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Impressive wines are coming out of Chile wine regions, with producers focusing on sustainability and the pursuit of wine excellence.
Wine producers are moving beyond consistent wine at affordable prices to making some of the best wines in the world.
While exploring authentic food specialties in Chile, we were impressed by the wines we tasted in the different Chilean wine regions.
Red wines dominate, and we were most excited to discover Carmenere, Chile’s national red wine.
The wine regions in this long and narrow country are diverse, and each area produces magnificent wines.
If you are planning to visit Chile’s wine regions, here is a guide to the 15 top wineries.
Find the best wineries in the top regions to visit, including the best tours and places to stay.
Get to know Chilean wines in a new light with this guide to the best Chile wine regions.
Chilean Wine Regions
Second, to Argentina, Chile is South America’s second-largest wine producer.
The country has 14 wine regions from the Andes to the Pacific, with various climates and grape varieties.
The closest wine regions to Santiago are Maipo, Aconcagua, and Casablanca Valley.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, and Sauvignon Blanc are these regions’ most common Chilean wines.
Colchagua and Maule Valley are in the southern part of the Central Valley. And the renowned Chilean wines from these regions are Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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How To Plan Your Chile Wine Tour
- The best way to get around Chile wineries is to hire a driver. It may be more expensive, but you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving.
- Another alternative is to consider taking a private tour or joining a small group tour. You’ll have personalized attention from a wine expert local guide.
- Another transportation option is renting a car. You’ll have the freedom and flexibility to stop where you want and for how long.
- The three most accessible Chilean wine regions are Maipo Valley, Casablanca Valley, and Aconcagua Valley. It takes approximately one hour by car from Santiago city.
- Colchagua Valley and Maule Valley are a bit further away. It takes approximately two to three hours by driving south. If you have time we recommend staying overnight in the winery hotels we recommend below.
Top Wine Tours To Explore The Chilean Wine Regions
1. Maipo Valley Wine Tour From Santiago – This small group tour from Santiago with transportation takes you to up to 5 wineries in Maipo Valley. Lunch will be paired with wines at a charming country house of La Espina del Arte art gallery. You’ll continue your visits to other wineries learning and tasting a variety of Chilean wines. This full day is a fun, unforgettable, and immersive experience in Maipo Valley.
2. Casablanca Valley Tour – From Santiago, this full-day tour to Casablanca takes you to 4 stunning wineries. You’ll enjoy tasting a variety of Chilean wines including organic wines. One of the highlights is a visit to Viñamar for impressive sparkling Chilean wines. Savor a traditional Chilean lunch with wine pairings.
3. Private Tour Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting – This full-day private tour from Santiago combines visits to the historic Vina del Mar and Valparaiso towns with wine tastings. You start by visiting the towns and learning about the coastal region and enjoy organic wines at a renowned winery.
4. Aconcagua Valley Premium Tour – From Santiago, this private tour takes you to 3 exclusive wineries in the Aconcagua Valley. At each winery, your expert guide will share insights about the winery, local grape variety, and the valley. Along with premium tastings, breakfast and lunch are also included.
5. Colchagua Valley Exclusive Wine Tour – From Santiago, this full-day tour takes you to Colchagua Valley, Chile’s prestigious wine region. You’ll taste wines at 2 exclusive and award winning wineries, and have traditional lunch at Fuegos de Apalta, a Francis Mallmann restaurant.
READ MORE: 9 Best Wine Suitcases For Easy and Safe Travels 2022
Maipo Valley Chile Wine Region
Maipo Valley, also known as the “Bordeaux of South America,” is considered one of Chile’s most important wine regions.
Located south of Santiago City, the region is home to some of the best well-known wineries.
Maipo Valley is the birthplace of Chile’s wine industry, with the first vineyards planted in the 1500s.
The vineyards in Maipo Valley stretch from the foothills of the Andes to the Pacific coast.
The region is broken up broadly into three smaller subregions. Lower Maipo Valley, Central Maipo, and Upper Central Valley.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the star grape variety in Maipo Valley. Carmenère, Merlot, and Syrah are other grape varieties that do well in this region.
