MAP OF WINERIES IN MAIPO VALLEY
This hand-drawn artistic map is a tribute to all the winemakers of the Maipo Valley and the wines they produce.
From the first two bottles of wine produced by Alonso Moreno in his Santiago farm in 1551 until today, when his prestigious wines produced in the more than 50 vineyards of the Valley are present in the 5 continents.
For example, Don Melchor 2021, chosen by Wine Spectator as Wine No. 1 of the 100 Best Wines of the World in 2024.
Browse the interactive map by clicking here
THE GREAT MAIPO VALLEY
ORCHARD AND PRODIGIOUS WINERY OF SANTIAGO DE CHILE
The Maipo Valley, one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, stretches majestically across the Metropolitan Region, flanked by the imposing Andes Mountains to the east and the Coastal Range to the west. It is irrigated by the great waterway from which it takes its name, the Maipo River, and its tributary, the Mapocho River, which flows through the capital, Santiago de Chile.
A mosaic of terroirs that offers exceptional diversity and quality for the production and elaboration of first-class wines. From the elegance and structure of the Maipo Alto Cabernet Sauvignon, to the fruitiness and generosity of the Maipo Medio wines, to the freshness and minerality of the Maipo Costa wines, the valley presents an amazing versatility.
The interaction between the Mediterranean climate, the influence of the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and the heterogeneous geology of its soils, has allowed a wide range of grape varieties to flourish, with Cabernet Sauvignon as its undisputed ambassador worldwide.
A great valley where well-established historical formulas coexist with creative innovations and new techniques, and where the knowledge of its different terroirs is constantly increasing. It will undoubtedly continue to be a source of extraordinary wines and a benchmark in world viticulture.
The Maipo Valley is subdivided into three large zones, each with distinctive characteristics that define the profile of its wines: Maipo Alto or Cordillera, Maipo Central or Medio and Maipo Bajo or Costa.
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Climate and Terroir of the Maipo Valley
The Maipo Valley is characterized by a warm, temperate Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons that create ideal conditions for viticulture. This climate is distinguished by hot, dry summers and short, mild, rainy winters. The influence of the Pacific anticyclone concentrates rainfall mainly between April and September, with an annual average of 350-450 mm. This significantly reduces the risk of rainfall during the harvest season, ensuring a harvest of healthy, high quality grapes.
Summer temperatures are moderate, with maximum temperatures averaging 29-30°C and an average summer temperature of 25°C. During the winter, the average minimum temperatures are 7°C. The average annual temperature is around 15°C. One of the most significant advantages of the valley is the absence of late frosts (in the transition from winter to spring), a crucial factor for the safety and success of vine cultivation.
The terroir of the Maipo Valley is deeply marked by its geography. The valley is a basin irrigated by the waters of the Maipo River and its tributary, the Mapocho River. The predominant soils are of alluvial origin, brought down from the Andes Mountains by the action of rivers over millennia. These soils are generally stony, with good drainage and relatively low fertility. This combination of factors naturally restricts the vegetative growth of the plants, which favors a greater concentration of flavor, color and aromatic compounds in the grapes, resulting in wines of great structure and complexity.
The geology of the valley is very diverse: from fluvial, fluvioglacial and alluvial deposits that form terraces at different altitudes to the clay and granitic soils of the Maipo Costa. This diversity of soils, together with the different microclimates generated throughout the valley, is the key to Maipo’s versatility and its ability to produce wines with very distinct identities marked by their place of origin.
HISTORY OF THE MAIPO VALLEY
MAIPO VALLEY CRADLE OF CHILEAN WINE
It all began with the letter that Pedro de Valdivia, Chile’s first governor, sent to Emperor Charles I of Spain on September 4, 1545, requesting “grapevines and wine to evangelize Chile”. This milestone marked the beginning of the country’s winemaking tradition and is commemorated annually every “September 4” to recognize the historical, cultural and economic importance of wine in Chile.
The first officially registered vineyard in Santiago was that of Don Diego García de Cáceres, near the Mapocho River, whose first grape harvest took place in 1554.
The first officially registered wines were those of Rodrigo de Araya, considered “the first winemaker in Chile” in his Macul estate in 1555. They were followed by Juan Jufré, who in 1556 established extensive plantations in Macul, pioneering the introduction of cultivation techniques and stimulating the flourishing of vineyards throughout the Maipo Valley.
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Throughout this period, the undisputed protagonists of Chilean viticulture were the Listan Prieto grape varieties, known as País, and Moscatel de Alejandría.
Spanish missionaries and conquistadors brought these varieties mainly to ensure the production of mass wine, essential for Catholic religious ceremonies.
From the 16th century we jump to the 19th century, in 1851. Silvestre Ochagavía introduced the first French grape varieties in Chile: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, revolutionizing quality and export potential and making Cabernet Sauvignon grapes find in the Alto Maipo terroir the best conditions for their optimal expression.
This period saw the emergence of the great historic vineyards that turned the Maipo Valley into the epicenter of quality Chilean wines and the site of some of the oldest and most renowned wineries in the country: Carmen, Concha y Toro, Cousiño Macul, Viña de Rojas(Tarapacá), Santa Rita, Undurraga…
Furthermore, due to its geographical isolation (the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, the Pacific Ocean, and the Antarctic ice) , Chile has become a genetic reservoir where many European grape varieties have been preserved—varieties that were disappearing in other parts of the world, such as Europe and the United States, due to phylloxera. A good example is the Carménère, which was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in Chile in 1994 and which today is one of the emblematic grape varieties of the country.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, small family vineyards have sprung up throughout the Valley, bringing together a 400-year-old tradition and contributing new vines and knowledge from different winegrowing regions of the world, giving the Maipo Valley a very rich and creative variety of wines and blends.
In 1973, with the arrival of Miguel Torres, a Spanish winemaking entrepreneur and technological pioneer who revolutionized winemaking in Chile, stainless steel tanks, French oak barrels and temperature control during fermentation were introduced for the first time. All of this transformed Chile, making the country a world reference for quality wine.
In the 1980s, wineries in the Maipo Valley began to implement these technologies, the first to do so being Carmen, Concha y Toro and Santa Rita.
In 1984, Viña Santa Rita ‘s Medalla Real won the gold medal at the Paris Wine Olympiad, beating more than 35 other participants. A historic milestone and an important boost for the image of all Chilean wine.
The 1990s saw the beginning of the Chilean wine export boom and in 2001 the official Maipo Valley Designation of Origin was officially created. Later in 2010s the official recognition of the 3 subzones: Alto Maipo, Maipo Medio and Maipo Costa and the development of specific identities by terroir took place.
In 2015-2020 there was a massive implementation of sustainable practices, obtaining the first important organic and biodynamic certifications. From 2020 to the present day, the digital era, the consolidation of the Maipo Valley as a world premium region and the expansion of wine tourism took place.
Don Melchor 2021, has been chosen by Wine Spectator as wine Nº 1 of the 100 Best Wines of the World in 2024.
Maipo Valley Cordillera - Maipo Alto
Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains at 400-800 meters above sea level, this is the most prestigious area of the valley and home to world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, although other red varieties are also grown here. Its distinctive feature is the wide day-night temperature oscillation (up to 20°C difference) created by the Andean breezes, which allows for slow and complete ripening.
The poor alluvial soils, rocky and with excellent drainage, force the vines to develop deep roots, producing highly concentrated grapes that result in elegant, structured wines with great aging potential.
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It includes areas of great prestige such as Puente Alto, Pirque and Buin, with Puente Alto being recognized worldwide as one of the best terroirs for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.
During the day it enjoys great sunshine and warm temperatures. At nightfall, the Andean breezes create the convection phenomenon that cools the air in spring-summer and warms it in winter.
The soils are thin, with a high proportion of gravel and surface stones, which creates a controlled water stress ideal for the cultivation of high concentration reds.
Wines and Grape Varieties: Maipo Alto is the undisputed home of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines from this area are known for their elegance, structure, firm and ripe tannins, and great cellaring potential. They show characteristic notes of red and black fruits, such as cassis and black currant, along with hints of mint, eucalyptus, tobacco and graphite.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, the predominant grape variety, other red varieties such as Carménère, Merlot and Syrah are also grown successfully.
Wines
- Alyan
- Antiyal
- Apaltagua
- Aquitaine
- Almaviva
- Baron Phillippe de Rothschild
- Cardonal
- Cousino Macul
- Concha y Toro
- El Principal
- Gandolino
- Haras de Pirque
- Huelquen
- The Mountain
- Los Quiscos
- Mujer Andina Wines
- Perez Cruz
- Saint Alice
- Santa Rita
- Lof Wines
- Vineyard 3
- William Fevre
Maipo Valley Cordillera Wine Tours
The experiences in Maipo Alto stand out for having the impressive Andes Mountain Range as a backdrop. With its natural reserves, mountain streams, relict forests, mystical sunsets, vestiges of the Inca Empire, ancient trans-Andean routes … Clean skies and fresh air.
