Chile and Argentina are undoubtedly the most internationally recognized wine-producing regions in South America. Experience the gastronomic and cultural highlights of these countries firsthand with visits to renowned wineries and historic cities.
Chile and Argentina are undoubtedly the most internationally recognized wine-producing regions in South America. Experience the gastronomic and cultural highlights of these countries firsthand with visits to renowned wineries and historic cities.
Entrance to the park at Cerro Santa Lucia
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago / City Tour / Wine Tasting Dinner
Welcome to Chile! Your Santiago guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. You’ll have time to settle in and relax before heading out for a half day tour of the city.
Chosen by the New York Times as 2011’s #1 destination to visit, Santiago is a dynamic and contemporary metropolis located in the heart ofChile’s fertile central valley.Chile’s capital is a vibrant city full of character, with a thriving arts culture, trendy restaurant scene, and lively nightlife. Old-world colonial mansions and the eclectic neighborhoods of Lastarria and Bellavista transition seamlessly to the skyscrapers and modern structures of Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia.
You will set out to visit Santiago’s most important historical sites, including the downtown area surrounding the Plaza de Armas, the La Moneda Presidential Palace, and the Mercado Central. Continuing through the cobblestoned Lastarria neighborhood, you will walk through the Parque Forestal and pass by the Bellas Artes Museum. For a panoramic vista of the city, you will visit the top of Cerro San Cristobal Hill, 300m above the city.
During the tour, you will visit one of Santiago’s most famous museums, La Chascona, former home to beloved poet and Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda. The whimsical residence the poet shared with his mistress (later his third wife) provides a snapshot into the life and mind of Neruda, filled with art, eccentric collections, and even his Nobel Prize.
In the evening, you are invited to the home of Chef Maria Eugenia Terragno, former executive chef of LAN airlines. She’ll welcome you with the best homemade pisco sour in town and share with you her passion for and knowledge of Chilean gastronomy. Also joining you for dinner will be two winemakers from the Movement of Independent Vintners* (MOVI), sharing with you some excellent vintages which showcase some of the best of Chile’s privileged terroir.
*MOVI wines/winemakers will accompany dinner for groups of minimum 4 travelers.
Meals Included: Dinner
NOTE: Early check in may not always be available. Guests can always store their belongings, but may not be able to access their room.
Day 2: Casablanca Valley and Valparaiso
Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning to depart for the Pacific coast. Along the way, you will make your first winery stop at Kingston Family Vineyards and learn how their vineyard has evolved into one of Chile’s hottest boutique wineries, pioneering award-winning whites and artisan-style reds.
Cool-climate grapes thrive in coastal Chile’s terroir
After a tour and tasting, you will continue to the coast to explore the historic city of Valparaíso, one of the first South American ports founded by the Spanish and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will enjoy lunch at one of Valparaíso’s top restaurants, nestled high in its hills and with a privileged vista of the bay. Paired with a fresh pisco sour or smooth glass of wine, what could be better? In the afternoon, you will take a walk through the Cerro Concepcion and Alegre neighborhoods and ride the century-old hillside ascensores (elevators). In the late afternoon, you will return to Santiago.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Maipo and Cachapoal Valleys
The Maipo Valley is considered the “cradle of Chilean wine-making.” While not Chile’s oldest wine region – as some authors have claimed – Maipo is certainly among the most traditional. French-inspired vineyards initiated Chile’s second wine boom some 150 years ago and are partially responsible for the valley’s famed Cabernet Sauvignon and finest Carménère. Maipo is also growing rapidly, home to several new boutique wineries which are producing exciting premium wines in the region.
Your first visit is to Aquitania. Located just outside Santiago, Aquitania was born from a formidable partnership among four well-respected French and French-Chilean agronomists and oenologists. The idea was to combine the best of French vinicultural practices with the agricultural paradise of Chile to create unique, sophisticated wines. Award-winning labels such as Aquitania, Lazuli, and Sol de Sol are proof of the project’s success.
