Chile & Argentina 10 Nights

Regions

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 te coiuntry's plantings. Its signature red is Cabernet Sauvignon and the Maipo Valley is the motherlode 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 theAndes foothills comcentrated 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

Mendoza is the capital of Argentinean winemaking about 80% of the country's production comes from this province in the eastern slopes of the Andes with a climate that is generally dryer and a lot warmer than found in Chile. To compensate for the heat, the wineries use irrigation and plant their vines at higher altitude which keep the vineyards cooler. Nestled under the shadow of the Andes in a unique location that allows winemakers to use the microclimates from varying elevations to produce different character in their grapes, this is a land of almost unlimited potential. Famous for producing some of the best Malbec in the world, other European varietals such as Cabernet, Chardonnay and even Pinot Noir from the Rio Negro Region are enjoying a growing reputation - not to mention the white Torrontes from Spain's Rioja, which produce a light, crisp white considered Argentina's best even though it exports more of its more expensive Chardonnays. The region also produces some superb super-premiums which are often exciting blends of different grapes. Salta, like Rio Negro, an up and coming region which is 600 miles north of Mendoza, plants its grapes at 5,000 to 6,000 feet making them some of the highest vineyards in the world and providing the cool terrior and temperatures needed to preserve the fruity character of the Torrontes grape.

Must See and Do

In Chile, 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, Chiles 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!

In Argentina, you'll find architecture that is magnificent and a an elegant cosmopolitan city exuding "old world" charm unrivaled in the Western Hemisphere; tangos hotter than Dancing with the Stars says they should be; beef that rivals Kobe, Angus, and anything you can name; a club scene with "cumbia" amd "Zizek" that makes New York look staid and doesn't end until the first light of dawn; one of the best wine bars anywhere (Gran Bar Danzon) with over 200 selections; and for the "Byronic romantics" among you, Patagonia Sur, one of the most romantic restaurants in the world; lots of avant-garde art galleries, hip boutique hotels and ultra chic restaurants; and, finally and maybe most important so you can enjoy all of the above and more, you'll enjoy an exchange rate that gives you more bang for every buck than almost anywhere in the world.

Wineries You May Visit

Properties will be a selection of large and small producers. Chilean and Argentinean 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 in Argentina: Catena, Carmelo Patti, Achaval-Ferrer, Salentein, Luigi Bosca, Fabre Montmayou, Altus, Ruca Malen, Andeluna, Pulenta, Tapiz, Decero, Domingo Hermanos, El Esteco, Etchart, Lavaque, Nanni, Yacochuya, El Porvenir, Mounier and Colome. In Chile, your visits would be selected from 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.

Chilean and Argentinean 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.

Accommodation

Santiago & Chile, Mendoza & Buenos Aires
Santa Cruz Plaza is located in the heart of this little town, which is the wine-center of the Colchagua Valley. It is a very nicely designed property with a fine 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.

Lares de Chacras is a boutique hotel; a family-owned country style house that combines Andean stone with typical desert wood, with a warm country décor and very personal welcome.

Alvear Palace Hotel stands in the heart of the Recoleta, a refined quarter of the city with parks, wide avenues and an elegant architecture of classic style. The best restaurants, coffee stores, antique shops and boutiques of Buenos Aires are found in this area, as well as some of the most important museums and cultural centers.

Four Seasons Hotel is South America's only "World's Best Hotel" recognized by Institutional Investor and rated in the Top 100 International Hotels, Resorts and Spas by Zagat in 2006. It is located in the La Recoleta District, the cultural epicenter of Argentina.

Kempinsky is also in the heart of Recoleta. This distinguished boutique hotel offers a calm and secluded atmosphere decorated with precious antiquities in European style. Conveniently located within walking distance of the exclusive shops, trendy restaurants surrounded by embassies and private residencies.

Ombú de Areco is a family-owned country house which is part of a working estancia, or cattle ranch, about an hour north of Buenos Aires. This is a very authentic experience reserved for very small numbers of guests, and includes authentic parrilla barbecue dining, horse-riding excursions and introduction to the activities of the estate and the gauchos who take care of the herd.

Note: Alternative Chile accommodation is 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

• 10 Nights hotel in shared double/twin room
• Breakfast daily
• Private chauffeured vehicle for tour period with wine expert driver/guide, including transfers
(Note: transportation to/from dinner is not included, and will be arranged with local taxis as needed)
• 8 lunches, including fine wines!
• 2 gourmet dinners- one at Casa Real or a Santiago restaurant (according to hotel choice) and one at Mendoza restaurant
• 2 gourmet dinners including fine wines in Buenos Aires
• Tango show (with one of the dinners)
• 14 winery visits -
  (Note: tasting fees are not included in this tour, as they change frequently)
• Tango Lesson (Buenos Aires) or Cooking School Experience (Santiago)

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 $6,749.00 per person double occupancy but can be as low as $5,179.00

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 or Argentine driver / guide can provide is truly a great value and a relaxing, fun experience.

Chile - Argentina Wine World Itinerary - Your Wine World adventure can begin on a Monday.

