You can taste the spirit of Chile in a glass of its wine. From the unparalleled Cabernet Sauvignon to Carmenere; from Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay and Syrah; these and many more varieties can be found being bottled in the vineyards surrounding Santiago. Chile is globally renowned for its wine.
Due to its geography and unique natural resources, Chile has been able to grow practically all varieties of grape and is therefore one of the world’s largest and most prestigious wine producers.
Wine tasting takes on another meaning when it happens in Santiago’s Central Valley, called the Maipo Valley. The valley is home to 23 vineyards that are open to tourists, each offering unique wine tasting and tours. This is an excellent idea for a day trip out of the city, which allows people to discover the valleys of Chile and one of its biggest exports, Chilean wine.
The Concha y Toro Vineyard: The Legend of the Devil’s Cellar
Legend has it that, in order to prevent the indiscriminate robbery of the best wine in Chile, Don Melchor de Concha y Toro —owner of the Concha y Toro vineyard at the time— spread the word that the devil lived in his wine cellars. The rumor spread like wildfire and today the Concha y Toro Vineyard is renowned world over for its line called Casillero del Diablo (Devil’s Cellar).
This vineyard gives guided tours with expert sommeliers, which take place every day of the week with a prior booking. The tour includes a stroll through the gardens and the original residency of the Concha y Toro family, built late in the nineteenth century, Casillero del Diablo wine tasting and a tour of the hundred-year-old cellars, where the legend was born.
Cousiño Macul Vineyard: A Cycling Tour
The Cousiño Macul vineyard was established at the time of the Chilean independence, and it has positioned itself internationally as one of the highest-quality wine producers. As well as offering a traditional tour of its facilities, including a wine tasting of four different varieties of grape, the Cousiño Macul vineyard also offers a unique service: a bicycle tour.
In the company of a guide, you can tour the vineyards on two wheels, try the grapes straight from the vines and explore the wine cellars, which are more than 80 years old. All of this, as well as a free tasting at the end of the tour. Cycling tours can be taken every day of the week by booking in advance. It is not to be missed!
Undurraga Vineyard: A Place to Fall in Love
Located 18 miles from Santiago, and easy to reach via the main motorway, the Undurraga Vineyard offers a daily tour for couples: a picnic for two in the heart of the Undurraga Vineyard, surrounded by grapes and in the shade of century-old trees.
After taking the tour around the vineyard and its cellars, and seeing how the Undurraga Vineyard produces its wine, those who opt for the picnic can also enjoy a unique tasting of the Undurraga Sparkling Brut, accompanied by a fine selection of European cheeses and freshly-baked bread.
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