A terroir where the historic vineyards of the Chilean aristocrats of the 19th century, with their palaces and beautiful parks such as Concha y Toro or Santa Rita, coexist with small family vineyards and gardens such as Antiyal, Los 3, Los Quiscos … whose vines grow in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
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The legitimate king and ambassador par excellence of the entire Maipo Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, has its throne here. It is grown in alluvial soils next to native trees, irrigated by pure and crystalline waters and surrounded by fertile farms with orchards and fruit trees.
It has areas that are still not very urbanized where the huaso country lifestyle and everything that surrounds it still survives. Its horses, blankets and chupallas, the old adobe houses, stone pircas, old churches, traditions and ancestral songs of Hispanic heritage.
An ideal place for horseback riding and mountain trekking or to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of a mountain stream .
Customizable Pre-Designed Tours
We offer standard tour packages but adaptable to your particular needs and interests.
Contact us to modify the duration, add or remove activities or adapt to your culinary preferences in order to design the ideal wine adventure for you.
In this way, preserving the spirit and core essence of each tour and its initial organization, we can offer unique and authentic experiences without having to plan from scratch and optimizing time.
Choose your favorite experience in Maipo Alto!
Full day
Top 3. The Most Famous Wineries Of Chile!
Most Famous Wineries Near Santiago de Chile Explore the three most famous wineries in Maipo Valley in just one day! And have lunch in Doña Paula, considered best restaurant outside Santiago. Concha y Toro, Santa Rita and Undurraga wineries are... Ver más
Wine tasting included
- Undurraga:
- Sibaris Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
- Founders Collection Gran Reserva Premium Carmenere
- Sibaris Gran Reserva Chardonnay or Sauvignon blanc
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- Santa Rita:
- Cabernet Sauvignon Royal Medal
- Secret Reserve Blend
- Royal Gold Medal
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- Concha y Toro:
- Casillero del diablo Carmenere private reserve (Rapel)
- Casillero del diablo Special Reserve Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc (Casablanca)
- Casillero del diablo Premium wine vegan blend (Cauquenes)
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Half day
Santa Rita Winery Tour And Lunch
A Fascinating Journey Through Chile's Cultural Heritage And Wine Tradition Santa Rita Winery tour, tasting of 4 Ultra Premium wines and Lunch in Doña Paula Enjoy a journey through the history of Chilean wine through the cultural heritage of the... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Concha y Toro Winery Tour And Lunch
Concha Y Toro Winery, In The Top 10 Most Admired Brands In The World Premium wine tasting + Cheese platter and lunch at Bodega 1,883 restaurant Tasting of 7 wines: 3 Premium wines and 4 Marqués de Casa Concha... Ver más
Wine tasting included
- Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo)
- Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir (Limarí)
- Marques de Casa Concha Sirah
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Undurraga Winery Tour And Lunch
A Journey Through Time From Ancestral Chile To Avant-Garde Oenology Visit to Undurraga Winery - Founders Tour - Premium Wine Tasting and lunch at Talacanta Restaurant Enjoy a complete tour of the park, the vineyard, the trial pit (soil profile),... Ver más
Wine tasting included
- TH Sauvignon Blanc (Limari)
- TH Carmenere (Peumo)
- TH Rarities Grenache, Carignan and Monastrel (Maule)
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Ultra Premium
Maipo Ícono, The Ultimate Wine Adventure
Ultra Premium wine tours and tastings Only icon wines and exclusive private tours in Chile’s oldest and best-known wineries. Plus an unforgettable sunset in the Andean piedmont! Explore the most exclusive of its vineyards and wineries and enjoy its most... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Don Melchor Collectors' Experience + Lunch At La Casona
Don Melchor De Concha y Toro. Collector´s Experience + 3-Course Wine Pairing The essence of Don Melchor, the undisputed reference of the new world wines An inimate, unique and exclusive experience for “connoisseurs”. Discover the secrets of Don Melchor... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Middle Maipo Valley - Central Maipo
This is the central and most traditional zone of the valley, encompassing areas such as Isla de Maipo and Talagante. At a lower altitude than Maipo Alto, it has a warmer and drier Mediterranean climate, with less thermal oscillation. Its alluvial soils are deeper, clayey and fertile, with greater water retention capacity.
This area produces red wines of great volume, more fruity, soft and generous, being ideal for the Carménère that develops its spicy character and ripe black fruit. White wine varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown here.
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The climate maintains Mediterranean characteristics but with less mountain influence. The proximity of the Maipo River and other waterways helps to moderate temperatures, while the river breezes create microclimates that are exploited by the growers. The more fertile soils result in more vigorous vineyards.
