Best of  Chilean & Argentine Wine Tasting-10 Days/ 8 Nights

Spanish Conquistadors began establishing vineyards in South America in the 16th century, as a way of supplying sacramental wines for their local churches. Thus, the Spanish gave birth to South American wines, but the French furnished them with most of their character. In general, the wines just keep getting better and better. In this tour we will examine many of the properties that are turning out great Cabernet Sauvignons as well as juicy ripe Merlots and the delicious Malbecs that have made Argentina's reputation in wines. In addition you will have a chance to taste the Carmenere, Carignane, Grenache, Barbera and Petite Sirah, paired with the excellent beef and freshest seafood, while enjoying beautiful scenery and comfortable accommodations.

Day 01- Sat - Departure from the U.S. to Santiago, Chile.

Day 02- Arrival, reception at airport and transfer to Plaza San Francisco Hotel.  Afternoon  city tour, including the civil area, Moneda Palace, Bellavista, home of artists and poets and San Cristóbal hill, with a spectacular view of the city and the Andes mountains in the background.  Los Dominicos, to see local craftsmen working and their crafts. Return to the hotel. In the evening,  gourmet dinner at The Bristol restaurant, one of Santiago’s best, with a wine tasting. (D)

Day 03- Santiago/Maipo Valley/Santa Cruz -Visit the Cousiño Macul vineyard, founded in 1856, still owned and run by the direct descendents of Matías Cousiño, the founder of the vineyard and owner of the Lota coal mines in the south of Chile. The cellars were built in the French style using “cal y canto” a mixture of egg white and lime as “cement”.  After lunch, to the small rural town of Santa Cruz, capital of the Colchagua wine route. This area is known for its boutique wineries and avant -garde production of red wines such as carmenere. Dinner at the Santa Cruz Plaza Hotel. (BLD)

Day 04- SANTA CRUZ – COLCHAGUA VALLEY - Visit to the Colchagua Valley includes three wineries which are internationally known for the quality of their wine: Lapostolle, Montes and Viu Manent.  Panoramic view of the vineyards in historic and modern surroundings whilst learning more about the production processes and the history of the wineries, many of which are making a name for themselves with their adventurous wine making.  Optional lunch at La Playa winery.  Return to Santa Cruz. (B)

Day 05- Visit and tasting of exclusive wineries: Emiliana Organic Vineyard, Francois Lurton and Bisquertt wineries.  For generations, the magnificent terrain of the Colchagua valley has yielded its fruit under the attentive cares of families such as the last one.  Discriminating consumers worldwide easily recognize these wines for their superior quality, made possible by these ideal growing conditions.  In the evening dine at Pan Pan Vino Vino restaurant with a magnificent traditional clay oven. (BD)

Day 06- SANTA CRUZ - SANTIAGO  -  Depart from Santa Cruz through the agricultural heartlands of central Chile to Hacienda Los Lingues, the oldest hacienda in Chile, situated 79 miles from Santiago. The visit includes the old manor house with its antique furniture, the chapel and the stables where the Chilean horses are bred. Lunch is served under the trees of the colonial terrace or in the dining room during winter. Afternoon demonstration of Chilean horsemanship, before returning to Santiago.   Dinner at ”Camino Real” restaurant located on San Cristóbal hill with stunning views over the city. Wine tasting during visit of the collection of Chilean wines displayed at the restaurant’s cellar – Enoteca. (BLD)

Day 07- Santiago de Chile (Chile) / Mendoza (Argentina) - Transfer to airport in Santiago for flight to Mendoza, pride of the Argentine wine industry. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Visit and wine tasting of exclusive Catena Zapata Winery. Lunch and visit to Ruca Malen Winery . Dinner at Francesco Restaurant. (BLD)

Day 08- Departure to the productive oasis of the Central-West area. Visit and wine tasting of Chandon and Norton Wineries, located in Lujan de Cuyo area. Lunch at Terruño Restaurant and visit to Cacheuta, very well known for its thermal waters. Bath at Cacheuta Hotel. (BL)

Day 09- Morning, visit and wine tasting at Cavas de Don Arturo Winery, excellent handcrafted wines. Then visit La Rural, one of the first wineries, founded in 1895 by the Italian immigrant Felipe Rutini. Lunch at Mande Fausto Restaurant. Afternoon visit and wine tasting at Reyter Winery.  Farewell dinner at 1884 Restaurant, owned by  the worldwide renowned chef Francis Mallmann. (BLD)

Day 10- Breakfast at the hotel. Visit and wine tasting of Lagarde Winery and Nieto Senetier Wineries. Transfer to airport for return flight to the U.S. (BL)

Other gateways and child rates available upon request!

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