Valparaíso & Casablanca Valley Day Tour

After breakfast meet your driver for the short drive west into Casablanca Valley. Chile’s move toward cool-climate viticulture began over 25 years ago in the Casablanca Valley when innovative winemakers dared to plant in the pre-coastal Casablanca region. The valley is now world-famous for its commitment to “terroir,” producing some of Chile’s best white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and cool-loving reds such as Pinot Noir and Syrah. Today’s Chile wine tasting will be to Casas del Bosque. This 21-year old winery encompasses 245 hectares of vineyards producing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Merlot. Notably, their cold-climate Syrah has won best in show two-years running, and they have been named Chilean Wine Producer of the Year in the International Wine and Spirits competition held in London.

Next, we continue west to the lovely port town of Valparaíso. We’ll explore the port, learning about the history of Chile’s second largest city and its importance to South America trade, commerce, and history. We’ll ride Valparaíso’s century-old hillside ascensores (elevators) spread along the city’s spectacular steep hills among splendid aging buildings and then walk through the Concepcion and Cerro Alegre neighborhoods. Lunch in Valparaíso will be at one of the city’s top restaurants nestled in the hills. After lunch, we will continue our tour in the resort city of Viña del Mar, also known as “the garden city” for its lush gardens and palm-lined boulevards. We’ll pass by the “Reloj de Flores” (flower clock) and the inviting beaches while learning about the colonial history of the city as well as its contemporary flair. Return to your Santiago. (L)

*Wineries subject to change