Wines and Varieties: This area is known for producing full-bodied, fruitier, softer and generous red wines. Carménère finds excellent expression here, developing its spicy and ripe black fruit character.
Cabernet Sauvignon from this area tends to be softer and more accessible in its youth compared to Maipo Alto. Merlot and Syrah are also grown, as well as white varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, especially in the cooler areas near the river where the appropriate microclimates are generated for their optimum development.
Wines
- Ancora
- Luchsinger House
- Hoops by Caviahue
- Chateau Potrero Seco
- De Martino
- Doña Javiera
- Las Mercedes
- Odfjell vineyards
- Rukumilla
- Santa Carolina
- Saint Ema
- Tarapaca
- Teillery
- TerraMater
- Undurraga
Middle Maipo Valley Wine Tours
Great presence of the Maipo River from which the valley takes its name. A large part of this area was known as “Islas del Rio Maipo” because of the strips of inhabited land between its branches. Even today there are towns that still keep this name, such as Isla de Maipo or La Islita.
Extensive open spaces, inland valley landscape and greater presence of fruit trees, especially the delicious avocado or avocado, orchards, honey production and large vineyards where Carménère, merlot, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, among other varieties , are magnificently expressed.
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Also in Maipo Medio we find historic vineyards such as Tarapacá, the old Rojas or Undurraga vineyards. Others, very interesting, started their activity at the beginning of the 20th century. from Italy, such as the Canepa family, from Martino, and the Pavone family and their respective TerraMater vineyards, from Martino and St. Ema . More recently, exquisite family vineyards have emerged, with small production but great wines such as Rukumilla, Caviahue, Casa Luchsinger or Áncora.
Quiet villages with the historic architecture of the Kingdom of Chile. Located on the banks of the Maipo, at the foot of the coastal mountain range and surrounded by vineyards and small farms. Ideal for outdoor activities such as biking, horseback riding, hiking or visits to beekeepers or market gardeners.
It has an important mining heritage and among its inhabitants the Catholic religiosity remains very much alive so you can visit interesting monuments such as the Church of Nuestra Señora de La Merced or vestiges of the past as the old copper and gold mines of Naltahua.
It is common to find the huaso on horseback or driving his carts and goats.
Customizable Pre-Designed Tours
We offer standard tour packages but adaptable to your particular needs and interests.
Contact us to modify the duration, add or remove activities or adapt to your culinary preferences in order to design the ideal wine adventure for you.
In this way, preserving the spirit and core essence of each tour and its initial organization, we can offer unique and authentic experiences without having to plan from scratch and optimizing time.
Choose your favorite experience in the Maipo Medio!
Full day
The Little Wine Bus
The Funniest Wine Tasting Tour From Santiago Top notch wines flowing all day! In this excursion the wine accompanies us all day long. Because everything is nicer with a glass of wine in your hand! In addition, a fantastic way to get to know... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Isla De Maipo Wine Lovers Premium Tour
A Fascinating Tour Of Carefully Selected Wineries Private tours and wine tastings near Santiago de Chile. Up to 4 wineries! From large and famous wineries to medium-sized ones and small family operations that you may not have heard of before, but that,... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Full Day Family Outing | Santiago With Kids
Family-friendly activities in Maipo Valley Healthy, meaningful and fun experiences to visit Santiago with kids Harvesting, chocolate workshop, visit a beekeeper, explore the ancient copper and gold mines of Naltahua, horseback riding, cycling through the vineyards… A multitude of... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Horseback Wine Tour And A Country Grill
Horseback Near Santiago De Chile Horseback riding, country barbecue and tour and tasting of three premium wines at a Maipo winery Enjoy a truly authentic horse riding experience! If you like horseback in the countryside, through vineyards, forests and rivers,... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Winery Bike Tour And The Best Local Cuisine
Bike Tours Near Santiago De Chile Cycling in Maipo Valley, a spectacular Wine Region! Great mix of nature, cycling, wine, local customs and breathtaking views! Three-hours cycling through the small wine-producing town of Isla de Maipo and its vineyards.... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Wine Trekking Tour And A Country Grill
Enjoy awesome views, a country grill and a wine tasting of three excellent wines in a Maipo Valley winery A four-hour pleasant hike through the most interesting and magical places of Coastal Mountain Range If you like trekking in... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Half day
Horseback Riding Near Santiago de Chile
Horseback Near Santiago De Chile Take in all the beauty of Maipo Valley´s landscape on a peacefull horseback ridingHorses give us the opportunity to escape from civilization just in a few hours and get to really unspoilt and pristine places in a... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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oeno cultural ride in a carriage pull by horses
The old carriage, the huaso (Chilean country man) behind the reins and the horse will be waiting for you at the scheduled day and time in front of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy in Isla de Maipo.Once you have made yourselves comfortable... Ver más
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Coastal Maipo Valley - Maipo Bajo
It is the westernmost and least explored area of the valley, located in the Coastal Range towards the Pacific Ocean. It includes localities such as Melipilla and Chocalán.
