In the late nineteenth century, during the era of immense mining wealth in Chile, important families introduced fine wine varieties of French origin – primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah, and Malbec – to this region of the long, thin country. Since then, and especially during the mid-1990s during Chile’s rebirth as a quality wine producer, the Colchagua Valley has developed into one of the most important wine regions in South America.
The day begins with an 8:00am departure from your hotel. Your guide will drive you two hours south on the Pan-American Highway, through the marvelous agricultural heart of the Central Valley, before arriving to the eastern end of the Colchagua Valley. In the late nineteenth century, during the era of immense mining wealth in Chile, important families introduced fine wine varieties of French origin – primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot and Malbec – to the long, thin country. Since then, and especially during the mid-1990s during Chile’s rebirth as a quality wine producer, this area has developed into one of the most important wine regions in South America.
Your first visit is to Casa Silva, the oldest winery in the Colchagua Valley, which was founded by French immigrant Emilio Bouchon in 1892. Casa Silva is known for its award winning Carménère, Chile’s signature grape. Your tour will include a visit to the historic winery and a tasting of their reserve wines.
Next, you’ll tour 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. Viu Manent wines have won several awards, including Gold Medal distinction at the 2011 Catador W Santiago Wine Awards for their Gran Reserva Malbec (2010), Secreto de Viu Manent Sauvignon Blanc (2011), and Secreto de Viu Manent Syrah (2010). Following a wine tasting, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the winery.
photo credit: Erin Jelm
A short drive away is your 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. Alternately, you can choose to visit Montes Winery, founded in 1988 by esteemed Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes and three business partners with years of experience in oenology. Over the past two decades, Viña Montes has played a key role in reviving the Chilean wine industry and launching it to the level of international acclaim it enjoys today. At Montes, you will have a tour and tasting of some of their premium wines.
Meals Included: Lunch
This tour is available every day, all year round.
Price per Person (US$): $396.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
photo credit: Neyen Winery
Price Includes:
- Private transportation in comfortable vehicle with professional driver
- Professional, bilingual guide
- Three (3) winery tours & tastings
- Lunch at Viu Manent
- 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: Erin Jelm