In the heart of Chile’s agricultural belt, the Cachapoal region was originally declared the Rapel Valley by Chile’s Denomination of Origin system. A subsequent recognition of geographic differences resulted in a subdivision of two separate zones – Cachapoal in the north and Colchagua in the south. With very little maritime influence, Cachapoal is predominantly known for its rich red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon near the Andes and award-winning Carménère near the center of the valley.
Your guide will meet you in your Santiago hotel for a 9:00 am departure into the agricultural heart of Chile and the Cachapoal Valley, located 90 minutes south of the capital.
Your first destination is one of Cachapoal’s gems, Anakena Winery. Located in the foothills of the Andes, Anakena utilizes the unique climate, modern technology, and a focus on sustainability to produce exceptional wines. “Wine is an expression of the culture and geography of a country,” observes Anakena’s founder Felipe Ibañez. Recent awards include the following gold medal distinctions (from the Mondiales des Vins Canada): Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Pinot Noir 2010, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Carmenere 2009, and a silver medal distinction for the 2010 Riesling Chardonnay. You will enjoy a private tour and tasting of Anakena’s distinctive wines.
A short drive away is your second stop at 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. All harvesting is done by hand, in multiple passes through the vineyard, and berries are double sorted before crushing. 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 late afternoon, you will be transported back to your hotel in Santiago.
Meals Included: Lunch
photo credit: Altair Winery
This tour is available every day, all year round.
Price per Person (US$): $299.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
photo credit: Altair Winery
Price Includes:
- Private transportation in comfortable vehicle with professional driver
- Professional, bilingual guide
- Tour and tastings at two (2) wineries
- Lunch
- 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
- Overnight lodging
photo credit: Anakena Winery