Head towards the foothills of the Andes to the wine appellation closest to Santiago, the Maipo valley. Named after the Maipo River, the excellent soil and climate are a perfect match for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, explore the Alto Maipo, “High” Maipo, which sits closest to the Andes Mountains. The first appointment is at a joint venture between Chile’s most traditional winery Concha y Toro and the prestigious French Chateau, Mouton Rothschild. Formed more than a decade ago, their objective is to produce one elegant wine combining old world know-how with Chile’s unique terroir. Visit the vineyards and sleek winery before a tasting of the fantastic 2002 vintage from their collection.
Journey a little farther south to the village of Pirque. Drop in on friends at a non-profit organic farm and ecological high school. First, get to know the farm’s organic vegetable garden, meet the goats and chickens responsible for the delicious cheese and free range eggs, and finally, get an up close look at bee hives with an apiculture professor to understand how honey is produced (protective suits provided). After whetting your appetite, have an intimate lunch in the 19th century villa where all ingredients are homegrown. Dig into creamy Chevre-style goat cheese, juicy vine-ripened tomato pebre, and crunchy mud-oven-baked bread as you wait for the simple and fresh full course meal. Delicious.
After lunch, meet the personal project of Chile’s pioneer organic and biodynamic winemaker. Literally a garage winery producing a few thousand cases each year, walk their lovely vineyards dotted with wild flowers and horses plowing as they share how they cultivate their grapes sustainably. The results are phenomenonal, robust reds, hinting at the passion of the people who lovingly make this wine.
Return to Santiago in the late afternoon.
Includes:
• Round-trip first-class transportation to/from your hotel in Santiago with professional driver
