Chilean Wine Routes

Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The wines of Chile are loved around the globe, from lush Chardonnays and zippy Rieslings to vibrant Pinot Noirs and juicy Merlots. Chile also has its own unique Carmenere, a vibrant red which disappeared from Europe in the mid 19th century.

Chile enjoys excellent natural conditions for producing a range of reds and whites. Wineries are also eco-friendly with some of the largest organic vineyards in the world found here.

For travelers, the wine routes offer an enjoyable way to visit the middle of Chile. They stretch from Coquimbo in the north to Temuco in the south.

• Wine routes give you a chance to visit different wineries and vineyards across a region on day trips or longer tours with overnight stays.
• Peaceful vineyards stretch across picturesque countryside with the Andes Mountains always a stunning backdrop.
• The Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for wine production, makes the wine routes pleasant to visit.
• The sub-regions best organized for winery visits are Casablanca, south of Valparaiso; Maipo, Colchagua, Curico, and Maule in the Central Valley outside Santiago.
• You can walk and bike the wine routes as well as drive or take a tour.
• There are many fine restaurants appearing at wineries making it a gastronomic as well as a wine experience.
• Stay overnight at a winery for the ultimate experience. There are many with excellent hotel facilities ready to welcome you.

Tours and cruises in Chile include wine experiences like visits to wineries, tastings and overnight stays in wine regions.

We can also arrange day trips to wineries or customize the ideal wine route vacation just for you, through our partners on the ground in Chile.

Whichever way you choose to visit Chile, be sure to enjoy the local wines during your stay.

S Milne
Ensemble Travel Group