| 4 mins read
For the avid world traveller that loves to combine wine with international excursions, South America’s coastal country of Chile may be your next top destination. With beautiful wineries sprawling all throughout this lush, green, temperate country, wine tours through Chile count as amongst the best in the world.
Why Chile?
Though wine grapes are not native to the Americas, they arrived with the Spanish over 500 years ago and have been a pivotal part of the continents ever since. Thanks to Chile’s varying climates, vast array of landscapes and lush soils, it has become one of the region’s best destinations for growing and producing all different styles of wine. Whether you want to tour a couple wineries during your stay or pay a visit to them all, Chile will keep you amazed and entertained the whole way. Not sure where to begin with your Chilean Wine Tours? From north to south, here are 8 of the country’s greatest stops.
Aconcagua Valley
Located an hour and a half north of Santiago, this famous Chilean wine region sits at the base of the America’s highest mountain: Aconcagua. With a Mediterranean climate and a beautiful mountainous backdrop, the Aconcagua Valley is one of the most picturesque wine regions. Enjoy some of the area’s famous red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah), or for the white wine lover, sample the crisp coastal Sauvignon Blanc. Also home to some great outdoor activities, the Aconcagua Valley is one of Chile’s must-visit wine regions.
Casablanca Valley
Though a newer name on the Chilean Wine Tour list, this north-western region is becoming famous for its production of white wines. Located about 60 miles from the capital, Casablanca’s coastal climate helps produce some of the country’s best Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. With over 7 notable wineries based in the region (William Cole, Veramonte, etc.), white wine lovers will have a fantastic time touring this coastal gem.
San Antonio Valley
Another coastal Chilean wine region (just over 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean), the San Antonio Valley is found south of Casablanca and aids in the country’s production of crisp, fresh Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Also producing some notable reds (predominantly Pinot Noir and Syrah), this Pacific wine region is a great visit for lovers of all wine varieties.
Maipo Valley
Cachapoal Valley
Located an hour south of Santiago, this major Chilean agricultural zone is home to some of the country’s most elegant reds. With many notable wineries producing amazing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Carménère (the local specialty), the Cachapoal Valley is a great lesser-known visit along Chile’s red wine trail.
Colchagua Valley
One of the country’s most famous wine regions, the Colchagua Valley is located 110 miles south of Santiago and produces internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah and Malbec. If you’re looking for the ultimate in Chilean red wine regions- the Colchagua Valley is it. Visit any of their 20+ exceptional wineries for an unforgettable red wine tour experience.
Curicó Valley
One of the most unique wine regions in south-central Chile, Curicó Valley is famous for its production of over 30 different varieties of wine grapes. Producing notable red and white wines, this region is a must visit simply for its distinctiveness amongst the rest of the country’s vineyards.
Itata Valley
Itata Valley is one of the country’s southern-based leaders in the wine industry. Located 250 miles south of Santiago, it not only produces some excellent reds (Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot) and whites (Chardonnay), but it’s also one of the country’s oldest wine producing regions. For a combination of fantastic wine and some intriguing history, head to Chile’s southern Itata Valley.
Whether your wine tours in Chile start north, central or south, you’re bound to encounter some amazing destinations, scenery and (of course) wines during your travels. Chose from one of the top local travel guides in Chile to take you around all these amazing Chilean wine destinations.
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