Interview with Alexander Vik of Vik Retreats
December 16, 2014
Opened recently in October of 2014, the new Vik hotel in Chile was welcomed with a flurry of press and excitement. The hotel is taking luxury to another level and we got an insider look at the renowned vineyard with Alexander Vik.
Santiago Adventures: You considered Argentina and Uruguay as possible sites for Viña Vik. What factors ultimately led you to Chile?
Alexander Vik: Ultimately we were looking for the best terroir to make the best wine in South America. This was a combination of many factors and required expertise across a wide range of disciplines – working closely with enologists, geologists, climatologists, among others to truly understand the vast array of terroirs. We spent two years researching locations in South America and finally selected this area and specific property as it potentially offered the best terroir. After selecting the location, we spent another year doing detailed studies of the different soils, hydric flows, winds, exposures, thermal amplitude, micro climate etc with our team and after that made the decision to purchase. This was a virgin property when we began, and the first vines were planted in 2006.
SA: What is the philosophy behind Vik Retreats and what can our travelers expect when staying at Viña Vik?
AV: First and foremost we strive to deliver unique and unforgettable life-time experiences at the highest level to our guests from around the world. Our Retreats are all homes where our Team is well prepared to host well-traveled guests. At Viña Vik, the Vik wine is our biggest star and the dedicated Experience Concierge team is well versed in guiding the guests through an exceptional wine experience. We believe that being here, tasting the wine, using the tasting to travel the land and understand the infinite subtleties of the wine and the terroir, and seeing the destination firsthand truly allows guests to appreciate all that has gone into creating what we hope will one day join the pantheon of the best wines of the world.
SA: What role does art play in the guest experience at Viña Vik?
AV: Architecture, design and of course ART are a big part of the whole experience. This is something that all of our Retreats are known for and one of the many reasons world travelers seek out our properties – the integration of art into each space and every space is completely unique and provides different experiences in each and every room as no two are the same.
SA: Are there any plans for another Vik Retreat in Chile in the near future?
AV: There are no immediate plans, but you never know…
We Made It: Travel + Leisure A-List 2014
Interview with Founder and Top Travel Advisor Brian Pearson
September 16, 2014
The Travel + Leisure A-List is a prestigious list of the Top Travel Advisors in the industry worldwide. Less than 150 travel specialists are chosen each year and in 2014 only 133 made the cut. Brian Pearson, Founder of Santiago Adventures, was recognized on this impressive list in August. “I was so happy to see my name and Santiago Adventures next to some of the world’s top travel planners,” expressed Pearson.
Moreover, the importance of great travel advisors is not to be underestimated. As Travel + Leisure explains, “A top travel advisor can turn your next vacation into the experience of a lifetime.”
Pearson and Santiago Adventures take this phrase to heart as they make a difference in the quality of a trip through the fine details and the ever-present attention to exclusive travel opportunities. “Our in-depth knowledge and local contacts in Chile and Argentina allow us to reliably offer a wide range of unique travel experiences,” Pearson said. “This gives a trusted publication such as Travel + Leisure the confidence to recommend our services.”
With this recognition from Travel + Leisure, in addition to National Geographic 50 Tours of a Lifetime and others, Pearson’s goal is only to continue the hard work to maintain Santiago Adventures’ reputation as one of South America’s leading travel companies.
Below he shares some ideas to consider when planning your next trip to Chile.
On Travel to Chile
The boardwalks of Tortel, Chile.
“Take your time to discover the flow in South America,” says Pearson. “Don’t try to check too many things off your list. Relax, meet the people who live here, and share in what they have to offer.”
Place in Chile he wants to visit next: “I have been wanting to visit Tortel for a couple years now. The entire town is organized around a series of docks and catwalks on the coast in Patagonia. From here you can charter a boat and visit the Northern and Southern Ice fields. It’s not easy, as it is at least a 10-hour drive on the Carretera Austral. Remote and wild, but with a bit of effort, accessible.”
Three days Around Santiago
Day One: Take a morning stroll around La Vega and Mercado Central. Afterward, head toward hip Barrio Lastarria for lunch at Casa Lastarrias. In the evening, enjoy a private wine tasting dinner with Chef Maria Eugenia Terragno and MOVI winemaker Derek Mossman (Garage Wine Company).
Day Two: In the summer, I would make a trip to El Morado and trek in the Andes to see the glacier at Laguna El Morado. On the way down, be sure to try the empanadas at any one of the many roadside stands. If it were winter time, I would go skiing at Portillo.
Trekking El Morado
Day Three: Drive toward Valparaiso and stop en route at independent, family-owned Kingston Wineries to sample their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Syrah. I suggest lunch at Café Vinilo in Valparaiso, and spending the afternoon exploring Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre, where new shops and cafes are always popping up.
Some of His Favorites
Chilean wine: Las Mercedes from J. Bouchon is very drinkable and pairs with many foods, and it’s a great price for the quality.
Bike Route: The loop around Matetic’s Rosario Valley is spectacular. The ride is about 25 miles takes you over rolly back roads and through the vineyards to a tasting at their spectacular hilltop winery with 360 degree views of their 25,000 acre farm. Afterwards, I love to eat the costillar (Chilean prepared pork ribs) at El Sauce in Lo Abarca.