The red wines from Maipo Valley are full-bodied and ones we enjoy.
You’ll find famous wineries like Viña Santa Rita, Cousiño-Macul, Concha y Toro.
Top Wine Tours in Maipo Valley Wine Region
Maipo Valley Wine Tour From Santiago – This small group tour from Santiago takes you to up to 5 wineries in Maipo Valley. Lunch will be paired with wines at a charming country house. The day continues with visits to other wineries learning and tasting a variety of Chilean wines. This full day is a fun, unforgettable, and immersive experience in Maipo Valley.
Fun Maipo Valley Wine-Bike Tour – This private bike tour from Santiago takes you on a comfortable bike ride to Maipo Valley. You’ll visit 4 wineries, ride around the town, and end with a 3-course lunch at the women-owned winery Viña Terramater.
READ MORE: 15 Popular Chilean Dishes Worth Trying: Favorite Food In Chile
Where to Stay in Santiago
Santiago, Chile’s capital city is a bustling and dynamic city with a walkable downtown area. We recommend the following centrally located hotels for your Chile wine tours and exploration.
Top Hotel in Santiago – The Singular Santiago
The Singular Santiago Hotel is a boutique hotel in the trendy Lastarria barrio. It is centrally located to the main sites in the city. You’ll find an outdoor pool, spa, and wellness center to relax and unwind. The Singular restaurant offers exquisite tastes from all corners of Chile along with outstanding views. The breakfast is not to be missed and especially the delicious coffee.
Prices start from $385 per night for a standard double room with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews, or similar hotels, check Booking.com.
Best Value – Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Hotel Plaza San Francisco, a regal and stately hotel is located in a quiet area of Santiago’s historic center.
You are within walking distance of the main sites and a block away from the Universidad de Chile Metro station.
The Bristol restaurant within the hotel features Chilean cuisine with local ingredients. It is one of the better restaurants in the area.
To relax and unwind, you can enjoy the indoor swimming pool, gym, or spa.
Prices start from $128 for a standard king room, with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews or similar hotels, check Booking.com.
Top 3 Maipo Valley Wineries to Visit
1. Concha Y Toro
Concha y Toro, the biggest name in Chilean wines, was founded in 1883.
It is also one of the leading wine producers in Latin America, with its wine available in more than 140 countries.
Casillero del Diablo, Marques de Casa Concha, and Don Melchor are some of their most popular labels.
Concha y Toro is located just one hour from Santiago. We had a fabulous visit to their stunning vineyards in Maipo Valley and enjoyed the premium wine tasting.
Several guided visits are available at the winery. All consist of a tour of the vineyards and wine tastings of three to eight glasses paired with cheese if you select the premium.
You can book your Tour to Concha Y Toro on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address: Av. Virginia Subercaseaux 210
Hours: Open every day, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
2. Viña Cousiño Macul
Founded in 1856, Viña Cousiño Macul is one of the leading wineries in Maipo Valley.
The winery is family-owned and aims to produce unmistakable Chilean wines with a distinctive Maipo Valley character.
All Cousiño-Macul wines are sourced from grapes from their Maipo Valley vineyards.
The winery combines years of experience with technology to make Premium, Ultra-premium wines.
Various tours and tastings are available, including bicycle tours through the vineyards.
Choose between traditional tastings of three different wines or premium tastings of four wines.
In addition to vineyard and cellar tours, you’ll also receive a pairing kit to learn how to match different foods with wine.
You can book your Tour to Viña Cousiño Macul on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address: Avenida Quilín 7100, Peсalolen, Santiago
Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday for tours in English
Visit: Advanced booking required
3. Viña Aquitania
Viña Aquitania was one of our favorite Maipo Valley wineries. And what we loved most were the exceptional wines and their spectacular location at the foothills of the Andes.
Founded in 1990, this boutique winery focuses on producing Chilean wines of exceptional quality.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine, though you’ll also find Carmenere, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé wines.
The winery is open for weekly visits; you can choose a standard or premium wine tasting.
