Tour: Chile 5 Nights
Region
Chile is the 11th largest producer of wine worldwide, bottling about one-fourth what the US produces. Historically, Chile has been known for its red wines and red varietals now represent there-fourths of the country's plantings. Its signature red is Cabernet Sauvignon and the Maipo Valley is the mother lode for the examples of ripe, black fruit with refined tannins that rival the best in the world. The large temperature fluctuations between day and night combined with the soils of the Andes foothills concentrated colors, aromas and elegant tannins. The wines from the eastern part of the valley, Alto Maipo, are highly intense and longer-lived. The area further south of Maipo and boasting the most Cab plantings is Colchagua and the best of these come from the warm Alpalta zone and its hillside plantings which result in extraordinary complexity and superb structure for long-term aging. Carmenere, a transplant from Bordeaux in the late 19th century, is Chile's most unique red grape and our Chairman's favorite! Over the past 20 years, various reds blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc and Merlot have been among Chile's greatest successes so look for them on your wine adventure.Must See & Do
The awesome grandeur of Patagonia's mountains and fjords will sweep you away. Still exorcizing the ghosts of Pinochet, Chileans are re-energizing their bohemian art and musical roots and dance such as in the "cueca" and a club scene where poetry calls out past tragedies (Pinochet) and future opportunities. Artisans are everywhere in Santiago (e.g. Bellavista area) and if you love Lapis Lazuli, Chile is one of the world's two major sources. For dining, Chile's coast has every fish and seafood imaginable but don't forget your Chilean empanadas (turnovers) which come with lots of fillings, such as meat, cheese, or seafood, often accented with raisins or olives. Of course, please don't forget to try Chile's national, signature drink, Pisco, a light-colored brandy with distinct floral and fruity character. Chileans often drink it mixed as a Pisco Sour or Pisco and Coke! .Wineries
Chilean wineries are beginning to charge for tastings, however the owners will often waive the fees if they decide they like you, particularly when you are sent by Peter Smith. For this reason we do not charge tasting fees up-front, since you are likely to end up paying more this way. The fees at each particular winery will be noted on your itinerary once the visits are confirmed. Here are some of the wineries that we might include on your wine adventure Properties will be a selection of large and small producers. Chilean properties vary greatly in their presentation and philosophy, and many smaller producers do not speak English. Therefore choice of visits is dependent on guests' ability in Spanish language, as well as normal constraints of time of year and advance booking notice. All visits are requested on an individual basis and winemakers' schedules can fill well in advance at certain times of the year. Visits are personally selected by Peter Smith, based on his extensive experience in the region, and are often with winemakers who are personal friends of his such as Cremaschi Furlott, Quebrada de Macul, Aquitania, MontesViña Luis Felipe Edwards, Viña Porta, Carmen, MontGras, San Pedro, Cono Sur, Santa Rita, Neyen Santa Laura, Lapostolle, Las Ninas, Altaïr, Santa Mónica, Miguel Torres, Altacima, Casas del Toqui, La Fortuna, Echeverria, Almaviva, Anakena, Morande, Veramonte, Villard, Casa Marin, Vina la Playa, Gracia and Bisquert.Accommodation
Santa Cruz Plaza is located in the heart of the this little town, which is the wine-center of the Colchagua Valley. It is a very nicely designed property with a good selection of guest amenities and there are several choices for dining close to the hotel, as well as its own restaurant. Casa Real is a semi-private hotel secluded in the park of the historic Santa Rita winery. Is has been converted from the original owner's mansion, and is a classic Chilean experience of the highest caliber. Hotel Montebianco and Orly are small boutique hotels in the upscale Las Condes neighborhood of Santiago, close to the Metro line and a wide selection of restaurants, shops and sites of interest. Note: Alternative accommodation at Vina Casa Silva, about 20 minutes from Santa Cruz. This is a charming family-owned winery-hotel with only 5 guest rooms. At the head of the Colchagua Valley close to the Ruta 5 highway, we'd suggest this property for a more unique stay away from the town.Inclusions
5 Nights hotel in shared double/twin room- Breakfast daily
- 1 gourmet dinner at Casa Real or Santiago Restaurant (according to hotel choice)
- 3 winery lunches, including fine wines, paired with food and commented presentation
- 7 winery visits - Note: tasting fees are not included in this tour, as they change frequently
- Artisan visit - Cooking School with paired wine and local cuisine featured
- For self-drive program: includes rental car or van, basic insurance, maps and detailed driving instructions/ tips if you choose this option.
- For private chauffeur program: includes car or van , wine expert driver & guided commentary if you choose this option.
- for days and nights when lunch or dinner is not included, wine world management will provide recommended dining establishments and even make your reservation at no additional charge. (Note: transportation to/from dinner is not included, and will be arranged with local taxis as needed)
Exclusions
Round trip airfare, customs fees, telephone, tips, taxis, alcoholic beverages, personal items, and wine and dining that are not specifically included in itinerary.Pricing
All prices shown are per person double occupancy (twin share) and ultimately depend on program chosen, preferred accommodation, number of guests and type/size of vehicle. Prices that "can be as low as" refer to lowest per person price possible based on a group (3 couples, etc) of six like-minded wine and gourmet dining enthusiasts traveling together.Chauffeur Program priced from $3,899.00 per person double occupancy but can be as low as $2,659.00
Please Note: We do not offer our Self-drive Program in South America. Our private chauffeur-driven and guided version of the same itinerary but with wonderful local knowledge, insider information and "flavour" that only an experienced and friendly Chilean driver / guide can provide is truly a great value and a relaxing, fun experience.
