Trip Extension Overview
Colchagua is known as the “King of Chilean Red Wines” and a must-visit for aficionados of vino tinto. Forming the southern end of the large Rapel Valley, Colchagua’s most celebrated grapes include Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmnre, and Syrah. Enjoy two days in Chile’s agricultural heart surrounded by lush vines, great food, and warm Chilean hospitality. Winery visits include: Casa Silva, considered the oldest winery in Colchagua; Viu Manent, a highly-rated family winery; Laura Hartwig, a boutique family winery; Neyen de Apalta, whose 115-year-old vines lend maturity and finesse to its premium wines; and Montes Winery, which served as a key player in the Chilean wine industry’s late 20th-century revival. Enjoy an evening among the vines at a cozy boutique hotel.
Trip Features
- 2 Days
- Starting at $1320 per person
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PHYSICAL RATING
Easy -
ACTIVITIES
Wine Tasting -
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Chilean Wine Producers, Diverse grape varietals, Santa Cruz City
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You will be picked up in the morning from your Santiago hotel to drive two hours south on the Pan-American Highway to get acquainted with the famed agricultural and wine regions of the central Chile, starting at the eastern end of Colchagua Valley. With wealth derived from mining in the late nineteenth century, some of Chiles important families introduced fine wine varieties of French origin, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmnre, Merlot and Malbec. A re-birth of fine wine traditions here in the mid-1990s has developed the valley into one of the most important wine regions in South America. You will visit Colchaguas oldest winery, Casa Silva, founded by Emilio Bouchon, who arrived in Chile in 1892. Casa Silva is best known for its award winning Carmnre, the signature grape of Chile. Your tour will include a visit to the historic winery, a tasting of its reserve wines and a delicious lunch prepared in the modern style of the on-site restaurants Chilean chef. In the afternoon, after a short drive you will check into your hotel and spend the evening in leisure. (L)
The Colchagua Valley is emerging as the king of Chilean reds, and todays winery visits will undoubtedly demonstrate the quality of wines coming from Colchagua, particularly Carmnre, Syrah, and Malbec. Our day begins with a visit to Laura Hartwig Winery, located just steps from Terra Via. 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, youll head to family-run Viu Manent winery. Founded in 1935, Viu Manents core philosophy is centered in attention to detail, respect for the environment, and honoring tradition while embracing innovation 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, Secreto de Viu Manent Sauvignon Blanc, and Secreto de Viu Manent Syrah. Following a wine tasting, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the winery. Following lunch, we will head into the famed Apalta sub region, which is producing some of Chiles top quality red wines. Well stop for a tour and premium tasting at 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, Via Montes has played a key role in reviving the Chilean wine industry and launching it to the level of international acclaim it enjoys today. Our final stop will be to Neyen de Apalta Winery, which focuses all its production on one Bordeaux-style blend from 115 year-old Carmnre vines. Neyen is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, founded by the Rojas family in 2002 on the site of one of the areas pioneering 19th century wineries. (B, L)
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