In addition to tasting four wines, you’ll visit the vineyards and cellars and learn about the winemaking process.
As this is a small winery, tours must be booked in advance.
You can book your Tour Vina Aquitania on Viator
Address: Av. Consistorial 5090, Penalolen, Peñalolén, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
READ MORE: 3 Maipo Valley Wineries for the Best Santiago Wine Tours
Casablanca Valley – Chile’s Top White Wine Region
Casablanca Valley is the most famous wine region in Chile for white wines.
It is best known for some of the finest Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines.
This wine region is influenced by the cool winds off the Pacific Ocean and granite-clay terroir.
Compared to other Chile wine regions, Casablanca Valley is relatively new.
The first vines were planted in the 1980s, and today it is emerging as one of Chile’s fastest-growing wine regions.
While white wines are the most iconic, red wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah also thrive in the valley.
Casablanca Valley is accessible from Santiago and on the wine road to the port city of Valparaiso.
The wine region is unofficially divided into three subregions—lower, Upper, and Central Casablanca Valley.
Top Wine Tours To Take in Casablanca Valley
Casablanca Valley Tour – From Santiago, this full-day tour to Casablanca takes you to 4 stunning wineries. You’ll enjoy tasting a variety of Chilean wines including organic wines. One of the highlights is a visit to Viñamar for impressive sparkling Chilean wines. Savor a traditional Chilean lunch with wine pairings.
Full-day Casablanca Valley Tour with Lunch Stop -This 9-hour tour takes you to four famous wineries. You’ll try organic wines, sparkling Chilean wines, and the iconic Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. You’ll enjoy winery tours and premium tastings at each one. And, end with a late lunch at one of the best vineyard restaurants in the world.
Casablanca Valley Private Tour – This private tour from Santiago takes you to two exclusive Casablanca Valley wineries. You’ll learn about Chile wines while savoring premium wines and surprising sparkling wines. Lunch will be at a Casablanca vineyard or restaurant, paired with wines. Enjoy the undivided attention of your local tour guide and wine expert.
Where to Stay in Valparaiso
Casablanca Valley is only 20 minutes away from Valparaiso. We recommend staying in Valparaiso to easily get around to the wineries in Casablanca Valley.
Here are our top accommodation recommendations for wine lovers.
CasaBlu Hotel – Top Hotel in Valparaiso
CasaBlu Hotel – Intimate and cozy, CasaBlu is a beautifully restored hotel with modern amenities.
Located in the heart of Valparaiso, the hotel is perched on a hill with stunning views of the town and the nearby ocean.
Besides being centrally located, there is also an outdoor garden where you can unwind. Or, enjoy a private massage in your room.
The daily breakfast buffet is exceptional. Everything is homemade using natural and local ingredients.
And, there are also special menus available for vegans and those with gluten sensitivities.
Prices start at $193 for a standard queen room, with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews or similar hotels, check Booking.com
AYCA La Flora Hotel – Best Value Boutique Hotel in Valparaiso
AYCA La Flora Hotel Boutique offers budget-friendly accommodation with great sea views of the city.
An oasis in the city, there is a shared terrace surrounded by a beautiful garden where you can unwind. Popular Valparaiso sites like the beach, boardwalk, and museums are all within walking distance.
You don’t want to miss the daily copious breakfast which also has vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Prices start at $125 for a standard queen room, with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews or similar hotels, check Booking.com
READ MORE: 12 Most Authentic Chilean Seafood Dishes You’ll Want To Try
Top 3 Wineries To Visit in Valparaiso
1. Casa Valle Viñamar
Casa Valle Viñamar is Chile’s most prestigious winery for sparkling wines.
The winery produces more than 12 different styles of sparkling wines from more than eight different grape varieties.
Their award-winning wines can be experienced year-round at their stunning Moroccan-style house.
During the tour, you’ll visit the vineyards and learn the sparkling winemaking process.
You’ll also sample various Chilean sparkling wines depending on your selected tasting package.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Chile’s leading sparkling wine producer.
