Just The Sips: Chile’s Wines And Wine Country

Chilean wines are an enigma. They offer the romance of the old world amidst new world geography. They’re also a major part of our Hiking, Biking, Wining & Dining tour. It entails one big day on a bike, but you’ll be rewarded with sweet sips and gourmet stops along the way. Here’s a taste of what awaits.

Pisco: the local brandy

To kickstart our first night in Santiago, a master distiller introduces us to a spirit distilled from fermented grape juice. Clear and colourless, the brandy is an icon of Chile’s – and Peru’s – winemaking regions.

Colchagua Valley: a textbook wine region

Technically the southern end of the Rapel Valley, Colchagua, is long celebrated for ripe and juicy reds. Like Maipo, the region is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Syrah. However, its Malbecs are also gaining fame, stealing the spotlight from Argentina’s offerings.

So much more to savour

Colchagua is part of the Central Valley, which we discover on our tour. It’s Chile’s most-renowned wine region and the closest to Santiago. If you’re a real oenophile, there are four other regions to discover. If you’d like to explore them on a private itinerary, we can help you there as well.

• Atacama is known for table grapes, pisco, and the Spanish pajarete varietal
• The vineyards of Coquimbo stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains
• Snowmelt from  Aconcagua Mountain helps irrigate the valley of the same name.
• Southern Chile is all about volume. They’re known for boxed and jugged wine.

For more info about our Chile tour, click here. Alternatively, get in touch with us to learn more about booking this active trip or your own private wine tour.