Chilean Wine Country

Chilean Wines, where to begin....

www.chile.travel.com

First we need to understand the geography of Chile:

 North to south it runs 2,653 miles and you will find different climates in each regions that offer different varieties. Why?  Chile is a country of mountains and many of the vineyards are found at the foot of the Andes or near the coast creating delicious wines for all taste buds.

 

Whether you rent a car and tour the region on your own or take a guided tour, here is some invaluable information Frommer's provides about touring wine country:

[Before you book an expensive trip through an international wine tour operator, remember that many wine tour companies outside of Chile subcontract local operators and charge you extra, or take you to the biggest wineries for basic tastings. For a tailored experience, go directly to the local source. Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences (tel. 904/687-0340 in the U.S., or 2/632-2015 in Chile; www.lizcaskey.com) specializes in custom-made gastronomic and wine tours to the region's wine-growing valleys, including Mendoza, Argentina. Wine connoisseurs can build a tour according to their tastes; for new wine enthusiasts, the tours are a perfect way to taste and learn about both premium wines and local culture. The founder, an American expat and sommelier, combines winery explorations with visits to artisan olive oil plants, colonial bakeries, sea salt beds, cheese makers, and handicraft stores; tours can include active and wellness options such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and yoga. They also offer trip extensions to such destinations as Patagonia, San Pedro de Atacama, and Easter Island.

If you're the more independent type who savors hitting the open road alone, but are loathe to make the reservations or are nervous planning your journey in a foreign land, contact Santiago Adventures (tel. 2/244-2750; www.santiagoadventures.com). Santiago Adventures specializes in self-drive tours: You provide them with a little information about what you're looking for, they build the itinerary and book the car rental, hotel, and winery reservations for you. Upon arrival in Santiago, the company gives a meet-and-greet to review the itinerary and supply you with a map and driving instructions, a wine guidebook, your hotel reservations, and your rental car, plus a 24/7 emergency number. Santiago Adventures also offers guided trips with transportation that either focus entirely on wine, or that combine cultural visits, to places such as Valparaíso, with wine-tasting.]

Read more: Getting around Chilean Wine Country

 Lets start with the most popular regions north to south:

Maipo Valley

Aconcagua Valley

  Casablanca Valley

San Antonio Valley

Colchagua Valley

Maule Valley

Maipo Valley

The historic region of Maipo is located just one hour from Santiago so hop off the plane and in no time you can be sampling some of the country's greatest cabernet.   

Wineries to visit:

Odfjell, Perez Cruz, De Martino, Almaviva, Tarapaca 

and Concha y Toro.

Aconcagua Valley

Here you will find smaller wineries that are known for their high quality as opposed to popularity.  This region is not just for wine conisouers because it also is close to the La Campana National Park and Termas de Jahuel hot springs.  Bring the family or just venture out with your partner to work off the calories from the wine tasting!  

Wineries to visit:

Errazuriz, Von Siebenthal and San Esteban

Casablanca Valley

Here in this coastal valley the vineyards thrive in fog, salty air and cool breezes that make for delicious white grapes used for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and cool-climate red grapes (Pinot Noir and Syrah).  

Wineries to visit:

Veramonte, William Cole, Indomita, Vina Mar, Villard, Casas del Bosque

San Antonio Valley

San Antonio is another coastal valley that produces delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.  Just 13 miles from the Pacific you will find a huge maritime influence around the wineries with a laid-back atmosphere.

Wineries to visit: 

Matetic, Casa Marin and Garces Silva

Colchagua Valley

Head here if you are a red lover because this famous region tends to produce world leading cabs, syrahs and malbecs. You will also find the artsy town of Santa Cruz that offers mouth watering food that is paired with local wine.   

Wineries to try:

Vlu Manent, Montes, Vinedos Organicos Emiliana, Casa Lapostolle, Mont Gras, Bisquertt, Casa Silva 

Maule Valley 

Maule Valley is the largest valley in Chile in terms of acreage and by "Chilean standards" is relatively warm because they are not effected by Andean or ocean influences.  Because of the climate huge amounts of Cabs, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and blush wines are produced here.  There moto here is to "make quality wines not quantity."

Wineries to visit:

Botalcura, Terra Noble, J. Bouchon,  Carta Vieja

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