Chile is a natural paradise bearing a bounty of local produce that supplies international marketplaces, while its wines are among the finest in South America and feature on wine lists around the world.
Although vineyards have been grown in Chile for centuries, it wasn’t until respected wineries from France and the US invested in the region during the 1990s to exploit the country’s special environmental conditions that the wine industry really bloomed.
Chile’s recognition on the international stage, where its Cabernet Sauvignon blends in particular, are highly regarded, has increased the country’s popularity with wine tourists – seeking to not only enjoy the vineyards but the remote beauty of the country itself.
The Chile wine regions can be divided into north, central and south – with most vineyards clustered in the central region. Vineyards here are cooled by Pacific Ocean winds to create full-bodied Californian style reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes – while Carmenere, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc can also be found.
Fortunately, this region is close to the country’s capital city and Santiago wine tours can take visitors to some of the oldest wineries in Chile to four distinct central regions that are within easy reach. Here are some regions Chile wine tours from Santiago can visit:
The most travelled wine tours from Santiago Chile take visitors to the Maipo Valley, the country’s leading wine region that is responsible for most exports, especially the trademark Cabernet Sauvignon blends.
The Rapel region in the Colchagua Province is where you will find some of the world’s most revered single varietal Carménère as well as well-aged Bordeaux-style blends with rich flavours.
Wine tours Santiago Chile may also take visitors to the Curico region, which produces both red and white varieties, although it is widely acclaimed for its Chardonnay.
The Maule Valley remains largely dedicated to vineyards of the local Pais grape – once the most planted grape in Chile but now demoted to be used as a jug wine – although new styles are gradually staking a claim.
Our local expert can organise a wine tour from Santiago to any of these regions and beyond. Our tours, which include vineyard visits, elaborate tastings, luxury accommodations and other unique experiences, can be tailormade to meet your specific requirements – ensuring every detail is taken care of before you arrive.
Our Santiago Chile wine tours include The Best of Chile’s Central Valley, which takes visitors down the Pan American Highway towards the Colchagua Valley for a night’s stay at the elegant NOI Blend Hotel.
This is followed by a bike and wine tour Santiago that takes in several exclusive wineries across the San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys while also stopping at some memorable spots along the way including the colourful village of Lo Abarca and the historic port of Valparaiso.
Visitors inclined towards outdoor activities can hike through the breathtaking natural retreat of Cajon del Maipo before returning to Santiago.
Alternatively, our Santiago Chile wine tours also include heading to the Maule Valley to visit five of the region’s most renowned wineries, including Casa Silva, Gillmore Winery and Vineyards, Nouchon Family Vineyards, Caliboro Reserve Winery and Altair.
The best time of year to take wine tours in Chile from Santiago is from October to February when the vines are green and growing, or during the harvest season between March and May.
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