Chile Wine World Itinerary
Your Wine World adventure can begin on a Monday.Day 1
Morning - Meet up with your Driver/guide or pick up your rental car, negotiate your way out of the Santiago traffic and drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the Colchagua Valley. A visit, tasting and lunch has been arranged for you at Vina Casa Silva at the head of the Colchagua Valley. This is a charming, historic, family-owned winery with lovely old buildings and a restaurant that overlooks the barrel cellar.
Afternoon - Follow directions supplied to your hotel in Colchagua Valley, about 20 minutes down the road where you are sure to enjoy your hotel's garden and pool, stroll around the small town or explore the delights of the enoteca next to the hotel...a time to relax!
Dinner is open for you to choose the dining room of your hotel or reservations can be made for you in your choice of our recommended restaurants.
Day 2
Morning - A visit has been arranged for you this morning at 10:00, to the "poster child" of Chilean winery success, Vina Montes. Started by four Chileans with almost no capital, this winery has grown into one of the most respected producers in the country, and its new state-of-the-art winery is amazing. You'll enjoy a full tour of the establishment and the vineyards, with a trip up the side of the valley in their 4-wheel drive vehicle to enjoy spectacular views over the Apalta Valley, probably the most famous valley in Chile these days.
Lunch just down the road at Vina Viu Manent another family-owned winery where you will enjoy traditional Chilean food with your choice of their excellent wines.
Afternoon - visit to another of the top wineries in the valley, such as Lapostolle, Mont-Gras, Bisquertt or others. Remainder of the afternoon free to explore the wine country and orient yourselves for tomorrow's tours.
Dinner reservations can be made for you in your choice of our recommended restaurants.
Day 3
Morning - After a leisurely start to the morning, drive south to the Curico wine region for a visit, tasting and lunch at Vina Altacima. This is one of the newer wineries in this region, a family-owned business making excellent red wines, and small quantities of superb white wine also. You will lunch with the owner or his daughter and son-in-law, in their home next door to the winery.
Afternoon - Return to Santa Cruz in time to visit to the excellent museum next door to your hotel, which has grown to be one of the most interesting and well-renown in Chile, with exhibits ranging from wine to automobiles to archaeology and indigenous Chilean cultures.
Dinner reservations can be made for you in your choice of our recommended restaurants.
Day 4
Morning - Leave your hotel and drive north to the suburbs of Santiago, to check into the wonderful hotel of Casa Real, situated within a 300-year-old park on the grounds of Santa Rita estate. You will break the journey with a stop at a winery around Pelequen or Rancagua, where we will recommend a local restaurant for your lunch, to sample some authentic country Chilean food. If you wish, you may skip this visit to arrive at your hotel earlier and take advantage of the pool, sauna and wonderful lunch. (Advance notice required).
Afternoon - This afternoon you are treated to a tour of Santa Rita's historic winery, as special guests of the estate since you are staying at the hotel. Don't forget to sample their Carmenere!
Dinner is open for you to choose the dining room of your hotel or reservations can be made for you in your choice of our recommended restaurants.
Day 5
Morning - Today you'll discover one of Chile's most interesting wine regions, the Casablanca Valley which benefits from cool winds and frequent mists from the Pacific Ocean. This has been re-discovered in recent years as the optimum growing area for both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir - one of the most difficult varietals to grow successfully, which is now showing some fine results in the cooler climate of Casablanca.
After a relaxed breakfast you'll drive west, stopping for your first visit at Vina Organica Emiliana, Villard or Veramonte, then to Vina Indomita, where you will tour and taste before lunch in their superb restaurant overlooking the valley.
Afternoon - After lunch venture further down the valley to visit another top producer, such as William Cole, Kingston Family or El Bosque. You can stop at the church in Casablanca town if you wish - the site of a very important pilgrimage for thousand of Chileans, who walk all the way from Santiago to the shrine of the Virgen de lo Vásquez on December 8 each year.
Dinner - Make sure to leave time to relax back at your hotel before dinner, which is in the elegant dining room of your hotel, where you will experience a grace and charm that will take you back to the colonial history of Chile, with excellent cooking and a selection of great estate wines.
Day 6
Departure. The program is completely open for you, but depending on your departure schedule we can arrange additional activities (wine, sightseeing, shopping etc.) for you as needed. You may want to keep this day for Santiago; drive into the city or take a cab to avoid the hassles of navigation and parking.
Once in Santiago the metro system is very good, and the cabs are very inexpensive (but of varying degrees of comfort). If you want something more structured you can take our optional guided city tour, or you may choose our "behind the scenes" culinary walking tour of Santiago that takes you into the local markets to see where the chefs buy their produce before lunch, prepared by your host-chef - you can partake in the preparation hands-on if you wish, as you learn the secrets of the trade! Enjoy shopping for semi-precious stones, local handicrafts and souvenirs, or take in some of the museums and architecture of one of South America's most cosmopolitan cities.
Or...you can continue to the airport for your onward flight according to your schedule.