In the heart of Chile’s agricultural belt, the Cachapoal and Colchagua regions were originally declared the Rapel Valley by Chile’s Denomination of Origin system. The valleys are celebrated for their rich red wines, particularly award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah, and small quantities of Malbec.
Viña Vik is currently one of the most important wine projects in the world (photo credit: Viña Vik)
Day 1 – Introducing Cachapoal and Colchagua
Our tour begins with a late morning departure from your hotel in Santiago, driving south on the Pan-American highway through Chile’s agricultural heart and into the magnificent Cachapoal Valley. Our first visit will be to Altair Winery. With only two labels – Altair and Sideral – boutique winery Altair was formed as a joint venture between Laurent Dassault, owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau Dassault and Chateau La Fleur, and industry giant Viñas San Pedro, the second largest wine producer in Chile. Altair achieves with finesse the delicate mix between cutting-edge technology and traditional character. With consistent 90+ point rankings in such prestigious publications as Wine Enthusiast and Wine Advocate, Altair has earned its place among some of the world’s top wines. You will enjoy a private tour of the vineyards and winery followed by a delicious lunch in a beautiful setting.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive to the VIK property in the Cachapoal Valley. The VIK Winery is currently one of the most important wine projects in the world. With major foreign investment and innovative vineyard techniques, VIK will attempt nothing short of making Chile’s first 100-point wine. On a plot of4,300 hectares – where modernity and the latest technology are fused with the oldest traditions of oenology – an elite team of winemakers is working diligently to produce Chile’s top wine. Upon arrival, you will be met by the winery lodge host to plan the afternoon’s activities visiting the vineyard property by bike, horseback or 4×4.
After your visit to the vineyards, you will arrive to the small, modern winery. The real winery is still on the drawing board for now, as the project is still in the early stages, and the improvised barrel cellar is where the select 2009 vintage is aging under careful watch. It is here that you will enjoy a barrel tasting of the first VIK wines. This wine represents four years of hard work building a new vineyard in Chile, and you will be one of the first to try this soon-to-be famous Chilean wine.
Along with the vineyards, VIK’s team has built the “perfect four room cottage”. Sitting atop a hill in the middle of the property, it provides a 360-degree view only made better by the cozy common area with its fireplace and delicious dinner offered to guests.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Colchagua Highlights
After a leisurely breakfast at VIK, you will set out to experience firsthand why Colchagua has earned the reputation as the king of Chilean reds. Your first visit will be to Neyen de Apalta Winery, which focuses all its production on one Bordeaux-style blend from 115 year-old Carménère vines. Neyen is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, founded by the Rojas family in 2002 on the site of one of the area’s pioneering 19th century wineries.
Only 20 minutes away is our next stop, Casa Lapostolle Winery, established in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle (of the Grand Marnier family), which produces some of the best QPR (quality/price ratio) wines in Chile. Since its outstanding debut 1997 vintage, Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta bottling has helped to establish Colchagua as a premier red wine producer. In 2008, Casa Lapostolle was awarded 96 points in “Wine Spectator” for their Clos Apalta vintage, which was also chosen as the Top Wine of the Year. Following your tour and tasting, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch at the winery before heading back to Santiago or on to the next leg of your South American adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended trip combinations:
Looking out over the vines at Viña Vik (photo credit: Viña Vik)
This program is available to begin every day during the months of October thru May.
Price per Person (US$): $1,077.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
The elite group of winemakers at Vik is striving to craft Chile’s first 100-point wine (photo credit: Viña Vik)
Price Includes:
- Private transportation in comfortable vehicle with professional driver
- Professional, bilingual guide
- Four (4) winery tours & tastings
- Meals as described in itinerary
- One (1) night lodging at VIK
- Map of Chilean wine regions
- Bottled mineral water
Price Does Not Include:
- Optional gratuities for guides and drivers
- Meals not listed in itinerary
- Items of personal nature
- Travel insurance
Vik Guest House: Along with the vineyards, VIK’s team has built the “perfect four room cottage”. Sitting atop a hill in the middle of the property, it provides luxury accommodations and a 360-degree view only made better by the cozy common area with its fireplace and delicious dinner offered to guests.
photo credit: Viña Vik