What Does Tepaluma Mean?
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
Tepaluma is born from the union of two native trees from Southern Chile: the Tepa and the Luma. Both are part of Patagonia’s temperate rainforest and have accompanied the lives of those who inhabit this land for generations. The Tepa is known for the pleasant aroma of its leaves, while the Luma is valued for its fruits, resilience, and the warmth and energy it has historically provided to local communities through firewood. Together, the Tepa and the Luma embody the essence of the landscape that inspires everything we do.
By Tepaluma Press
Yet Tepaluma is far more than the combination of two names. It is the result of a life-changing decision. Andrea Zavala and Mark Abernethy were drawn to Patagonia by the purity of its water, the power of its wilderness, and the opportunity to create something authentic from one of the most remote corners of the world.
After establishing their distillery on the legendary Carretera Austral, they came to understand that the true value of this place lies in its identity. From the very beginning, they sought to develop a deep understanding of the native species that shape the surrounding environment. Among them, the Tepa has played a particularly important role in the research and development of our spirits. Its use is neither accidental nor based solely on local tradition. Rather, it is the result of years of observation, study, and experimentation aimed at understanding its aromatic potential.
Tepa leaves evolve throughout the year. The seasons, weather conditions, harvest timing, and even the location of individual trees influence their characteristics. For this reason, their selection is part of a deliberate and carefully considered process. Every leaf used in our distillations reflects an ongoing pursuit to express the character of the Patagonian forest as faithfully as possible. Behind each distillation lies a profound respect for nature and a meticulous commitment to capturing its essence.
As our co-founder Andrea Zavala explains: “We want to show that Chile has so much to offer the world. That is why we came to live here. We want to demonstrate that even the wildest ideas can become reality, including creating ultra-premium whisky and gin from the heart of Chile’s Carretera Austral for the world.”
At its core, that is what Tepaluma represents: the union of the Tepa and the Luma, but also the union of nature and vision. A way of demonstrating that from the Chilean Patagonia can emerge products capable of representing the richness, creativity, and potential of Chile on the world stage.
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