Ski Run: Portillo’s Roca Jack on a powder day
Similar experiences you might enjoy:
Bike through Matetic’s Rosario valley and the backroads of the San Antonio valley.
Ski the iconic slopes of Portillo for a day.
Visit a glacier the El Morado National Park and relax at natural hot springs afterward.
By the Numbers:
One Day in the Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys
September 14, 2014
We spent a day visiting one of our favorite wine routes toward Chile’s coast that includes Kingston, Matetic, and Casa Marín wineries in the Casablanca and San Antonio valleys. This is a look at the adventure in numbers.
Snapshots from each of the three wineries
3
Main agricultural products produced on Matetic property: sheep, blueberries, wine
21.2
Inches of rain per year on average in the Casablanca valley
100
Percent organic grapes used in to produce fully organic and biodynamic wines at Matetic Vineyards
75
Minutes in car appoximately to the Casablanca valley from Santiago
1998
The year that Kingston Family Vineyards first planted grapevines on the property (pinot noir and syrah), despite the Casablanca valley being known exclusively for white wines
1
Number Chilean vineyards that have a female owner/winemaker: Maria Luisa Marín of Casa Marín
300,000
Capacity (in liters) of Matetic’s winery
2.5
Miles away from the Pacific Ocean, in the San Antonio valley, Casa Marín is the closest vineyard to the Pacific in South America
4,270
Total acres of wine grapes planted in the San Antonio valley, in comparison to 3,531 acres planted in the Casablanca valley
10
Percent of all grapes harvested are used to produce Kingston wines, the rest sold to other local winemakers
Similar wine experiences:
Spend the night at the Matetic Casona.
Enjoy a day tour of the San Antonio valley, with visits to Matetic and Casa Marín.
Experience the best of San Antionio and Casablanca in helicopter.
Bike through two vineyards in the Casablanca valley.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Pucón on Your Trip to Chile
August 18, 2014
1. You can hike up an active volcano. At 9,318 feet tall, Volcano Villarrica is the stunning centerpiece of most Lake District photos, and climbing to the top is quite the adventure.
2. Easy access – It’s only a one hour flight from Santiago to the Temuco airport, and a one hour drive from there (perfect for a short stay in Chile).
3. The Huerquehue National Park, part of the Araucarias UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to gorgeous waterfalls, unbeatable views of Volcano Villarrica, Andean lagoons, and animal life that can only be found in the south of Chile.
4. Stay at Hotel Antumalal in the Royal Chalet and revel in the same luxury experience and impressive lake views that Queen Elizabeth of England enjoyed when she was a visitor.
5. Pucón is one of Chile’s best ALL SEASON destinations. You can visit in the winter to ski, spring to hike, summer to white-water raft, and fall to enjoy the natural hot springs.
Senior Travel Specialist Victor Pino Celebrates 10 Years
August 18, 2014
Meet Victor Pino – world traveler and long-time Travel Specialist at Santiago Adventures. This August he celebrates his tenth year working with us at Santiago Adventures, and we hope for many more!
Victor on his Santiago Adventures story:
“When I looked back it is hard to believe how much I’ve grown: so many experiences, clients, places that I’ve visited, and so on. In my first year at Santiago Adventures it was only Brian and I and we were so happy to sell a city tour. Later we started selling more products, and of course, a unique experience for each client has been our main goal . . . Receiving positive feedback from clients is like a trophy for me (and for us).”
In your opinion, what is the best destination in Chile?
I’ve been lucky to visit many destinations in many countries/continents, and each place has been unique and memorable (for good or not so good). In Chile, I love Easter Island and its ancient culture. It is an island that slowly more and more Chilean are visiting. I know it’s far, but it’s worth it.
Which Chilean wine do you recommend?
I love Carmenere (originally native from France) because of its color, full body and delicious aroma. I remember in the beginning, red wine and vinegar were on the same level for me, but slowly it (Carmenere) caught my attention and now I can even identify the aromas and flavors when I taste the wine.
What place in the world are you most looking forward to traveling to?
I’ve been intrigued for a long time by Marrakesh, Egypt and Turkey. I think it will be one of my priorities for the 2015 vacations. I love visiting destinations with ancient culture and ruins.
What is your favorite Chilean dessert?
This is an easy one: torta tres leches (Tres Leches cake) and leche asado. I have a sweet tooth so every place that I visit I have to try at least some of the local ice-creams and cakes, etc.
Sopaipillas or Pan Amasado?
I love pan amasado, especially when it still hot from the oven. I can easily eat 2 or 3 in one sitting.
What are your must-have travel items?
Sunglasses, sunblock and a hat are some of my key travel items. I have to say that I do not like the sun much or sunbathing, so I avoid being in the sun for a long time. I love cold and rainy days.
Which place in Chile are you most looking forward to seeing?
One day I would love to visit the Antarctic with its breathtaking vastness and incredible fauna. Also, I’m motivated to make the once-in-a-lifetime visit considering how fast these millenary icebergs are melting.
What about Santiago Adventures kept you here for 10 years?
The dynamic that we have at the company is an important factor. I’ve been involved in many aspects of creation like new programs and visiting new tour routes. Plus, tourism gives you the chance to visit places, meet people, all while working to create the perfect program for a client. For instance, visiting a wine valley during the week when my friends, or most people, are working at their office makes me think “Yeah, I love this”.