A Luxury Package to Discover Major Wine Areas in South America

• Exclusive visits of Santiago, Valparaiso, Mendoza and Buenos Aires
• Visit and taste at 9 wineries (including the iconic Clos des las siete) in Casablanca valley, Maipo valley and Uco Valley
• Discover Argentinian Extra virgin oil production
• Stay in unique boutique hotels or wine estates

Theme : Exclusive Experiences Duration : Multiple days Groups : Yes

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Arrival in Santiago de Chile, transfer to Casablanca Valley

Upon arrival in Santiago airport, we drive west for about an hour into Casablanca Valley. 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. We make our way to Matetic Vineyards where we check in at Hacienda Matetic, enjoy lunch and visit the winery.  The rest of the day is yours to leisure away.

Lodging: La Casona at Hacienda Matetic (or similar) – Casablanca Valley, Chile

 

Day 2: - Casablanca & Coastal Valparaiso

Our first morning visit is to award-winning winery Bodegas RE (Upcoming Winery 2013 – Chile), a small estate where the Morande family, nine generations into wine, applies a concept of ancestry into the elaboration of premium wines, to the extent of producing some of their wines in the family's old jars. Then, it is on to the coastal City of Valparaiso, historically the main port of Chile and built almost entirely on steep hills. We walk from the upper hills, board the funicular railways and wander through town admiring some stunning graffiti & street art works. Half way down the hills, time for lunch on own at one of the elegant terraces offering a heaven of Pisco Sours and fish recipes. Afternoon walk through the town´s historic landmarks and return to the Hacienda.

Lodging: La Casona at Hacienda Matetic (or similar)– Casablanca Valley, Chile

 

Day 3: Carmeneres & Cabs of Maipo Valley -  Santiago

After breakfast, we leave the city and transfer towards Maipo Valley, the landlocked cradle of Chilean wine-making traditions. Just west of the main Cordillera we enter Viña Santa Rita.  We first visit its historic Hacienda, with its lavish gardens. The property itself had an important role on the Independence war that liberated the country. Then it is time for tasting some of their premium wines. Then we make our way to Haras de Pirque Winery, whose founders have excelled in blending two national passions: Horses & Wines. We enjoy lunch at the winery before driving to Santiago. Check in at the hotel and evening leisure to explore on own the city´s top culinary options.

Lodging: Noi Vitacura Hotel (or similar)

 

Day 4:  Santiago de Chile 

We start the day briefing on the country´s main historic and cultural landmarks:  Santiago’s colonial Plaza de Armas, the impressive Cathedral, and The Mint, Chile’s current government house.  We also visit the Mercado Central, Santiago’s celebrated fresh fish market (listed by National Geographic among Top 10 Food Markets in the world). We finish our visit at Bocanariz, the city’s unparalleled wine bar, to taste top wines produced “from the Sea to the mountains”.

Lodging: Noi Vitacura Hotel (or similar)

 

Day 5:  Mendoza

Late morning flight to Mendoza, the cradle of Argentine wine making at the foothills of the Andes. Upon arrival, quick transfer to the downtown area, and time for lunch on own followed by an overview of the city, its history, monuments and elegant parks. Check in at your hotel rest until dinner or go for a leisurely walk.

Lodging: Lares de Chacras (or similar)

 

Day 6: Mendoza:   - Winemaker Roberto de la Mota´s Mendel, Extra virgin Olive oil production &   Casa El Enemigo                                                                                        

Olives and wines…This morning our cultural and tasting experiences starts at one of the pinnacles among Argentine wine makers: Mendel Wines, the small estate conducted by Roberto de La Mota, and known for the exceptional quality of its reds. We get acquainted with its production processes, both at the vineyards and the cellars.  We continue at the old fashioned producer of extra Virgin Olive Oil, where we learn about the secrets of pressing & decanting. Nearby we find Casa El Enemigo winery, owned by Alejandro Vigil and Adriana Catena. Vigil is the head of oenologists of Catena Zapata Winery since 2002, and one of the names that defines the current production of wines in Argentina. Vigil has  created his own winery in 2015, along with Adrianna Catena (daughter of Nicolás Catena). The winery was inspired by the Divine Comedy, and it is located in the town of Maipú. We enjoy lunch at the winery with El Enemigo wines, and in the afternoon, return to the hotel.

Lodging: Lares de Chacras (or similar)

 

Day 7: Mendoza:   - Nicolas Catena´s > Catena Zapata Wines  / The Vines at Uco Valley

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 (*) state of the art winery, has helped to establish Mendoza as one of the world´s newest wine-meccas. Acknowledged as the pioneers of quality wine making in Argentina, we taste their superb production and learn about the immigrants from Spain & Italy who first brought the wine making traditions into this region. What follows is a scenic drive to Uco Valley´s heights, with its dry Terroir of nearly perfect conditions at the Mendocino Pedemonte.  Relax over lunch at funky Finca La Azul garage size winery.  Ezequiel & friends make us feel at home as we pair Gran Reservas with the house´s Bondiola, a to die for roasted pork shoulder. Check in at the boutique wine lodge; memorable food, world–renowned wine, and some of Mendoza's most gorgeous views to keep you entertained and engaged. For less sedentary pleasures, a lengthy list of activity options ranges from intensely relaxing to highly adventurous.

Lodging: Finca La Azul, Uco Valley (or similar)– Mendoza

 

Day 8: High altitude vineyards of Uco Valley:  Top Gun Michelle Rolland´s Clos de los Siete 

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 at Cuvelier de los Andes, and then enjoying lunch at Monteviejo with impressive views of the peaks of the Cordillera Principal. Afternoon return to your lodge at the vineyards. Leisure the afternoon away by the pool or walk among extensive fruit plantations.

Lodging: Finca La Azul, Uco Valley (or similar) Mendoza

 

Day 9:  Buenos Aires

Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina´s cosmopolitan capital.  Transfer to the hotel for check in. Later in the afternoon, we gather back to explore some of the traditional neighborhoods in the city. 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 and its popular street fair (Sundays only !).  Porteños are passionate about their part Italian heritage, so of course, Gelatos to go and stops at historic Cafés are mandatory. Our urban scouting comes to an end during the early evening, with a knock- knock at a flower- shop and a few steps down...just to find one of the best hidden (Speakeasy) bars in the city! Return to your hotel and the evening is yours to rest or continue exploring on own.....Perhaps trying yourself a few Tango steps at local Milongas? (Venues where both locals and visitors attend to learn/ dance Tango).

Lodging: Casa Sur Recoleta (or similar) Buenos Aires

 

Day 10:  Buenos Aires.

Open day to enjoy the pulse of this vibrant metropolis, its museums and parks, or even venture to some Estancia in the green Pampas.

Lodging: Casa Sur Recoleta, Buenos Aires (or similar)

 

Day 11: Buenos Aires.  Afternoon transfer to board connecting flights back home

The morning is yours to leisure or to wander through the city. Early Afternoon luggage pickup by your hotel and transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport to board flights back home.

 

All our tours are private and depart daily. They can be fully customised, lengthened or shortened according to the number of participants and to suit individual interests and schedules.

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