You can book your Tour to Casa Valle Viñamar on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address: Camino interior Nuevo Mundo S/N, Ruta 68, Km. 72, Casablanca
Hours: Open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
2. Emiliana Organic Vineyard
Emiliana is the largest organic winery in Chile. Their main focus is the production of high-quality organic wines in a biodynamic winery.
Animals like chickens and alpacas are used as part of the winery’s sustainable practices.
In addition to wines, Emiliana also produces honey and olive oil.
Several tours are available, including the option for picnics in the vineyards.
You’ll savor 3 to 4 premium organic wines served with a selection of local cheeses and bread.
You can book your Tour to Emiliana Organic Vineyard on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address: Ruta 68, km 60.7, Valle de Casablanca
Hours: Open every day from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
3. Kingston Family Vineyards
Kingston Family Vineyards in Valparaiso goes against the grain in Chile’s most prominent white wine region.
The winery focuses on organic red wines in a region known for whites.
What started in the early 1900s as a cattle farm by American Carl John Kingston continues to be family-owned, with fourth-generation Courtney Kingston leading the charge.
Headquartered in California, the winery leverages California viticulture expertise to unlock its Chilean wine potential, garnering several awards.
Today, Kingston is one of the best artisanal wineries with sustainable wine-making practices.
Kingston’s wines include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.
While visiting the winery and vineyards, you can choose from various tasting options.
Try 3 to 4 different wines, including a tasting session dedicated to their cool climate Pinot Noirs.
You can book your Tour to Kingston Family Vineyards on Bookmundi
Address: Hijuela El Maitén, Casablanca, Chile
Hours: Open every day, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
READ MORE: Guide To Mendoza Wine Regions: 12 of The Best Wineries To Visit
Aconcagua Valley Chilean Wine Region
Approximately 60 miles north of Santiago is Aconcagua Valley, one of Chile’s main wine region.
The name Aconcagua comes from Mt Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas and the river with the same name that runs through the valley.
The sunny and dry climate makes this region suitable for full-bodied reds like exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère wines.
White wines are not widespread, although Sauvignon Blanc can be found around the coastal regions of Aconcagua Valley.
Wines from the Aconcagua wine region have DO or Denomination of Origin status.
Best Wine Tour To Take in Aconcagua Valley
Acongagua Private Wine Lovers Tour – This private day tour from Santiago takes you to three exclusive vineyards in Aconcagua Valley. At each one, you’ll tour the winery, sample premium wines while learning about winemaking in Chile. A traditional Chilean lunch and breakfast are included.
Top 3 Aconcagua Valley Wineries to Visit
1. Flaherty Winery
Flaherty Winery is one of the renowned boutique wineries in Aconcagua Valley.
Founded in 2004 by Californians, Ed and Jen, a husband and wife team who moved to Chile in the 1990s.
Their wines are mainly red blends using grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo.
Vineyards of Flaherty Winery can be found in both Aconcagua Valley and Cauquenes village, in the Maule region.
As an independent vineyard, Flaherty Wines is one of the founding members of Chile’s Independent Vintners Movement (MOVI).
The winery is open for tours and wine tastings. And a delicious lunch by Jen, co-owner of Flaherty is provided along with wine pairings.
As a small boutique winery, advanced reservations are recommended.
You can book your Tour to Flaherty Winery on Viator
Address: E-85 1258, El Tambo, Santa Maria, Valparaiso, Chile
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
2. Viña Errázuriz
A leader in Aconcagua winemaking, Viña Errázuriz was founded by Don Maximiano Errázuriz in 1870.
Once an arid land, Don Maximiano tended to the land with perseverance to eventually create a prestigious vineyard.
Today, it is one of the best wineries in Chile producing high-quality wines.
This family-owned winery welcomes visitors for tours and a variety of tastings.
Choose from three different guided tours which include a tour of the vineyards and underground cellars.
Depending on your tasting package, you’ll sample three to four iconic Viña Errázuriz wines.
Don’t miss the flagship wine, Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve, a Cabernet Sauvignon named in honor of the founder.
