Traveling south from Santiago, journey into the countryside covered in patchwork fields, red-tiled roofs, swaying Alamos, babbling rivers, and the jagged peaks of the Andes Mountains. The destinations are the Cachapoal and Colchagua wine valleys, renowned for their “big” red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chile’s flagship Carmenere. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes where cool breezes flow and ample valley views abound, visit a winery conceived with the sole objective of making a grand cru from Chile. No detail has been spared in this exquisite project. The result is concentrated wines with great structure, soft tannins, bright aromas, and a tremendous balance. Get to know the soul of this wine by visiting its birthplace—the vineyards and winery--followed by a tasting of the outstanding 2003 vintage.
A little farther south, stop to visit friends who produce premium olive oil. Walk with them through the fascinating process of growing the olives, extracting the oil, and finally tasting the different varieties like Arbequina and Picual. Chile makes extremely high-quality low-acid extra virgin olive oils for export so this is a unique opportunity to learn about this art.
Lunch today is in the town of Santa Cruz at a spectacular bistro headed up by a passionate young chef. The clever dishes make ample use of the organic produce from their garden and indigenous ingredients in Nouveau Chilean dishes with a country flair.
The last winery of the day is perhaps Chile’s most chic, innovating, and highly acclaimed. Belonging to the Gran Marnier family, this extraordinary wine, named 2008 Wine of Year from Wine Spectator, is a reflection of its opulent setting buried deep in an Apalta hillside. See the shiny installations followed by a tasting in their gorgeous barrel cellar.
Splurge and stay at one of Clos Apalta/Casa Lapostolle’s exclusive Residences. They will whisk you away to your private casita with a private dinner at the estate in the evening. Or, slumber in quaint Santa Cruz at a comfortable colonial-style hotel on the main square.
For an apertif, visit the private home of friends whose passion is making homemade liquors, a centuries-old tradition. Infused with local herbs, fruits, and dried spices, in their charming country home, learn about this fascinating art and delight in the fruits of their labor. Dinner is on your own at the hotel afterwards.
Day 2
Heading west towards the coast, visit our friend Patricia’s dairy farm in Marchigue. Patricia is a passionate artisan cheese maker and gifted cook. She invites you to see how her addictive manjar (milk caramel), jams, and exquisite fresh and mature cheeses are hand made every day. You can even feed the baby calves with a bottle! Connect with her and her family in a casual tasting of her products with fresh juices.
The next destination is the Chilean “brother” of Bordeaux First Growth Chateau Lafite Rothschild. They excel at Cabernet Sauvignon due to the cool influences of the Pacific Ocean to the west. Tour this impressive operation with the winemaker and sit down to a full tasting of their entire line, including the iconic Le Dix.
Break for an al fresco lunch in a traditional winery. Served in their chirpy hacienda garden during warm weather (or cozy barrel cellar in winter), savor their silky, luscious red wines and simple gourmet dishes.
After lunch, drop in at one of Colchagua’s newest and most prestigious garage wineries. With only five bottled vintages, they produce one single Cabernet-Carmenere blend from 115 year-old rootstock. Walk amid the craggy vines and admire the restored colonial cellar. Finish with a private tasting of the exquisite 2005 harvest with remarkable finesse and balance.
Return to Santiago with drop-off at hotel or airport.
Inclusions:
• Round-trip first-class transportation to/from Santiago with professional driver throughout duration of tour
• English-speaking wine-specialized host throughout duration of tour
• Accommodation Options (double occupancy):
• One night in private casita with dinner at Clos Apalta Residences, or
• One night in king room at Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza
• All private winery visits with premium tastings
• Other activities and visits as per itinerary: olive oil, cheese maker; artesian liquors (Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza option)
• Gourmet a la carte meals with wine and gratuity: 2 lunches, full course dinner (only if staying in Casa Lapostolle Residences), full breakfast at hotel