Day 1
Morning: Pick your driver who will negotiate your way out of the Santiago traffic and drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the Colchagua Valley. Here, 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 a restaurant that overlooks the barrel cellar.
Afternoon - Your driver will take you to your hotel in Colchagua Valley, about 20 minutes down the road where you'll relax enjoying your hotel's garden and pool, strolling around the small town or exploring the delights of the enoteca next to the hotel.
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, and of course a visit to the winery.

Afternoon - You'll visit another of the top wineries in the valley, such as Lapostolle, Mont-Gras, Bisquertt or others. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the wine country and get oriented for tomorrow's tours.

Dinner - reservations can be made for you in your choice of our recommended restaurants.

Day 3
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 in 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.

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 4
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 5
Morning - This morning you depart after breakfast to the airport, for your connecting flight to Mendoza, Argentina, arriving in time for a visit followed by lunch at the renowned estate of Ruca Malen.

Afternoon - After lunch we have arranged another visit to another of Mendoza's top producers, before you check into the delightful boutique hotel of Lares de Chacras.

Dinner - You will have time to unpack and relax at your hotel before dinner, which we leave to your own choice at one of the many excellent restaurants in this upscale neighborhood of Mendoza - we can of course help with reservations if you wish.

Day 6
Morning - Today we spend in the district of Lujan de Cuyo, not far from our hotel, where many of Mendoza's top producers are found. We'll visit three wineries selected from great names such as Catena Zapata, Carmelo Patti, Achaval-Ferrer, Alta Vista or others, with a wonderful lunch included at Cava de Cano.

Aftenoon - Free time to relax and enjoy the countryside or sa shopping trip in Mendoza.

Dinner - then in the evening back to Mendoza to enjoy a unique food and wine pairing dinner created by one of the city's most respected chefs, Lucas Bustos, who opened restaurants at both Ruca Malen and Altus before opening his own place last year.

Day 7
Morning - Today we have arranged a program for you in the Valle de Uco, located one and a half hours from the city of Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes mountain range. This area is the region with the highest potential of development in Argentina's wine industry. We will arrange for you to visit and wine taste at Salentein, where besides tasting, we'll visit Killka: a very special art gallery with spaces for works of art from local, national and international artists. After, we go to Andeluna winery, then we'll visit Altus winery, where we'll have the pleasure of enjoying a delightful lunch in a old house specially designed to receive guests.

Afternoon - Return to hotel at the end of the afternoon and...

Dinner - dine at your choice of restaurants - either locally or in the city of Mendoza where there are numerous places we can recommend for you.

Day 8
Morning - Arrival by air from Mendoza, or from your home town if you decide to add this to the start of your South American experience. Transfer to your downtown hotel, then...

Afternoon - you're sure to enjoy an "insider" tour of the sights of the city with your private driver and personal guide. Lunch is open, so you can choose what you prefer to do according to your arrival time.

Dinner - This evening you will enjoy a dinner and tango show at one of the best establishments in the city - you may even be tempted to get up yourself and hit the boards.

Day 9
Morning - The morning is free for you to visit the cultural treasures of this cosmopolitan city; it has a rich collection of museums, art galleries and historic sites including of course the famous balcony of the "Pink House" where Eva Peron made her inspiring speeches to the Argentine population. Lunch has been arranged at one of the most exciting restaurants of the city, "Cabernet", which boasts a wine list of over 350 labels that includes fantastic boutique wines that are hard to find in Argentina, let alone back home. You can also visit the restaurant's wine store across the street, where you can purchase wines to take back home - owner Joaquin or his assistants will advise on the best way to ship them, and even have them delivered to the airport for you before you depart.

Afternoon - The rest of the afternoon is again free, or you can take the option of a private tour if you wish, to cover the lesser-known parts of the city that aren't covered on the standard circuit.

Dinner - This evening we highly recommend dinner at either Patagonia Sur, one of the most truly romantic restaurants anywhere in the world or Milion (no, it's not spelled wrong!) a trendy, bohemian restaurant and bar that is housed in a lovely historic town-house. Be careful here, as you may be sucked into the Argentinean night-life and end up not getting back to your comfortable hotel bed before dawn!

Day 10
Morning - After breakfast, you'll leave your hotel and drive north to the family-run estancia of "El Ombú de Areco", where you will enjoy a traditional parilla lunch under the shade of the biggest Ombú bush, a very unique shrub that is emblematic of the Pampas of Argentina.

Afternoon - Later in the afternoon you will enjoy a ride through the country with one of the Gauchos (cowboys) of the estate, as you view the activities of a working ranch - you may be lucky enough to see branding, dipping or even the birth of a new calf, depending on the activities going on that day. Returning to the house you can enjoy the pool or choose to visit the nearby town of San Antonio de Areco, to browse antique shops, traditional artisans' workshops or while away a couple of hours over coffee at a café that still looks as it did in the days of Eva Peron.

Dinner - is back at the estancia, where you're likely to be entertained with an impromptu song by one of the gauchos as you relax under the evening sky, surrounded by the sound of crickets and nothing much more.

Day 11
Morning - Return to Buenos Aires with the timing depending on your departure schedule. No meals are included today as your schedule may require you to leave too early or depart directly from the estancia to the airport for your return home.