WHERE TO GO IN RUTA DEL VINO
Valle de Colchagua: (Colchagua Valley)
The Valle de Pequeñas Lagunas (Small Ponds Valley), according to mapudungún language, was used as a southern boundary of the Inca Empire, known for its fertile lands that were used for agricultural crops. It is bathed by the waters of the Tinguiririca River.
In the Valle de Colchagua (Colchagua Valley) we find 17 wineries producing red and white wines. The syrah, Carmenere, malbec and cabernet sauvignon strains are the most considered. Some of the most important vineyards of the area are Bisquertt, Cono Sur, Lapostolle, Montes, Santa Helena, Santa Rita, Santa Cruz, ViuManent and Montgras, to name a few.
One of the most important cities in the area is Santa Cruz. Here you can find the Colchagua Museum, the largest private museum in the country, with major collections of jewelry, colonial objects, among others. Here we find high-class hotels, a casino, a tourist office that offers traditional activities like horseback riding, restaurants and much more.
In Santa Cruz the traditional Fiesta de la Vendimia (Harvest Festival) takes place on the first days of March, where you can learn about the culture and traditions of winemaking.
In this area the great mansions of the first families of the oligarchy in Chile were also established, so we can also observe a sample of the beautiful colonial architecture. The provincial capital, San Fernando, is an example of this, with its folkloric and historical museum Casa de Lircunlauta (Lircunlauta House), among others.
Valle del Maipo: (Maipo Valley)
It is located in the heart of Metropolitan Region in the surrounding of the capital Santiago. They are watered by the waters of the Maipo River. Because of its geography, surrounded by mountains, it can produce strains at different heights, with different characteristics and flavors. This is the valley that produces the cabernet sauvignon, a Chilean wine that is recognized worldwide.
Among the vineyards that we can find in this area are Concha y Toro vineyard and the ones that are grouped in the Ruta del Vino del Alto Maipo (Wine Route of Alto del Maipo), such as Viña Haras de Pirque, Viña Huelquén and Viña la Montaña, among others. There are tours, outdoor recreation, tastings and wine sales.
Other places that can be visited in the Valle del Maipo (Maipo Valley) are Isla de Maipo and Calera de Tango, where you can try typical food, see houses of colonial architecture, know the Pucará de Chena, Inca fortress that is located nearby, and enjoy the tranquility and relaxation of the countryside.
Valle de Casablanca: (Casablanca Valley)
It is located in the 5th region, just 41 kilometers from Valparaiso. Since it lacks waterways, reservoirs and dams water the dozens of vineyards dedicated to the production of white wines in particular.
It is named after the town of Casablanca which is characterized by its traditional festival and its Chilean traditions. From here starts the Ruta del Vino de Casablanca (Casablanca Wine Route), where you can see some vineyards such as Casas del Bosque, Matetic, Indómita, Viñamar, Quintay, among others.
Within the tour, you can also enjoy the best Chilean food in their restaurants and enjoy accommodations of high standards and excellent service. There are also shops where you can buy wines and other related souvenirs related to this experience.
Valle del Maule: (Maule Valley)
This valley has three million acres, the largest area of vineyards in the country with plantations that have existed since the colonial era. It is located in the region of the Maule, between the provinces of Talca, Linares and Cauquenes, being the most productive wine region of Chile.
It has routes so you can see its vineyards, including Viña San Rafael, Viña Gillmore, Vina Corral Victoria and Viña Balduzzi, with tastings, lunch with traditional Chilean food and guided tours of the vineyards, gardens and beautiful surroundings.
In addition, the Maule region has significant natural areas such as Reserva Radal Siete Tazas (Seven Cups Radal Reserve) and Reserva Altos del Lircay (Lircay Altos Reserve), also you can do ecotourism activities like hiking, mountaineering, observe flora and fauna and horseback riding.
Las Termas de Quinamavida (hot springs) are another attraction of Maule, with a full resort and spa to relax and enjoy the healing properties of its waters, as well as other treatments that include clay, and of course, wine.
Maule has important locations such as the city of Talca, noted for its tradition and historic sites, including the O'Higginiano Museum and the Museo de Bellas Artes de Talca (Museum of Fine Arts in Talca).
Valle de Cachapoal: (Cachapoal Valley)
It is located in the basin of Rancagua and is watered by the waters of the Cachapoal River and it extends to the Rapel Lake. The vineyards are located in the lower elevations of the Cordillera de la Costa, in a climate of hot summers and rainy winters, providing strains such as merlot, cabernet sauvignon and notably Carmenere.
Some of the vineyards that are located in the Cachapoal are Viña Chateau Los Boldos, Viña Anakena, Viña La Rosa, Viña Altair, among others, where you can take tours, wine tasting and eat traditional food, buy wines, horseback riding, cycling and other activities.
Among its attractions is the town of Doñihue, offering a particular craft in chamantos, mantles used for riding and are woven in silk and wool sheep.
Besides this, in the Cachapoal Valley you can taste traditional Chilean food like barbecues and the famous pipeño wine directly from the barrels.
Valle de Aconcagua: (Aconcagua Valley)
Within the Valle de Aconcagua we find the Provinces of San Felipe and Los Andes. Due to its characteristics of climate and soil fertile lands that are watered by the waters of the Aconcagua River, they are privileged for all types of crops, especially slow ripening vineyards.
In addition, the valley offers beautiful natural areas like the Serranía del Ciprés (Highlands of Cypress), which features a picnic area, trails and camping areas. Another alternative is the San Francisco de Los Andes private park, where you can do outdoor activities such as paragliding and horseback riding.
In Aconcaguayou can find vineyards such as Viña Errazuriz, Viña Mendoza, Viña San Esteban, Viña Agustinos, Viña El Almendral, among others.