You can book your Tour to Viña Errázuriz on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address: E-639 18, Panquehue, Valparaiso, Chile
Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
3. Viña Von Siebenthal
Viña Von Siebenthal is a boutique winery founded in 1998 by Mauro von Siebenthal, a Swiss lawyer, and wine aficionado.
The winery is known for exceptional red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Petit Verdot.
The farming methods are exclusively organic, respecting nature and the environment.
Today, Mauro runs the winery with his son, Matteo producing six red wines and one white wine.
Their wines have won several awards making it one of the most prestigious Chilean wineries.
Visits to the winery include a tour of the vineyards and cellars.
A guide will show and tell you about the wine production process while enjoying tastings of their finest Chilean wines.
As a boutique winery, advanced reservations are recommended.
You can contact them for reservations on their website.
Address: Calle O’Higgins s/n – Panquehue, Valle de Aconcagua, Chile
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
Colchagua Valley – Chile Most Picturesque Wine Region
A symbol of wine production in Chile, the Colchagua Valley is one of the best developed and most active wine regions of Chile.
The region is home to many of Chile’s top red wines like the famous Chilean Carménère wine.
Some have compared the region to Napa Valley in California and say it has the finest red wines in Chile.
Easily accessible, just 2 hours south of Santiago it is a beautiful picturesque area at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Top Tour To Take in Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley Tour From Santiago – This full-day tour from Santiago takes you discover Chile’s most iconic wines at two famous wineries, At Viña Lapostolle and Montes Winery, you’ll savor tastings of fine wines, and then stop for lunch at Fuegos de Apalta, a Francis Mallmann restaurant. Enjoy an unforgettable day and experience.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz in Colchagua Valley
Scattered all around Chile’s Colchagua Valley, are a number of accommodations of various styles.
We recommend staying in the town of Santa Cruz in central Colchagua Valley. It’s a small charming town with easy access to the wineries.
Top Hotels in Colchagua Valley – Colchagua Tiny Lodge
Enjoy a unique experience at Colchagua Tiny Lodge a tiny house set within vineyards. The small collection of cozy cabins are equipped with a kitchenette, dining area, and living room.
From your private patio, you can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains, vines, and nature.
There is an outdoor hot tub you can enjoy or go hiking or cycling nearby.
The daily breakfast featuring fresh and local produce is not to be missed.
Prices start at $225 for a suite, with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews or similar hotels, check Booking.com
Best Budget-Friendly Hotel – Hotel Posada Colchagua
A country bed and breakfast, Posada Colchagua is located just west of Santa Cruz town and in close proximity to many wineries.
In an intimate location, find 10 rooms each with private bathrooms and access to shared greenspace.
There is an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy and a panoramic terrace on the second floor.
A country-style breakfast is offered each morning with delicious local ingredients fueling you up for a day of wine tastings.
Prices start at $100 for a queen size bed, with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews or similar hotels, check Booking.com.
READ MORE: Borago with Rodolfo Guzman: Top Restaurant in Santiago Chile
Top 3 Wineries to Visit in Colchagua Valley
1. Viña Casa Silva
With more than 100 years of tradition, Viña Casa Silva is one of the oldest wineries in Colchagua Valley.
This prestigious winery is also one of the most awarded wineries in Chile.
Building on tradition, Viña Casa Silva is also a modern winery using the latest technology to improve their wines continuously.
Red wines dominate with award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, and a variety of red blends.
Much of the vineyards are organic, and sustainability practices are at the core of their practices.
The winery also has a Casa Silva boutique hotel, where you can spend a few nights while exploring this wine region of Chile.
Tours and tastings include visits to historic underground tunnels and their unique collection of antique cars.
You can book your Tour to Viña Casa Silva on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address: Hijuelas Norte S/N, PO BOX 97, San Fernando, Chile
Hours: Open every day, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
2. Viña MontGras
Focused on sustainability and driven by innovation, Viña MontGras, is one of the best Chilean wine producers.
This winery was born in 1993 when two brothers and a partner came together to build a world-class winery.
Their main winery is in Colchagua Valley, with land in Ninquen, Alto Maipo, Leyda, and Colchagua Costa.
