Wine Country Tour Self Drive | Latin America Vacation

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The oldest wine-producing country in the Americas, Chile has been producing fine wines since the 16th century, when the Conquistadors first brought grapevines with them. Tucked between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile boasts several distinctive terroirs which, combined with increasingly organic and sustainable farming practices, are yielding world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carménère, as well as distinctive Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

PROGRAMMED DISTANCE: 498 miles approximately Explore fertile valleys, see Chilean traditions unfold and talk wine with welcoming hosts in wineries and mansions while savoring delicious wines and delving deep into Chile’s unique culture. Start your journey in Santiago. Awaiting you are the luscious fruity bouquets of Casablanca Valley's Sauvignon Blanc, the velvety Merlots of the Cachapoal Valley and Carménère, the Chilean varietal par excellence, in the Colchagua Valley.

Day 1 - SANTIAGO

Transfer from the airport in Santiago. Check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon explore the city and surroundings. We recommend visiting the historic downtown and San Cristobal hill for a spectacular view of Santiago from on high.

Day 2 - SANTIAGO I CASABLANCA VALLEY I VALPARAÍSO

Depart Santiago towards the Casablanca Valley (78 miles on paved road). Blessed with a marine climate, the region is celebrated for its white wines such as sauvignon blanc and cool-climate reds including syrah and pinot noir. Suggested wineries include Indómita, Viña Mar, Veramonte, and Casas del Bosque, among others. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque port of Valparaíso (70 km. - paved road), a World Heritage Site, rising on 43 hills connected by narrow streets, staircases and funiculars, with colorful houses perched in the hills, pretty parks and several historic monuments, as well as atmospheric bars and restaurants. We strongly recommend visiting La Sebastiana Museum, former house of the Nobel Laureate poet Pablo Neruda. (B)

Day 3 - VALPARAÍSO I CACHAPOAL VALLEY I COLCHAGUA VALLEY I SANTA

In the morning, visit the Cachapoal valley (122 miles on paved road) where the climate is dry and sunny and where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère predomínate. Here you can tour several facilities and cellars and learn more about wine making. Some wineries you may visit include Lagar De Bezana, Chateau Los Boldos, Porta, Anakena, Altaïr, Gracia and Casas Del Toqui. In the afternoon, drive to Colchagua valley (56 miles on paved road), renowned as one of the most fertile wine valleys and producing world-class red wines. Some of the many wineries found in this valley are Viu Manent, Santa Laura, Bisquert, Mont Gras, and Montes. (B)

Day 4 - SANTA CRUZ I COLCHAGUA VALLEY I SANTA CRUZ

In the morning, visit "Los Espíritus de Colchagua" just steps from the hotel. The House of Spirits of Colchagua is a magical place that preserves the ageold tradition of mixing fruits and herbs with alcohol, giving life to these tasty "mistelas" (spirits). Then, visit the Colchagua Museum, one of the most comprehensive private museums in Chile, with an interesting collection of insects trapped in amber and pre-Hispanic artifacts. After lunch visit the Santa Cruz Winery (15 miles on paved road). The winery has a cable car to the top of a hill where reproductions of houses of the Mapuche, Rapa Nui and Aymara people give insight into the lives of these indigenous societies. The winery also features a marvelous Automobile Museum that displays models from 1890 to 1980, such as the Ferrari 512, and the Porche 928. Last but not least is a small observatory with the most powerful privately owned telescope in Chile. On Friday and Saturday night, don’t miss the stargazing Tour of the Cosmos offered by the winery. (B)