Villages, Vineyards & Andean Foothills

Learn about the viticulture of Chile's growing yet historic wine trade on this trip to South America's wine country. Hike to your heart's content through beautiful vineyards and explore five of Chile's diverse grape-growing valleys, each with their own unique microclimate and terroir. We'll begin the trip with an introduction to Chilean wines, and then taste the wines at some of Chile's finest wineries - San Esteban, Matetic, Montes, and Viu Manent. Hike through Chile's top wine growing regions, encountering Andean foothills and archaeological sites along the way. Dine at restaurants offering the best cuisine in the country, with wine pairings every evening - you can raise your glass to that.

Activities

Easy to moderate walking on varied terrain, wine tasting

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Taste and learn about wine at some of Chile's finest wineries-San Esteban, Matetic, Montes, and Viu Manent
• Hike through vineyards in several of Chile's top wine growing regions, exploring Andean foothills and archaeological sites
• Dine at restaurants offering the best cuisine in the country, with wine pairings every evening!

2010 Prices
$3,295 (4-12 members)
$3,595 (2-3 members)
$750 single supplement

Duration: 7 days Start Location: Santiago End Location: Santiago Best time to go: January - April, October - December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Santiago

  Arrive in Santiago, the capital of Chile. Enjoy an evening introductory talk on Chilean valleys and wines.

• 

  Day 2 : Aconcagua Valley

  Drive to the Aconcagua Valley, and enjoy a walk around Viña San Esteban, visiting ancient petroglyphs, followed by a wine tour and tasting.

• 

  Day 3 : San Antonio Valley

  Hike along fun trails through the Rosario Valley, near the Port of San Antonio. Taste the excellent quality wines produced by Matetic Vineyards, made from 100% organically-grown grapes.

• 

  Day 4 : Valparaíso Port and Santa Cruz Village

  Morning city tour of Valparaíso. Afternoon drive into the Colchagua Valley, often referred to as the "next Napa Valley," and on to Pueblo de Santa Cruz.

• 

  Day 5 : Colchagua & Apalta Valleys

  Walk along a trail through Montes Vineyards-known best for their Montes Alpha "M" -tour their cellar and taste their fine wine. After lunch, visit the village of Santa Cruz and the Colchagua Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum of Chilean history, with a large collection of Latin America colonial art.

• 

  Day 6 : Colchagua & Cachapoal Valleys

  Tour and taste at Viña Viu Manent, where you can ride through the vineyards in a vintage horse-drawn carriage! Return drive to Santiago.

• Day 7 : Depart

  Depart Santiago.

• 

  Hotel Plaza El Bosque

  Santiago, Chile

  Classy, upscale hotel on tree lined El Bosque Avenue, one of the most active and exclusive Santiago districts. Enjoy spacious, impeccably furnished rooms, and a generous breakfast buffet on the hotel's top floor, overlooking the mountains and cityscape.

• 

  Hotel Boutique Zero

  Valparaíso, Chile

  A remarkably romantic boutique guesthouse on the quiet street of Lautaro Rosas, a stone's throw to Valparaíso's main attractions. Facing the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by lovely period houses, Boutique Zero features rooms with 15 foot ceilings, airy windows, remarkable harbor views, and deluxe beds.

• 

  Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza

  Santa Cruz, Chile

  Colonial-style getaway in the rural town of Santa Cruz, offering a taste of the rustic charm and regional history of Chile's wine country. Located beside the Colchagua museum, the hotel features frescoes, stained glass windows, and an antique car collection that add a unique touch.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Pablo González

  Pablo was born and raised in Chile. A graduate of the prestigious Universidad Católica, with a degree in English and American Literature, he taught in Santiago before leaving for the United States to get involved in the outdoor recreation industry. As an outdoor guide, Pablo has led countless trips rafting, kayaking, trekking and bicycling, with significant experience kayaking in Class IV-V whitewater. His eagerness to share the secrets of his native country is readily apparent—you’ll enjoy seeing Chile from a native’s perspective.

photo credits: