year-old Cecilia Cruz has managed the vineyard for the last six years.She is used to the desert's severe conditions."For me it is not difficult because I'm raised on the land," Cruz said."This is the future for my children also for later, when I am not here, for them. I am very proud."Native Atacama people like Cruz have grown other crops for a long time.They have tried different ways to learn how to make wines on the high land.Cruz is one of 18 producers that form part of the Lickanantay Farmer Cooperative which makes the wine, called Allyu.