Its distinctive feature is the direct influence of the Pacific Ocean, whose morning mists and cool sea breezes moderate summer temperatures. Its granitic and clay soils of coastal origin, different from the Andean alluvial soils, form a unique terroir that produces fresher, lighter wines with a marked saline and mineral influence.
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This significantly cooler climate, where the“camanchaca” (morning fog) phenomenon is frequent, favors longer ripening periods that allow the development of vibrant acidity and fresher aromas. The granitic and clay soils of the Cordillera de la Costa offer a terroir completely different from the rest of the valley.
Wines and Grape Varieties: Maipo Costa is an area with enormous potential for the production of fresh white wines and cool-climate reds. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from this area show great freshness, minerality and acidity. As for the reds, Syrah adapts very well, producing spicy and elegant wines. Pinot Noir also finds a promising place here.
Maipo Costa wines are characterized by being lighter, fresher and with a marked saline and mineral influence, reflecting their proximity to the sea.
Wines
- Chocalan
- The Araucarias
- Codigua Meadows
- Vineyard of the Lord
- Rootstock winegrowers
Coastal Maipo Valley Wine Tours
The essential characteristic is the influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean that is felt in the terroir, the climate and the wines. Its charming garden vineyards are hidden among the hills that dot the landscape. And from among them emerge the small valleys in which they cultivate their vines.
They are more contemporary family businesses, intimate and cozy places where you can breathe the passion for wine, the care for aesthetics, the taste for tradition, respect for the environment and authenticity.
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The ideal place to grow more coastal and cooler climate varieties such as Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc.
Few but very special vineyards that provide great diversity: small vineyards where the vines grow wild without tillage – Viñateros de Raíz. Cultivation of more atypical varieties such as Monastrel, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Alvariño, Ajerezado… All of them Spanish vines – La Viña del Señor. First class organic and local gastronomic offer in a beautiful scenic setting – La Viluma Restaurant, Viña Las Araucarias or medium sized wineries and excellent wines such as Viña Chocalán. …
Customizable Pre-Designed Tours
We offer standard tour packages but adaptable to your particular needs and interests.
Contact us to modify the duration, add or remove activities or adapt to your culinary preferences in order to design the ideal wine adventure for you.
In this way, preserving the spirit and core essence of each tour and its initial organization, we can offer unique and authentic experiences without having to plan from scratch and optimizing time.
Choose your favorite experience in Maipo Costa!
Full day
The Genuine Maipo Coast Tour
New Maipo Boutique Family Wineries Feel the warm closeness of the owner families and get to know their small wineries, born from the love and passion for producing, enjoying and sharing their wine. Fresh and Light Wines With Saline And... Ver más
Wine tasting included
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Learn about our Personalized Tours in Maipo Valley
We have been exploring and enjoying the Maipo Valley for a long time! We know all the relevant aspects to be able to offer you a personalized quality experience: vineyards, terroirs, wines, activities, routes, hotel and gastronomic offer, weather, travel times…
Our local guides, true wine experts, are happy to share with you the main wine tourism attractions of the Valley and its best hidden treasures.
Horseback riding, biking, hiking, chocolate workshops, visits to beekeepers, exploration of ancient gold mines…
An immense valley where you can enjoy a half-day getaway from Santiago or a trip of several days visiting very different wineries, having lunch in first class restaurants and resting in authentic accommodations with lots of charm.
Personalized Wine Adventures Throughout Chile
Chile has a very wide extension of fertile land and favorable climates for the cultivation of Vitis Vinifera. From the Keóken vineyard, the southernmost in the world, in the Chilean Patagonia, to the Kunza vineyard far to the north, in the Huasco Valley, in the region of the famous Atacama Desert.
More than 1,200 km in which the distance between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean is surprisingly narrow, offering an unparalleled combination of climates and terroirs. Therefore, the possibility to contemplate an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems and to enjoy an endless number of recreational activities.
Mountaineering, hot springs, water sports, skiing, national parks with very diverse landscapes and ecosystems, ancestral peoples and cosmovisions… All this with a first class lodging and gastronomic offer.
A good example of this is our 5 days, 4 nights “wine and waves” program.
