Wine tours in Chile. Vineyards of Elqui valley, Chile

Discover the main wine producing regions of Chile

Chile is gaining a solid reputation amongst New World wine enthusiasts. Wine tourism is rapidly rising in popularity.

Vineyards of Elqui valley, Chile

You don't need to be a wine buff to enjoy a good wine

Chilean wine is gaining a solid reputation amongst New World wine lovers, and many visitors to the country take the opportunity to enjoy a vineyard tour and a wine tasting or two.

A holiday in Chile is the perfect opportunity to try some of Chile's excellent wines that have been perfected since the conquistadors first brought vines to the country in the 16th century.

Where do you start? It depends on your tastes and your budget, so we’ve pulled together an introduction to some of Chile’s main wine-growing regions to whet your appetite. This is just a scratch at the surface and by no means an in-depth study of Chilean wines, we’ll leave you to make your own discoveries.

Explore one or more of Chile's wine-producing regions
Enjoy a tasting (or two)
Learn about the winemaking process on a winery tour
Experience a wine pairing menu at a top-class restaurant
Compare mass production and boutique winery techniques

Maipo Valley

Not far from Santiago is Maipo Valley, where it all started when the conquistadors arrived from Spain with vines to plant. The region really came into its own later when Bordeaux grape varieties were introduced and today Maipo produces some of Chile’s best Cabernet-based wines. Being so close to the capital it’s very easy to arrange a tour and wine-tasting here.

Casablanca Valley

Forty-five minutes west of Santiago, the Casablanca Valley reaps the benefits of the cool climate and is perfect for Sauvignon Blanc. Other headliners are Chardonnay and the cool-climate loving red grape Pinot Noir. Syrah, a versatile varietal also does well here and will have a completely different flavour and complexity to one grown in a warmer, dryer region. Wineries in the Casablanca Valley and coastal regions are able to produce remarkable wines and benefit from this cooler climate.

Colchagua Valley

Casablanca Valley, 45 minutes west of Santiago reaps the benefits of the cool climate and is perfect for Sauvignon Blanc. Other headliners are Chardonnay and the cool-climate loving red grape Pinot Noir. Syrah, a versatile varietal also does well here and will have a completely different flavour and complexity to one grown in a warmer, dryer region. Wineries in the Casablanca Valley and coastal regions are able to produce remarkable wines and benefit from this cooler climate.

Maule Valley

The most southern of Chile’s wine regions is the Maule Valley, over three hour’s drive from Santiago. The climate here is warmer and lends itself to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and even Sauvignon Blanc. Whilst the region produces large quantities of what are considered entry level wines, they also produce some real corkers here (pardon the pun). Over the past decade or so there has been an increased interest from niche producers in the region resulting in some excellent Malbec, Cinsaut, Cabernet Franc and Carignan wines which display character and years of careful craftmanship.

Anything is possible

Now you’ve had a brief introduction to Chile’s wine industry and wine regions, if you fancy delving deeper and experiencing a wine tasting while on your trip, let us know and we can easily organise this for you, be it an extensive winery tour followed by a tasting, or a wonderful taster menu at a top restaurant pared with excellent wines to complement each dish. Anything is possible.