Have you ever thought about walking through beautiful vineyards, tasting award-winning wines and seeing how they are made? Then this guide is for you!
Chile is famous for its wines. It has more than 800 incredible wineries. Each tells a unique story.
Main information in this guide:
- It is estimated that Chile receives around 550,000 visits from tourists from Brazil per year looking to visit wineries and ski resorts.
- Wine tourism and wine trade represent 0.5% of Chile's gross domestic product.
- More than 100 thousand people are directly employed in the wine industry in Chile.
- Chile has more than 800 wineries, with less than half open to visitors.
- The total area for winemaking in Chile is more than 141,000 hectares, with a production potential of around 1,200 million liters of wine.
- Chile is the fourth largest wine exporter in the world, surpassed only by European countries such as France, Spain and Italy.
- Currently, Chile leads in areas planted with Carménère, with more than 10 thousand hectares dedicated to this grape.
- A Concha y Toro winery, one of the largest in Chile, exports to more than one hundred countries and has vineyards spread throughout the country.
- The Santa Rita winery produces an average of 80 million bottles per year and exports a large part of its production, with Brazil being the third largest consumer.
- Chile has several wine regions, such as Casablanca Valley, Colchagua Valley, Maipo Valley, Maule Valley, Aconcagua Valley, and Limarí Valley, each specializing in different grape varieties and wine styles.
- Viña Concha y Toro is one of Chile's most famous wineries, offering vineyard tours and tastings, revealing its rich history dating back to the 19th century.
- Chile's geographic diversity allows for the production of several types of wine, some of the most prominent being: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
- Chile hosts wine events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Fiesta de la Vendimia, held in March, and the festival in the Colchagua Valley, offering wine tastings, typical cuisine and live entertainment.
- Viva Chile offers tours to renowned wineries in the country, providing visitors with the opportunity to taste high-quality wines and learn about the winemaking process.
- In addition to wine tourism experiences, Viva Chile tours cover tourist attractions throughout Chile, allowing travelers to enjoy stunning landscapes and snow-capped peaks.
Chilean wines: what’s different?
You Chilean wines are gaining recognition across the world. They stand out for several reasons. Chile's unique climate, its lands and the way they produce wine make all the difference.
The Chilean climate is influenced by mountains, the ocean and deserts. This mix brings wet winters and hot, dry summers. This is great for the grapes, giving the wines flavor and balance.
The Carménère grape is well known in Chile and has an interesting history. It was considered extinct in France but, centuries later, was rediscovered in Chile. Today, the country is a leader in the cultivation of this grape, showing its perfect adaptation.
In addition to Carménère, Chile produces many other world-famous grapes. Among them are Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. This makes the Chilean wines varied, with something for every taste.
Chile's wines are also of high quality thanks to modern techniques and tradition. Wineries use the best of technology while respecting traditional methods.
Chile has more than 800 wineries, with several recognized worldwide. Just under half of them can be visited. This shows how Chile is dedicated to quality and wine tourism.
If you are in Chile, visit their wineries and taste their wines. There's nothing like discovering the secrets behind each glass. You Chilean wines they are a delightful experience for everyone.
Wine valleys near Santiago de Chile
Chile is famous for making excellent wines. The wineries are close to Santiago, in beautiful valleys. There, wine lovers can enjoy beautiful landscapes and taste incredible wines.
Valle del Maipo is a popular place. It is close to Santiago. Here you can visit the Concha y Toro winery. Take a tour to see the vineyards and learn about Chilean wines. Don't forget to taste these unique wines.
Another option is Valle Casablanca, good for white wines. Wineries like Casas del Bosque and Veramonte offer tours. You know how the wines are made and you can taste them.
Valle Colchagua is also great to visit. Wineries like Viu Manent and Casa Silva are in their path. They have carriage rides and wine lunches.
There are many valleys near Santiago, each with its own beauty. They are incredible places to learn and enjoy wines. A visit to these valleys will always be special.
