Depart from Santiago west towards the coastal wine appellation known as San Antonio, the smallest in Chile and in our opinion, one of the most exciting. Located only kilometers from the ocean, this “wild west” of rugged, natural beauty is home to a handful of first-rate boutique wineries that produce stellar Pinot Noir, cold-weather Syrah, aromatic whites and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
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.
The adventure continues towards the tiny fishing village of Quintay. Snaking down a windy mountain road through a pine forest, hairpin turns slowly reveal the cliffs and turquoise waters of Chile’s rugged coastline below. At road’s end, a colorful jamble of clapboard houses cling to the rocks overlooking the wild Pacific. Here, artisan fishing is a way of life. Every morning, fishermen head out to sea in dinghies in search of rockfish, grouper, and shellfish. Lunch is across the sand and past the fishing boats at a simple restaurant overlooking the ocean. Run by an extraordinary woman, Zuni, the house specialty is über-fresh seafood. Join her sons in the kitchen as they share the art of cooking in greda, clay pots, to prepare exquisite dishes like classic razor clams, fresh abalones, or seared grouper. The meal includes a sampling of our favorite coastal wines. Heaven.
Return to Santiago in the late afternoon.
Includes:
• Round-trip first-class transportation to/from your hotel in Santiago with professional driver
• English-speaking wine-specialized host
• All winery visits and premium tastings
• A la Carte seaside lunch with cooking demo, wines, and gratuity
