Chile
The Region
Chile is the 11th largest producer of wine worldwide, bottling about one-fourth what the US produces. Best known for its red varietals, its signature red is Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maipo Valley that rivals the world’s best. South of Maipo, the warm Alpalta zone in Colchagua offers Chile’s greatest successes – Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Carmenere, a transplant from Bordeaux and a favorite of our Chairman.
Santiago
The awesome grandeur of Patagonia’s mountains and fjords will sweep you away. Chileans are re-energizing their bohemian art and musical roots and dance such as in the “cueca” and a club scene where poetry calls out past tragedies(Pinochet) and future opportunities. If you love Lapis Lazuli, Chile’s artisans have made it one of the world’s two major sources. For dining, Chile has every fish and seafood imaginable but don’t forget the empanadas (turnovers) which come with all types of fillings. And, please try Chile’s national, signature drink Pisco.
Wineries
In Chile, your visits would be selected from Cremaschi Furlott, Quebrada de Macul, MontesViña Luis Felipe Edwards, Viña Porta, Carmen, MontGras, San Pedro, Santa Rita, Neyen Santa Laura, Lapostolle, Las Ninas, Altaïr, Santa Mónica, Miguel Torres, Altacima, Casas del Toqui, La Fortuna, Echeverria, Almaviva, Anakena, Veramonte and Bisquert.
Accommodation
In Chile, Santa Cruz Plaza, located in the wine-center of the Colchagua Valley, is a nicely designed property with appealing amenities and a fine restaurant. Casa Real is a semi-private hotel secluded in the park of the historic Santa Rita winery and is a classic Chilean experience of the highest caliber. The Orly and Hotel Montebianco are boutique hotels in the upscale Las Condes area of Santiago close to “everything” of interest.
PLEASE NOTE
Chile is one of the most dynamic and exciting viti-cultural countries, and produces wines that can compete with anywhere in the world. Parts of the country are now well known to tourists, but if you want to be on the cutting edge of New World wine you need to take this tour, with your host Peter Smith, The Wine World Tours Executive Director of Ground Operations who’s been visiting and writing about South America since the beginning of Chile’s wine revolution in the 1990’s.
Peter’s contacts and experience throws a whole new light on your travels as you explore regions that many wine professionals are only just beginning to hear about, and meet winery owners, oenologists, and growers who are pioneering the latest discoveries and developments. As well as visiting now famous regions such as Colchagua, Apalta, Maipo and Casablanca, you’ll be privy to visits and tastings with top winemakers who are working with local farmers to re-discover ancient vines and create fabulous new wines—examples: Maule’s peasant farmers and 100 year-old Carignan vines.
Your luxury experience incorporates accommodation in exclusive winery hotels, gourmet food, comfortable transportation and of course tasting and learning about a fabulous assortment of top wines. This trip is at the perfect time of year, late spring (winter in US!) – long evenings but not too hot, when winemakers have time to talk.
5 Star Deluxe Argentina & Chile: Buenos Aires & Mendoza – Maipo Valley & Santiago 9 Nights, 10 Days
Inclusions
- 9 nights hotel in shared double/twin room including taxes
- 10 days private bi-lingual drive-guide with wine expertise and insider commentary**
- 10 days use of private vehicle including fuel
- 9 breakfasts
- 8 lunches, including fine wines
- 4 gourmet dinners as follows: one at Casa Real or a Santiago restaurant (according to hotel choice), one at Mendoza restaurant and 2 gourmet dinners including fine wines in Buenos Aires
- 12 Winery Visits – tasting fees are not included in tour price, as they change frequently.
- Tango Lesson (Buenos Aires) or…
- Cooking School Experience (Santiago)
- Tango show (with one of your dinners in Buenos Aires)
Exclusions
- Meals and wine not stated as included.
- Personal items: tips, taxes, laundry /dry cleaning, and liquor not stated as included
Pricing
Price Per Person (pp): $10,642.00 double occupancy.Can be as low as $8,369.00 pp with 6 people (3 couples) traveling together.
The Fine Print
Prices are per person double occupancy and subject to change due to currency fluctuations until offer purchased. These prices are with a local chauffeur- wine guide.
N.B. Restaurants, Hotels and Winery Owner/Wine Consultant Lunches may change based on availability of seats, rooms, or individuals. Substitutes will be of equal or greater value and interest.