Valle del Maipo, near Santiago
Valle del Maipo is close to Santiago, the capital of Chile. It's full of famous wineries, including Concha y Toro winery and the Undurraga winery.
A Concha y Toro winery enchants Brazilians. There, you can take a tour of the vineyards. This shows how wines are made. At the end, you have the chance to taste award-winning wines.
Already the Undurraga winery It is one of the oldest in Chile, since 1885. Your tour tells the story of local wine. And you can also taste award-winning wines.
Valle del Maipo is an hour from Santiago. Ideal for those who want to explore wineries and other places. Be sure to visit San Fernando to learn more about Chilean culture.
With quality wines, beautiful vineyards and a convenient location, Valle del Maipo is a top destination for wine lovers.
| Winery | Founded in | Experiences Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Shell and Toro | 1883 | Guided tours, wine tastings, cellar visits |
| Undurraga | 1885 | Guided tours, wine tastings, visits to gardens and parks |
Casablanca Valley (1 hour from Santiago)
The Casablanca Valley is just an hour from Santiago, an easy drive. It is famous for its wineries that produce quality white wines. Among these wines, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc stand out. The mild climate and mineral-rich soil help create special grapes.
If you want to visit Valle Casablanca, you will see many wineries open to tourists. They give tours that show the vineyards, explain how the wine is made and offer tastings.
Some wineries work with organic and biodynamic wines. They show visitors their sustainable production methods. This way, you know how quality wines are made, consciously.
You can visit 3 to 4 wineries in one day. This allows you to discover different flavors and styles. Many still have excellent restaurants, where the food matches the local wine.
To make the most of it, it’s a good idea to book your tours in advance. This way, you don't run the risk of not being able to visit a winery because it is full. This avoids disappointments on your trip.
Remembering that driving under the influence of alcohol in Chile is a crime. To enjoy it without any risks, private tours with a driver are the best option. This way, you can enjoy everything, including beautiful landscapes, without any worries.
In addition to the Casablanca Valley, there are more wineries near Santiago that are worth visiting. There, you can buy wines directly from the producer. The tours are very educational and provide incredible experiences.
Many Brazilian tourists go to Chile, especially to visit the wineries. They are also enchanted by the country's natural beauty. Places like its ski resorts and valleys full of vineyards are popular.
In Chile, wine tourism and wine trade are very important. They contribute greatly to the local economy. More than 100 thousand people work in this sector, which generates a lot of employment.
The country is a major wine exporter. It is among the four largest in the world, coming just after France, Spain and Italy. Thus, the Casablanca Valley with its famous wineries is truly a place that anyone who loves wine should visit.
Maule Valley
Valle del Maule is the largest wine producer in Chile. It is in the Maule region. Wine lovers will find many varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère. The location is great for growing grapes and making top-notch wines.
The wineries in Valle del Maule are known for their quality. Some that deserve attention are:
- San Rafael Winery: A family winery that has several wines, such as Carménère and Chardonnay.
- Gillmore Winery: It is located on the Tabonko farm and is famous for its excellent wines. They offer tours to talk about grapes and their production process.
- Corral Victoria Winery: With experience and tradition, it stands out for its vigorous wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.
- Balduzzi Winery: Specialist in high quality organic wines. They produce wines such as Carménère and Merlot.
Valle del Maule is not just about wine. There are beautiful natural places. The Radal Siete Tazas Reserve and the Altos del Lircay Reserve have incredible landscapes and outdoor activities.
For those who love to eat well, the region has great restaurants. They combine local dishes with wines from the region.
Anyone looking for a unique wine and gastronomic experience should visit Valle del Maule. It's a place to discover famous wineries, drink award-winning wines and be enchanted by the local nature.
Information about Valle del Maule:
| Temperature | 10°C / 14°C |
|---|---|
| Precipitation Probability | 2% |
| Humidity Level | 35% |
| Wind speed | 10km/h |
| Recommended Days to Explore Valle del Maule | VIE, SAB, DOM, LUN, MAR, MIER |
| Grape Varieties to Taste at Balduzzi Winery | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Carménère, Merlot |
Cachapoal Valley
Valle del Cachapoal is south of Santiago. It is known for the waters of the Cachapoal River and the beautiful vineyards. Tourists love this place for its excellent wines.
