Southern Cone Sampler
Learn the language of wine in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay
On this food-and-wine triple-header, sip your way across the Southern Cone’s main wine regions of Chile, Mendoza (Argentina), and Uruguay during the annual grape harvest. This wine-centric journey is a rare opportunity for wine lovers to become part of the harvest season and experience the magic of winemaking.
Start in Chile’s Mediterranean wine country near the capital of Santiago with wines as diverse as the landscapes. from the Pacific coast to Andean piedmont. Think sultry Pinot Noir, zingy Sauvignon Blanc, earthy Carmenere and robust Cabernet blends. Dine with winemakers and taste a myriad of terroirs.
Hop across the majestic Andes to Mendoza, where the climate is drier, the altitude higher, and the climate continental. The reds become Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and even zesty whites like mineral-driven Chardonnay and Torrontes. Get to know the next generation of winemakers pushing the envelope with fresher, more acidic (and food-loving) wines while also taking notes from wine legends. Savor an al fresco asado at the feet of the Andes and a vegetable-centric tapas spot high in the Andean foothills with the most delicious lunch in the Valley.
The final stop on this whirlwind tour is Uruguay, a small yet up-and-coming wine producer. Touch down in Montevideo and explore an area that is less Mediterranean and more Rias Baixas in style. The grape stars here are undoubtedly Tannat, a robust red, and the creamy white, Albariño that has become Uruguay’s white wine darling. Small in scale, join with the winemaking families whose grandfathers arrived from Europe only with vines and a dream in hand to taste their wines, and break bread with them.
While a deep dive into South American wine, and a cross section of Southern Cone cuisine and culture, take home an appreciation of how wine truly is a truly a beautiful intersection of nature, man, tradition, and ultimately–your taste.