Chile’s move toward cool-climate viticulture began 25 years ago when innovative winemakers dared to suggest planting near the Pacific Coast in the Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys. These valleys are now world-famous for their technology and commitment to terroir, producing some of Chile’s best white wines and cool-climate reds.
Panorama of Loma Larga Vineyards
Day 1 – Casablanca to San Antonio Valley
After a one-hour drive from Santiago, you will begin your biking adventure at the winery Emiliana, a true leader in the concepts of biodynamic and organic agriculture. The winerary aims to create the highest quality wines while promoting sustainability and social responsibility. Emiliana’s wine portfolio is backed by major national and international awards and recognition, and its wineries are certified Fair Trade and Carbon Neutral.
We’ll hop on our bikes and head to Loma Larga vineyards. Named “Winery of the Year 2011” by Wine & Spirits magazine, Loma Larga continues to represent the best of the Casablanca Valley. Loma Larga sets the bar for quality cold-climate red wines with several award winners and consistent 90+ point ratings by such prestigious publications as Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Here, you’ll enjoy a tour through the winery and a tasting followed by a picnic lunch.
Leaving Loma Larga, you’ll hop back on bikes and pedal through the back roads of the San Geronimo Hacienda and arrive to Matetic Winery in the San Antonio Valley, where you will spend the night in their beautiful historic hotel.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Hidden Back Roads of the San Antonio Valley
Today we ride a loop around the breathtaking San Antonio Valley – some of the best cycling in Chile’s Central Valley. First, we will pedal through the quaint village of Lagunillas where we will turn east and gently climb into the foothills of the coastal range. Here, we will access the private farmlands of the Rosario Valley which belong to the Matetic Winery. This is a fun route with a stretches of dirt roads and the chance to explore the property’s antique winery, Coralillo, before arriving to the state-of-the-art facilities of the winery that Wine & Spirits magazine called a “great ambassador” for Chilean wine on the world stage. We’ll enjoy an excellent tasting in Matetic followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant, El Sauce.
In the afternoon you will return to your hotel in Santiago.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Grapes at Viña Veramonte
This tour is available to begin Monday thru Saturday, all year round. We recommend October thru May as the best time of year for this tour.
Price per Person (US$):$1,049.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
*Prices valid through August 31st, 2015.
Biking in Chile’s Coastal Wine Region
Price Includes:
Casona Matetic: Built in the early 1900s, the beautiful casona at Matetic is characteristic of the typical Chilean countryside of colonial times. The casona offers severn spacious and elegantly decorated rooms. Be sure to take time to relax poolside in the lovely outdoor gardens, surrounded by the thriving vineyards.
Matetic Vineyards