It is just an hour and a half from Santiago. There, visitors can take winery tours. This way, they can see how the wine is made and taste unique flavors.
Chateau Los Boldos It is a very popular winery. It stands out for its elegant wines. Tourists learn about grapes and try award-winning wines.
Another interesting stop is the Anakena>. It combines tradition with modern methods. Visitors can learn about the process and taste good wines.
A La Rosa is famous for its high quality wines. The family's care and passion for viticulture are seen in each bottle.
The iconic Altair stands out with its exceptional wines. The 150-year-old San Pedro vineyard makes impressive wines. The Altair, Sideral and Cabo de Hornos lines bring unique flavors.
In addition to the wineries, there is great food in Valle del Cachapoal. Visitors like the roasts and pipeño wine. Charming towns like Doñihue offer handicrafts as souvenirs.
Aconcagua Valley
The Aconcagua Valley is located in Chile, in the provinces of San Felipe and Los Andes. There, you will find stunning natural landscapes. And also discover renowned wineries.
A Errazuriz Winery is one of the great highlights. Founded in 1870, it is considered one of the most beautiful in Chile. Its tradition dates back to the 16th century, with Spanish colonizers.
At Errazuriz, you can take tours. They show the vineyards, teach the wine making process and even taste special wines. There are trekking and tour options, ensuring a great complete experience.
Other wineries in Valle de Aconcagua
The Valle also has other notable wineries. Among them are the Mendoza Winery, The San Esteban Winery and the Agustinos Winery.
| Winery | Founded in | Web site |
|---|---|---|
| Errazuriz Winery | 1870 | http://www.errazuriz.cl/ |
| Mendoza Winery | – | – |
| San Esteban Winery | – | – |
| Agustinos Winery | – | – |
Emiliana Winery
A Emiliana winery It is the largest in the world made completely organically. It is 50 minutes from Santiago, Chile. Since 1998, it has focused on Sustainable Agriculture. These actions led it to be completely organic. His first wine like this was Coyam, in 2001.
Get to know the Emiliana winery It is special for those who like wine and nature. During the tour, it is possible to see organic production up close. Visitors stroll through the winery's vineyards and organic garden.
The ticket for the winery tour includes a guide, transport, tasting of 4 wines and a free glass. The price is around 50 thousand Chilean pesos. Tours start at 10am and last around 4 hours.
Before you go, it's good to prepare. Items such as water, snacks, sunscreen and glasses are recommended. It is also important to book in advance, as the tours are very popular.
The winery is on Route 68 in the Casablanca Valley. You can get there by bus, taking one that goes to Casablanca at the San Borja terminal. And from there, just take a taxi to the winery entrance.
The vineyards of Emiliana Winery They are spread across Chile in several valleys. This allows the creation of wines with very distinct flavors. Some of them are made in Valle de Casablanca, Valle del Maipo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle de Colchagua and Valle del Bio-Bio.
Visit the Emiliana winery It is a must-see during a trip to Chile. In addition to great wines, you get to know more about Sustainable Agriculture. And at the time of vintage, you can participate in the grape harvest, a unique experience.
Conclusion
Congratulations on diving into the world of wineries in Chile! The country is a major wine producer, thanks to its valleys and microclimates. In this guide, we discover famous wineries and their special characteristics.
At Concha y Toro, we know wines that go to 170 countries. At the beautiful Alyan winery, we tasted wines at sunset. And we discovered Emiliana, the largest organic winery in the world.
Regions such as Valle del Maipo and Casablanca make the tasting special. There, we can enjoy different wines. From Carménère to biodynamic, there are options for all tastes.
With all this information, it's time to plan a trip. How about getting to know the valleys of Chile? Take advantage of winter to taste local wine. Low temperatures enhance its flavor even more.