You’ll then head south to the Cachapoal Valley where Altair is making a global name for itself and the valley. A partnership between Chile’s second largest winery, San Pedro, and Chateau Dassault in Saint Emilion, France, has produced two premium wines, Altair and Sideral. Nestled in a remote corner of Cachapoal, the winery provides fantastic views of the central valley and an unforgettable lunch spot. Following your relaxed afternoon at the winery, you will be driven to the Colchagua Valley to check into your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Colchagua Valley
Two hours south of Santiago is one of Chile’s largest and most developed wine regions. The Colchagua Valley is known for producing some of Chile’s best wine, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah, and Malbec. We will visit Casa Silva, the oldest winery in the Colchagua Valley, which was founded by French immigrant Emilio Bouchon in 1892 and is known for its award winning Carménère, Chile’s signature grape. Your tour will include a visit to the historic winery, a tasting of their reserve wines, and a splendid lunch. In the afternoon, your guide will take you through the Santa Cruz Museum, one of the best private collections of pre-Columbian art in all of South America.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wine tasting at Montes
Day 5: Colchagua Valley
The Colchagua Valley is emerging as the new king of Chilean reds, and today’s winery visits will prove that title is well deserved. Your day will start with a visit to Neyen de Apalta, 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.
Next, you’ll head to lunch at family-run Viu Manent winery. 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.
Your final visit of the day will be to Casa Lapostolle Winery, founded 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 region. Owner Marnier-Lapostolle and her team have created a blend of Chile’s distinctive Carmenère, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, utilizing cutting-edge technique such as hand-de-stemming berries and designing a gravity-flow winery. In 2008, they were awarded 96 points in “Wine Spectator” for their Clos Apalta.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Mendoza, Argentina
You will depart from Santa Cruz and drive to the Santiago International Airport in time for your flight to Mendoza. Arriving in Mendoza, you will check in to your hotel before taking a guided tour of the city. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Vineyards near Mendoza, Argentina
Day 7: Valley de Uco
Today you will visit the new frontier in Argentina winemaking, the spectacular high-altitude growing region of Valle de Uco. The snow-capped Andes loom in the background as vineyards spread into the foothills. Your first visit is to world famous Domaine Bousquet*, which makes organic wines. The winery works with French and Argentine techniques and a focus on environmental consciousness. Next, you visit La Azul*, a very small, family-run winery. Here you will taste all of the high quality wines produced, some of them out of the barrel. For lunch, you will visit Andeluna Winery*, which has great architectural design and decor. Moreover, it is located at the foothill of the Andes Mountains.
*subject to change
Hotel: Park Hyatt Mendoza / Executive Park Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Lujan de Cuyo
Your day begins just south of Mendoza in the Lujan de Cuyo area. One of Argentina’s most traditional wine regions, Lujan de Cuyo is home to many of the nation’s top wineries and finest Malbec. First, you’ll visit Achaval Ferrer* winery, known for producing some of Argentina’s most prestigious wines. Next, you’ll tour Bodega Bressia*, a family-run winery that combines minimal human intervention and the latest technology.
Then, you’ll head for a tasting at Dominio del Plata*, the boutique winery of Susana Balbo. Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Your final stop of the day will be a personal visit with one of Mendoza’s renowned winemakers, Angel Mendoza, at Domaine St. Diego*, who will share with you his passion for winemaking while preparing special tastings.
*subject to change
Hotel: Park Hyatt Mendoza / Executive Park Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Buenos Aires
You’ll depart Mendoza on a morning flight to arrive to Buenos Aires by mid-day. Your local guide will meet you at the airport to accompany you to your hotel. After you settle in, you will head out this afternoon on an exclusive, guided tour of Buenos Aires, during which your guide will use three parks and plazas to introduce you to the city, its history, its contrasts, and the characteristic “porteño perspective.” The evening is free to discover the city – perhaps strolling along the harbor at Puerto Madero or through the trendy Palermo Viejo neighborhood.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Buenos Aires’ Puerto Madero at dusk
Day 10: Buenos Aires
The day is yours to explore all that Buenos Aires has to offer. Head out for some hiking or biking in the Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires’ ecological reserve. Experience world-class shopping in the downtown La Florida sector, or return to Palermo Viejo (Palermo Soho) to visit the stylish boutique galleries.
