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, or “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 to 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 bread baked in a mud oven, 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.
Drive an hour-and-a-half drive to the heart of the Colchagua valley. Check into the luxurious Clos Apalta Residences. These handsomely appointed private guesthouses boast astounding views of the valley and Casa Lapostolle vineyards below.
Tonight, savor a private dinner at the estate with, of course, the exquisite Clos Apalta. Cheers!
Day 2
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning with check out at noon. If you like, visit the stunning Clos Apalta winery--one of 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.
The next appointment is nearby. Here, drop in on friends 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.
Lunch today is in the quaint colonial-town of Santa Cruz at a spectacular new bistro headed up by a passionate young chef. The clever dishes make ample use of local, organic produce from their garden and indigenous ingredients in Nouveau Chilean dishes with a country flair. Paired with the meal is a tasting from other top valley wineries.
Finally, on the way back to Santiago, we stop in the Cachapoal appellation. 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.
Return to Santiago in the afternoon 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
• One night accommodation in casita at Casa Lapostolle Residences
• All private winery visits with premium tastings
• Gourmet meals with wine and gratuity: 2 full-course lunches, 1 full-course dinner with Clos Apalta, full breakfast at hotel
