Chile is recognized internationally for its distinguished wines, and neighboring Argentina is quickly becoming a world-wide favorite for wine connoisseurs. Your days are spent exploring the cellars and vineyards of wineries in the Maipo, Colchagua, Rosario and Mendoza Valleys. Sample the local flavors and aromas, and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Central Andes and Pacific coastline. An expert guide, specializing in the production and distribution of wine, will lead you through celebrated vineyards, as well as region's best kept secrets.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Wines of Maipo Valley (L)
Arise in beautiful Chile. This morning meet your driver transfer into the beautiful Maipo Valley - on your way visit the Almaviva winery for your first taste of local wines. Next, explore Concha y Toro, Chile's largest winery. Concha y Toro is known for its colonial architecture and iconic wine, Don Melchor. It is also home to the legend of Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of the Devil). After lunch at Villa Virgina, travel to Santa Cruz. This evening you will have plenty of time to enjoy dinner and the welcoming atmosphere of the region. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Day 2: Colchagua Valley Wines (B,L)
Following a leisurely breakfast, begin the morning with a trip to the Emiliana Organic Winery for wine tasting and a lesson on the philosophy behind organic and biodynamic agriculture. Visit the cellars and sample the distinctive flavor of Emiliana Organico wines. The day continues with a visit to Vui Manent. This third-generation winery is celebrated for its malbec.
A horse-drawn pull cart allows an intimate look at the vineyard and the beautiful surrounding valley. Lunch at Pasta y Vino before traveling to Casa Lapostolle vineyard. Enjoy a glass of Clos Apalta. A late-afternoon drive takes you to the coastal city, Valparaiso. This city is one of Latin America's best kept secrets, and was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Rosario Valley and Valparaiso (B,L)
The morning begins with a visit to the Matetic winery. Matetic was built specifically to complement the surrounding Rosario Valley. Enjoy a tasting and a tour of the winery. Casa Marin is the next stop. This winery produces superior white wines, and is located near the lovely Pacific coastline.
A satisfying lunch in Isla Negra is followed with a visit to the museum of Nobel Prize winning poet, Pablo Neruda. Once the poet's home, the museum echoes Neruda's eccentric style. The evening is spent back in colorful street of Valparaiso.
Day 4: Mendoza Argentina (B,L)
Today takes you across the border and into Mendoza, Argentina. Prolific and beautiful, the Mendoza region produces nearly 70% of the country's wine. The Central Andes command the horizon and provide this region with an unforgettable landscape. Mendoza is roughly 450 km away (280 miles), but we'll break up the drive with a stop at Sanchez de Loria winery in San Felipe where you'll lunch and take a tour of the vineyard.
Arrive in Mendoza city in the evening. After checking in at the hotel, take a tour of the city including its charming outdoor cafes that are perfect for dinner or sipping wine as the sun sets over the city. Toast your travels and relax.
Day 5: Taste of Argentina (B,L)
A morning visit to Alto Agrelo in Lujan de Cuyo valley is followed with a tour of Bodega Achaval Ferrer. This vineyard produces some of Argentina's finest quality wines, and has the hospitality to match. After a delightful morning, travel to Bodega Catena Zapata - owner, Nicolas Catena is often compared to California's Robert Mondavi as a pioneer in the industry.
Enjoy samples from this revered winery. Lunch is served at Cavas Wine Lodge where you are surrounded by pristine vineyards on 60-arces of private property. Continue your wine tour with a visit to El Lagar de Carmelo Patti. This winerary produces quality Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, exclusively. Tonight, return to Mendoza city for a restful evening.
Day 6: De Uco Valley - Fly Santiago (B,L)
Your last day in Argentina wine country is spent in the De Uco valley, exploring three of its finest wineries. Begin with a tour of the historic buildings of Bodega Salentein, built by Jesuit priests centuries ago. Taste the vineyard's Pinot Noir.
Next, spend time at the Andeluna winery, and finish at Bodega Altus where you'll have a glass of the winery's Merlot of Malbec with your lunch at the vineyard's restaurant. In the early evening, transfer to the airport and catch a flight back to Santiago, Chile.
Accommodations: 5 nights comfortable hotels
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: private vans
Easy paced itinerary with focus on Chilean and Argentine wines and vineyards. Itinerary is designed to allow plenty of time to enjoy local wines and the brilliant landscape.
Weekly departures - any day of the week.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
US$1843 4 or more travelers
US$2084 3 people
US$2499 2 people
Note: Please allow additional US$310 for flight from Mendoza to Santiago.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$200 for meals not included, US$100 visa reciprocity fee. Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Santiago: Share US$55, Single US$95
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25 /person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Argentina
Food & Wine
Cultural Journey
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