The southern extreme of the large Rapel Valley is best known as the Colchagua Valley, a zone that has traditionally been highly celebrated for its ripe and juicy red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon continues to hold the lead, although it is more often Syrah and Carménère that steal the show, along with relatively small quantities of excellent Malbec. Recently, vineyards have expanded toward the coast and broadened the repertoire of fine wines to include cool-climate varieties.
Biking in the Colchagua Valley
Day 1 – Eastern Colchagua Valley
Your driver and guide will be waiting to meet you at your hotel to embark on your Bike & Wine adventure! The journey begins with a three hour drive to the high eastern sector of the renowned Colchagua Valley, south of Chile’s capital city Santiago, where we will start our ride. Putting the Andes Mountains to our backs we will make a gentle downhill ride toward the town of San Fernando, ending our day with a tour and tasting at the family-run Casa Silva Winery, followed by lunch. In the evening you will settle in at Colchagua Camp, the first glamping (five-star camping) site in the Colchagua Valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 2 – Colchagua Valley
We will continue our journey in the morning, first passing through San Fernando before traveling over back roads winding along the Tinguiririca River before stopping at Neyen Winery. Founded on the site of one of the region’s pioneering wineries dating back to the 19th century, Neyen is today the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Next, you’ll pedal toward the family-run Viu Manent Winery where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and tasting. Founded in 1935, Viu Manent’s core philosophy is centered in attention to detail, respect for the environment, and honoring history and tradition while embracing innovation and modernity to support continued excellence. You will return for the night to Colchagua Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Exploring the Colchagua Valley from Santa Cruz to Marchihue
Heading out of Santa Cruz this morning, we will ride west along mostly flat roads. We will make a stop for tastings at one of the region’s top wineries, Mont Gras. Founded in the mid-1990s, Mont Gras focuses almost exclusively on the production of reserve wines for export. Next, we’ll continue to Viña VIK for lunch and a tasting, before returning to Santiago. VIK is one of the most important wine projects in the world at this time. By adapting the best techniques to maximize the optimal quality of the grape using cutting-edge technology and maintaining a holistic concept of qualitative perfection, Vik will attempt nothing short of making Chile’s first 100-point wine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Barrel Room at Casa Silva Winery
This tour is available to begin every day, September thru May. We recommend November thru April as the best time of year for this tour.
Price per Person (US$): $1,823
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
*Prices valid through August 31st, 2015.
Cutting grapes from the vine at Casa Silva Winery
Price Includes:
Colchagua Camp: A little-known glamping outfit on five acres of beautiful, meticulously landscaped land and surrounded by orange orchads, Colchagua Camp is located just a few miles from Santa Cruz in the heart of Chile’s most important wine valley. Each of the site’s domes is designed for two people and comes equipped with a bathroom, hydromassage shower, heating, and a private patio, all in addition to the site’s shared pool, gardens, and hot tub. This is a great option for couples who have a strong connection to the outdoors and are looking for something a bit different than the standard hotels in the valley.
Colchagua Camp – glamping under the stars