Utilizing eco-friendly practices, since 2021, Viña MontGras has introduced a range of vegan and organic wines.
Learn about the winery on tours and tastings offered all year around.
You’ll taste three to five wines from their premium and reserve lines. And, also tour the vineyards and cellars.
You can book your Tour to Viña MontGras on Get Your Guide
Address: Camino Isla de Yáquil s/N, 3160000 Palmilla, O’Higgins, Chile
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
3. Viña Viu Manent
Viu Manent is a family-owned winery established in 1935 in Colchagua Valley.
In 2021 it was voted one of the Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards raising the profile of Chile wines.
The winery focuses on Malbec wine and is said to produce the best Malbec in Chile.
With a commitment to sustainability, organic farming principles are applied throughout, including using solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.
Of the guided tours available, exploring the winery in a horse-drawn carriage is one of the most unusual.
You can also take a guided walking or e-bike wine tour.
All tours include tastings of 5 to 7 wines, depending on your chosen experience.
You can book your Tour to Viu Manent on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address: Wine Road km 37, Cunaco, VI Region, Chile
Hours: Open every day, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Visit: Advanced booking required
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Maule Valley Chilean Wine Region
Maule Valley in the Chilean central valley region flanked by the Andes mountain range and the coastal Pacific Ocean range on the other end.
It is the oldest wine region of Chile, where the country’s first vines were planted in the late 16th century.
The valley has a rich wine tradition and is home to many long-standing, family-run vineyards.
Maule Valley is where we first started our wine exploration in Chile. We were quite impressed by the passionate wine producers we met and the outstanding wines.
This Chilean wine region is most well-known for distinctive red wines, like Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where To Stay in Talca
Talca is the main city in the Chilean central valley region and an ideal base for exploring the best wines in Maule Valley.
The wineries are easily accessible, some even by public transportation.
Here are our recommendations for places to stay in Talca.
Top Hotel in Talca – Hotel Madero Talca
Centrally located in the Talca is the charming Hotel Madero Talca.
With only 14 rooms and a shared garden and terrace, you can unwind and relax after a day of wine tastings.
The decor is a blend of modern amenities with nature. It’s bright and airy with WiFi access throughout.
The biggest draw is the daily exquisite breakfast buffet. Enjoy a hearty breakfast made with local ingredients to start out the day.
Prices start at $84 for a standard room, with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews or similar hotels, check Booking.com
Best Budget Hotel – Hotel Insigne
An affordable hotel offering top-notch service and personalized attention makes Hotel Insigne a great option for those on a budget.
There are three styles of rooms available including a family suite for those traveling with children.
Enjoy the outdoor terrace with free WiFi as you savor the beauty of the central valley region.
An excellent breakfast is provided each morning allowing you to fuel up for a day of exploration.
Prices start at $58 for a standard room, with breakfast included.
For more prices, reviews or similar hotels, check Booking.com
Top 3 wineries To Visit in Maule Valley
1. Balduzzi Winery
Balduzzi Winery is 3rd generation-run winery in the heart of the Maule Valley.
The award-winning estate is known for producing elegant and sophisticated red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Carmenere.
Balduzzi vineyards is one of the top wineries in Maule Valley and should not be missed when visiting this Chilean wine region.
During our visit, we enjoyed a tour of the Balduzzi family’s private collection and their humongous fermentation tanks and large wine cellars.
Tours are available all year and they include visiting the vineyards and learning about the winemaking process.
A tasting of four to five of their exquisite wines ends the experience.
Prior reservations are not necessary to visit Balduzzi Winery. You can contact them at [email protected]
Address: 300 meters off the Ruta 5 Sur, at km 273
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Visit: Prior reservations not necessary
2. Viña Casa Donoso
The story of Casa Donoso goes back to 1989 when the estate held approximately 230 hectares of vineyard.
Today, it measures more than double and produces a range of Reserva, Gran Reserva, and Premium lines of wine.
With four vineyards in the Maule Valley, Casa Donoso is known for aromatic, fruity, full-bodied wines.
Grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are some of the wines produced.
The winery offers several different types of activities for wine lovers.