In the evening you will attend a glamorous tango show with dinner in one of the most prestigious tango houses in Buenos Aires. Born in the outskirts of the capital at the turn of the century, tango quickly became an iconic symbol of Argentina worldwide. Your VIP seating assures you a great view of this special program.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Buenos Aires/Departure
Enjoy a free morning before your private transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta Wine Cellar
This program is available to begin Sunday through Thursday all year round, though we highly recommend the months of November through April as the best time of year to visit.
Price per Person (US$):
*Prices valid through August 31st, 2014.
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
The colorful La Boca neighborhood is an icon of Buenos Aires
Price Includes:
Ritz Carlton Santiago
Ritz Carlton: Situated in the prestigious Las Condes neighborhood of El Golf, location is a big advantage for the Ritz. Not surprisingly, luxury and service are top notch. The hotel has 205 lavish rooms, excellent restaurants, and a rooftop pool and spa which sits under a spectacular glass cupola and offers unbeatable views of the Andes and of the city.
Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza
Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza: Located in the lovely town of the same name, the Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza was the Colchagua Valley’s first “wine country” hotel. It’s an elegant Spanish colonial building which fits perfectly into the picturesque setting of Colchauga – combining wine, history, and Chilean tradition with modern amenities and service to provide an excellent experience for guests. The hotel’s location on the main plaza in the center of town means easy access to anywhere in Santa Cruz. The terra-cotta tiles, heavy doors, interior patio, and other colonial-era details of the hotel add to its charm.
Park Hyatt Mendoza
Park Hyatt Mendoza: Looking out to the Plaza de Independencia, the Park Hyatt is without a doubt the best place to stay in Mendoza. The restored 19th century building offers impressive architecture, spacious and luxurious rooms complete with marble bathrooms, a collection of local art, and an inviting interior outdoor patio. The hotel is centrally located near restaurants, plazas, and shopping.
Hotel Sofitel
Hotel Sofitel: A classy French-inspired hotel in the heart of Buenos Aires, near the Plaza San Martín. The hotel features a perfect blend of French savoir faire and Argentinean tradition, with an ambience complemented by exquisite décor, including a chandelier and an Art Nouveau clock, as well as a glass atrium lobby resembling a large gazebo. Sophistication emanates from every corner; adjacent to the lobby is an elegant French restaurant and an early-20th-century-style café.
Four-Star Accommodations
Plaza El Bosque Suites
Plaza El Bosque Suites: Complete with a gym and sauna, this hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing stay in Santiago. Every room is designed to give the hotel’s guests a calming and restful experience. The hotel’s restaurant, Puro Bistro, offers delicious dishes that showcase Chile’s best flavors.
Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza
Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza: Located in the lovely town of the same name, the Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza was the Colchagua Valley’s first “wine country” hotel. It’s an elegant Spanish colonial building which fits perfectly into the picturesque setting of Colchauga – combining wine, history, and Chilean tradition with modern amenities and service to provide an excellent experience for guests. The hotel’s location on the main plaza in the center of town means easy access to anywhere in Santa Cruz. The terra-cotta tiles, heavy doors, interior patio, and other colonial-era details of the hotel add to its charm.
Executive Park Suites Mendoza
Executive Park Suites: Centrally located near the Plaza Italia and downtown center of Mendoza, Executive Hotel offers 77 modern rooms and a beautiful design which includes an elegant lobby and marble finishes. A full suite of services including a business center, restaurant, and swimming pool/solarium.