10 of the Top Wine Experiences in Chile
Discerning drinkers rate Chile’s wineries as among the best in the world. Many of the country’s most rewarding wine experiences are easily reached on a day tour from the capital, Santiago, and yet take place among such diverse settings as the mountains, the ocean, and even the desert.
From sipping chardonnay in the Casablanca Valley to merlot in Maipo, here are some of the top wine tours on offer in Chile.
1. Hop between vineyards in the Casablanca Valley
Three to four vineyards are on the agenda for this full-day wine-tasting tour of the Casablanca Valley—Chile’s top wine region. You’ll spend your day sipping wines among some of the country’s most spectacular mountain vistas.
2. Sip rich reds among rustic surroundings in the Maipo Valley
The Maipo Valley is renowned for its rich reds. Not only does this tour allow you to sample some of the region’s best wines, but it also includes a visit to a local farm where you can taste their products (including fruits and olives) and meet their animals (including adorable alpacas).
3. Discover the legendary vineyards of Concha y Toro
If you’ve ever wanted to explore Concha y Toro Winery, aka one of the most important vineyards in the world, this half-day tour is your chance. Walk through the winery’s 19th-century gardens, learn about its grapes and wines, and sample a selection of wines—including the legendary Casillero del Diablo—accompanied by a selection of cheeses.
4. Head into the high mountains of the Andes
Immerse yourself in Andean mountain scenery on this full-day tour of San Esteban Vineyard. Over the course of nine hours, you’ll travel through spectacular scenery to the iridescent turquoise waters of the Inca Lagoon and sip wines in the vineyard’s verdant surroundings.
5. Visit one of the largest and oldest wineries in Chile
Discover Undurraga Winery (Viña Undurraga)—an award-winning vineyard with a colonial mansion, century-old cellars, and a 19th-century, French-style park—on this half-day tour from Santiago, which lets you choose between a morning or afternoon departure.
6. Kick off your cruise with sightseeing and wine sipping
Hopping on a cruise in Valparaíso? Even if you have only a short time in the popular port city before or after your cruise, this tour allows you to experience the highlights of the area—from the UNESCO-listed city center to the wineries of the surrounding Casablanca Valley.
7. Soak up the rich heritage of Cousiño-Macul
Founded in 1856, Cousiño-Macul is Chile’s only 19th-century winery that is still run by its founding family. This small-group, half-day tour introduces you to the winery’s rich heritage as well as its excellent wines.
8. Enjoy a personalized experience in the Casablanca Valley
Discover three great wineries in the Casablanca Valley in the company of just your chosen travel companion(s) and a guide. A private tour like this one offers more flexibility and a more personalized experience than your average group excursion.
9. Visit the boutique wineries of the Maipo Valley
The Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s best-known wine regions, but this tour focuses on its smaller boutique wineries—ones you might not hear about otherwise. You’ll spend the day far away from the crowds of the higher-production wineries, all while sipping wines you probably have never tried before.
10. Combine scenery, sips, and art at Santa Rita Winery
Located in an idyllic setting at the foothills of the Andes, Santa Rita Winery (Viña Santa Rita) offers the perfect introduction to the history of Chilean winemaking—and it’s an easy day trip away from Santiago. This tour lets you walk through the vineyards while learning about winemaking, discover the Andean Museum’s more than 3,000 pieces of pre-Columbian art, and taste some of the winery’s best offerings.
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