In addition to tours and tastings, you can also choose a picnic tour or a private 3-course lunch paired with their wines.
You can book your wine experience directly by emailing the winery at [email protected]
Address: Av. Manuel Montt 211 · Providencia · Santiago de Chile.
Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Visit and Wine Tasting: [email protected]
3. Gillmore Winery & Vineyards
Gillmore Winery & Vineyards makes some of the highest quality handcrafted wines in Maule Valley.
Started in 1990, it is run by the second-generation daughter, Daniela, and her winemaking husband, Andrés Sanchez.
A member of the Independent Vintner’s Movement, their wines are harvested by hand and produced using traditional methods.
The winery is known for outstanding red wines like Carignan, an old dry-farmed grape variety, and a remarkable Mariposa red blend.
During our visit, we were surprised by the private aviary on their property.
We saw ostriches, beautiful white doves or paloma, and peacocks in all their glory.
Guided visits to Gillmore Winery & Vineyards are available. They include visits to the wine house, vineyards, and cellars.
Wine tastings take place in the tasting room where you can try a variety of their wines depending on the package you select.
Reservations to Gillmore Winery & Vineyards can be made online on their website.
Address: Viña Camino a Constitución Km 20, San Javier, Chile
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Visit: Contact the winery directly for tastings: www.gillmorewines.cl
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Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Visit To Chile Wine Regions
As you visit wineries in Chile, South America, here are a few tips to make travel planning easier.
- Getting to the wineries – Most wineries, except those in Santiago, are outside the main cities and not easy to get to. We recommend taking a tour for the ease and convenience of not driving and drinking.
- Wineries Require Advanced Bookings – Most wineries in the various Chile wine regions require advanced bookings. Especially, the smaller boutique wineries that may not have English tour guides on hand.
- Plan Your Chile Wine Tours by Region – Depending on how much time you have space out your winery visits. There are many exceptional wineries you can visit near Santiago. If you have more time, then visit the further-out wine regions in Chile.
- Stay Close to The Wineries – Spend more time learning about Chile’s wine region and less time driving when you stay near the wineries. This allows you to make the most out of your Chilean wine visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wine is Chile known for?
Chile produces a variety of wines and is best known for red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère are the two most important red wines. Carmenère is Chile’s national wine and can be found only in Chile.
Where is the Chilean wine region?
Chile wine regions stretch all across the country from north to south influenced by the Andes Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the central valleys.
There are six main Chile wine regions divided into sub-regions and beyond that zones. The main broad regions are Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley, Sur, and Austral.
Which wine region of Chile produces the majority of its wines?
The Chilean central valley region is the biggest producer of wines in the country. Colchagua Valley, Maipo Valley, and Elqui Valley are the three most important vine-growing sub-regions in Chile.
Have you visited any of these Chile wine regions? Or, have you had wines from these wine regions in Chile? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
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Oh wow…..this is great….I hope you get to visit and sample some Jamaican cuisine one of these days….#bloggersrock
Thank you Mardene! Glad you liked the post. We hadn’t planned on Jamaica…though we are curious, what are the Jamaican specialties?
To continue on sparkling wines, could you also check if they are mostly white or red ?
Just to see if the chilean flavours are similar to the italian ones where you can find the “prosecco” (white) and the “lambrusco” (red).
Thanks, Tuan.
Hi Tuan, actually we had our first sparkling / espumante white wine recently. It was good, not too dry and not too sweet, not enough bubbly though. I found it better than a prosecco but I need more trial to validate 🙂
As far as other type of sparkling wines, we saw a sparkling Rose wine advertised. We’ll let you know if there are any other types. Keep you posted!
Great article that helps discovering the chilean wines !
Did you had the chance to test the chilean sparkling wines ?
I have heard there were sweety bubbles worth to be tried …
Thank you Tuan!
We haven’t tried the chilean sparkling wines (or espumantes) yet. It is on our list! We would like to visit couple additional wine regions here: Maipo valley close to Santiago, known for its large wine producers such as Concha y Toro; and Casablanca Valley close to Valparaiso known for its white wine. More to come!