Combined culture, food and wine adventure in Chile and Argentina

Chefs & Winemakers of the Central Andes

A journey exploring the contrasting cultures, terroirs, food and wines of Chile and Argentina. A true epicurean adventure throughout South America's full-bodied Carmeneres, Malbecs and crisp whites.

Theme : Exclusive Experiences Duration : Multiple days Groups : No

This is only an example of a wine holiday package in the wine regions of Chile and Argentina. Our wine tours are entirely tailor-made to suit visitors' preferences and can be shorter or longer depending on their needs. Please contact us to design your own bespoke wine tour. These are just some ideas to help you get inspired.

Fully-customizable 10-day Chile & Argentina Itinerary

Days 1-2: Casablanca Wine Valley & Valparaiso

Upon arrival in Santiago airport we drive an hour west into Casablanca Valley, where we lodge at a typical Chilean hacienda. The valley receives a cool oceanic breeze that makes this terroir a perfect one for some of the best Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays produced in the country.

On day 2, we explore coastal Valparaiso, historically the main port of Chile, and built almost entirely on steep hills, the city holds a well-deserved reputation among foodies.

  • Check-in at a Chilean hacienda
  • Taste some of the country's best Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
  • Explore foodie heaven in Valparaiso

Days 3-4: Carmeneres & Cabs of Maipo Valley + Santiago

We travel towards Maipo Valley, the landlocked cradle of Chilean wine-making traditions. Just west of the main Cordiller, we visit Haras de Pirque and Viña Santa Rita wineries before driving to Santiago.

The following morning we start the day briefing on the country's main historic and cultural landmarks at Santiago’s colonial Plaza de Armas. By then it is time to meet our Chef-Guide at the gates of Mercado Central, Santiago’s celebrated fresh fish market, and walk nearby La Vega, the popular fruit and vegetable market and the perfect place to discover new flavors. Head on to the kitchen, where our instructor will guide you through the preparation of simple but delicious Chilean recipes.

  • Visit Haras de Pirque and Viña Santa Rita wineries in Maipo Valley
  • Discover Santiago's historic and cultural landmarks
  • Visit the Mercado Central and La Vega with your Chef-Guide
  • Learn traditional Chilean recipes on a hands-on cooking class

Days 5-8: Mendoza, the cradle of Argentine wine making

Flight to Mendoza, overview of the city and check in at a luxury wine lodge. Our cultural and tasting experiences continues at an old-fashioned producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, where we learn about the secrets of pressing and decanting. Later on, our sensorial adventure takes us to one of the pinnacles among Argentine wine makers: Mendel Wines, the small estate conducted by Roberto de La Mota, known for the quality of its reds. Just a few miles away we find Casa El Enemigo winery, owned by Alejandro Vigil, the head of oenologists of Catena Zapata since 2002, and one of the names that defines the current production of wines in Argentina. If you are a wine lover, chances are that the mention of Catena Zapata rings a bell…Certainly one of the truly iconic names of the region, Nicolas Catena's estate-of-the-art winery has helped to establish Mendoza as one of the world's newest wine-meccas.

What follows is a scenic drive to Uco Valley's heights, with its dry terroir of nearly perfect conditions at the Mendocino Piedemont. Relax over lunch at funky Finca La Azul garage-sized winery and check-in at the lodge. Due to its unparalleled soil and climate conditions, Uco Valley earned world recognition during recent years, as the "Gem of Argentina's Wine Regions". At Clos de los Siete, the 1600-acre joint wine adventure initiated a few years back by French winemaker Michel Rolland, we visit two wineries, tasting full-body Malbecs and crispy Viogniers at Diamandes, and then enjoying lunch at Monteviejo with impressive views of the peaks of the Cordillera Principal.

  • Small luxury properties & wine lodges complete your stay in Mendoza.
  • Visit to a local Extra Virgin Olive Oil producer
  • Visit and tasting at Mendel Wines, Casa El Enemigo and Catena Zapata
  • Lunch at Finca La Azul
  • Visit and tasting at Clos de los Siete and Diamandes
  • Lunch at Monteviejo Winery

Days 9-11: Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires (of Notable Cafés and Hidden Bars)

Morning flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. In the afternoon, we explore some of the most traditional neighborhoods in the city by foot. At Plaza de Mayo square we learn about the country’s recent history and Evita's favorite balcony before walking the few blocks that separate us from San Telmo art district. Porteños are passionate about their part Italian heritage, so of course, gelatos to go and stops at historic Cafés (like renowned Café Tortoni) are mandatory.

Our urban scouting comes to an end during the early evening, following the narrow staircase behind the facade of a flower shop… just to find one of the best hidden “speakeasy” in town and their signature cocktails... and cheers to Buenos Aires!

  • Walking tour of Buenos Aires' most traditional neighbourhoods including San Telmo and its antiques market
  • Notable cafés route
  • Drinks at the city's best-kept secret speakeasy bar

Interested in this tour?

You may also like

Why book with Wine Paths?