Chile’s Colchagua Valley is famous for their grape variety as it is one of the top wine producing regions in South America. Read on to find out how you can make the most out of your world class wine experience in Chile.

First, a little history

Chile has a long tradition of winemaking, with Spanish missionaries first introducing grapes in the 16th century. Over past decades, Chile has seen a push towards producing high-quality, world class wines.

Despite being only 100 miles wide, Chile’s unique geography creates a wide variety of microclimates for grapes to thrive. The cool Pacific breezes and fog along the coast are ideal for the crisp, Casablanca Valley whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, while the sheltering Coastal mountains make the warmer, drier Central Valley ideal for reds like Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Read more about Chile’s diverse wine regions.

The Carmenere grape is particularly important and now the signature (and delicious!) red varietal in Chile. Once widely grown in the Bordeaux region of France, this varietal was thought to be extinct due to the phylloxera outbreaks in Europe, but was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s.

Getting There

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Gaze in awe at the stunning views from Clos Apalta Winery.

The Colchagua Valley is found south of Santiago in the O’Higgins region of Chile’s Central Valley, about 2.5 hours’ drive from the Santiago airport. SA Expeditions includes private transfers to Colchagua in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, with the company of your expert local guide.

When to Go

The best time to visit the Colchagua Valley is from September through April, during Chile’s spring to autumn seasons. The peak summer months of December through February see the warmest temperatures, with January daily highs over 80°F. The annual grape harvest takes place in March.

Can you visit in winter? Sure! The grapevines may be bare, but warm fireplaces and cozy accommodations (not to mention a few glasses of wine) will keep you warm. Learn more about the best time to visit Chile.

Where to Stay

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Settle in at Noi Blend Hotel and indulge in some classic, tasty ceviche.

The ideal home base for wine touring is the Noi Blend Hotel, found just 4 miles from Santa Cruz, the hub of the Colchagua Valley.

Built in a restored 19th century bodega, the hacienda style property is surrounded by vineyards and gardens. A special touch are orange trees planted around the property, giving the grounds an incredible aroma of orange blossoms in spring.

Each of Noi Blend’s 25 rooms is unique, styled by a distinct Chilean designer. While the décor varies, each room offers comfortable twin or King beds, and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower. Groups will especially love spending time on the adjoining patios outside each room.

The hotel is home to an excellent on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a fresh, tasty lunch or dinner. Guests will additionally be delighted with the buffet breakfast stocked with a wide variety of treats including fresh baked goods, omelets made to order, and seasonal local fruits.

After a day of wine touring, the hotel grounds are perfect for relaxation, whether you choose to enjoy the sun at the outdoor pool, grill in the BBQ area, or soak in the wood-fired hot tub.

Planning Your Trip

For wine and food loving travelers, two nights are recommended in the Colchagua region to explore local wineries and take that much needed time to soak in the tranquil surroundings.

With a week-long trip, you can combine Santiago’s highlights with the Colchagua Valley for an incredible vacation exploring Chile’s food and wine highlights, shown in our Chile Wine Country Expedition. Or, if your bucket list is focused on Chile's other all-star destinations such as Patagonia or the Atacama Desert, we recommend capping off your expedition with a relaxing end to your trip in Colchagua.

World Class Wines

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Aging wine at Clos Apalta Winery.

During your time in the Colchagua Valley, the high point will surely be tastings and meals at top wineries. Your Destination Expert can recommend wineries to suit your preferences! To get your planning started, here are our top picks for oenophile travelers:

Montes Wines

The Montes Wines facility was designed with Feng Shui principles in mind and offers a serene and peaceful environment – the aging wine barrels are even serenaded by Gregorian chants in the cellar! Top wine picks include the Purple Angel and Montes Alpha lines. Lunch at the on-site Fuegos de Apalta restaurant is a treat, with vineyards surrounding the glass enclosed dining area, and a wood-fired oven offering a cozy centerpiece to the restaurant.

Clos Apalta

At Clos Apalta Winery, or Lapostolle Vineyard, be equally blown away by the bold red blends and the winery’s hillside setting, offering vistas over the surrounding valley. Clos Apalta creates an annual award-winning red blend of Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged for 2 years before release.

Camino Mar

For a step off the beaten path, Camino Mar is a small, family run organic winery. Enjoy a warm welcome into the home of The Larrain Duque family for a fireside wine tasting of their small batch wines (can’t miss the Rosé!), and a home cooked meal with lively conversation from the owners themselves.

More to Explore

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Create your own blend of gin at Gin Provincia!

Beyond incredible wines, the Colchagua Valley has even more to offer. Here are the top recommendations to round out your time in the region:

Fine Dining

What would a wine tasting adventure be without incredible dining to go with? Food & Wine Studio by Pilar Rodriguez offers the best of both. Set in a stunning vineyard at Viu Manent, their seasonal tasting menus are accompanied by wine pairings all lovingly described by Chef Pilar herself. The creative small plates are brimming with local produce and fresh, bright flavors. Learn more about traditional Chilean cuisine.

Distilleries

Gin Provincia, a small family operation found on a peaceful hilltop in Alto Colchagua, strives to highlight the unique terrains of Chile through its regional gins, which carry the unique flavors of herbs, fruits, and spices added during the distillation process. From spicy Patagonia to fruity Mandarin and herby Botanical, there is a blend for all tastes. They even host visitors for an interactive gin-blending experience where you create your own custom bottle!

Chilean Culture

Santa Cruz is a charming small town known for colonial architecture and a quaint central plaza. A highlight is the unique Colchagua Museum, built in the historic train station. The winding maze of rooms were filled with a wide-ranging collection of rare archaeological artifacts from Peru, Chile, and beyond as well as insight into local regional history.

Credit to Mark Edward Harris for the cover image of this article.