Day 1: Introduction to the Colchagua Valley

The day begins with an 8:00am departure from your hotel. We will drive 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.

We will visit 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. A splendid lunch waits at Casa Silva, where you will enjoy the contemporary style of their chef. In the afternoon after a short drive, you will check into the charming hotel Terra Viña in the enchanting pueblo of Santa Cruz. Nestled amidst a thriving vineyard and an historic family winery, Terra Viña is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up the beauty of Colchagua or exploring the vineyards on foot or by bike.

Meals Included: Lunch

 

Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Chile’s Wine Country

The Colchagua Valley is emerging as the king of Chilean reds, and today’s winery visits will undoubtedly demonstrate the quality of wines coming from Colchagua, particularly Carménère, Syrah, and Malbec.

Our day begins with a visit to Laura Hartwig Winery, located just steps from Terra Viña. In 1966, Laura Bisquertt inherited the property of “Santa Laura” from her father. Years later, living in Canada with her husband, Alejandro Hartwig, the couple discovered their passion for excellent wine. Returning to Chile, they opened their winery as a retirement project, naming it after their daughter.

Next, you’ll head to 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.

Following lunch, we will head to 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.

Our final stop will be to Neyen de Apalta Winery, 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 19^th century wineries.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Recommended trip combinations:

• J. Bouchon Mingre Wine Lodge Stay – Curicó and Maule Valleys
• Coastal Wine Country – the Casablanca & San Antonio Valleys – overnight in Casona Matetic or Villa Casa Marin
• Experience the great wineries of the neighboring Cachapoal Valley in a day tour on your way back to Santiago 

This program is available to begin every day, all year round. We recommend October thru May as the best time of year to visit.

 

Price per Person (US$): $757.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers

Price Includes:

• Private transportation in comfortable vehicle with professional driver
• Professional, bilingual guide
• Five (5) winery tours & tastings
• One (1) night lodging in Colchagua Valley
• Meals as detailed in itinerary
• 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

Terra Viña: A charming hotel surrounded by lush vineyards, Terra Viña is a tranquil retreat in the heart of the beautiful Colchagua Valley. The hotel has 19 tastefully decorated rooms, each with its own balcony and marvelous view of mountains and vineyards. Oak floors and traditional country-style tiles complement a modern hacienda-style design.