Brrrr….mornings in the Casablanca and San Antonio valleys can be thick-as-soup as a blanket of fog rolls in over the coastal mountains from the Pacific. By noon, the sun is shining in its full splendor. White and cool weather red varieties have thrived in these cooler valleys, developing a delicious natural acidity with potent fruit, mineral, and earthy aromas.
Venture west from Santiago to discover this unique terroir. First, visit a family-run winery with windy, hill-planted vineyards that are responsible for Chile’s best Sauvignon Blanc. The lifelong dream of winemaker/owner Maria Luz, her passion led her to experiment with cooler varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and lesser-known varietals such as Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris, with phenomenonal results. The wines are concentrated and powerful; balanced and expressive with a tingling natural acidity. The family will show us the property and invite us to a tasting of her finest Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Just up the road, you are welcomed by friends at a world-class winery with a stunning location: their own 25,000-acre valley. Snake through miles of eucalyptus and native pines as the rolling hills gradually reveal vineyards. A new biodynamic/organic project, alpacas graze peacefully in this serene, bucolic setting where the modern winery appears to disappear into the landscape. However, the stars are the peppery Syrah and zesty Sauvignon Blanc. The resident sommelier will take us on a private tour of the vineyards and winery followed by a professional-style tasting of selected premium wines accompanied by their homemade sheep’s milk cheese.
Stop for lunch at a modern Chilean winery for Mediterranean tapas and fresh dishes in their stylish restaurant. Accompany the meal with a flight of house wines, including their memorable single vineyards.
For the grand finale, drop in on a family-owned American-Chilean enterprise making a limited amount of lip-smacking Sauvignon Blanc, satiny Pinot Noir, and electric Syrah. Tap into their passion and talent with the winemaker who will show you the vineyards, teeny winery, followed by an interactive barrel and bottle tasting.
Return to Santiago in the early evening.
Includes:
• Round-trip first-class transportation to/from your hotel in Santiago with professional driver
• English-speaking wine-specialized host
• All private winery visits and premium tastings
• Gourmet a la carte winery lunch with wine flight and gratuity
