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Santiago, wine country & the central valley

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Wine Routes

Situated between the Andes and Coastal Mountain Ranges, Chile's central region is crisscrossed by rivers that form fertile valleys. Over the years, their inhabitants have applied a combination of modern technology and local knowledge to get the most out of the area's topography and climate in order to create a wide range of top-quality wines.

Are the winds coming from the sea or the mountains? How much sun are the hillside vines getting? How much rain is there? Properly navigating these variables allows for the production of some very special wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their place of origin. It's these unique conditions that have earned Chile renown as one of the top New World wine exporters.

Varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are stand-outs in Chile's vineyards, and their flavors vary subtly depending on the latitude at which they're grown. A visit to the country's wineries and vineyards gives you a chance to experience the aromas, flavors and bodies of exquisite wines in the company of expert guides and/or sommeliers. Marvel at the grandeur of the vineyards, sample wine in underground cellars, and explore the old manor houses.

The Aconcagua, Casablanca, San Antonio-Leyda, Maipo, Cachapoal, Curicó, Colchagua and Maule Valleys form part of this highly pleasurable circuit. Wine may not be the only reason for your visit, but it does provide a wonderful reason to discover the hotels, horseback routes, bike tours, museums and other attractions that make a visit to these valleys an unforgettable experience. Cheers!

Featured Destinations

Valle de Colchagua		Valle de Maipo
Valle de San Antonio and Casablanca		Valle del Cachapoal
Valle del Maule		Valle de Aconcagua

Tips

01

Wine Routes	The Wine Train (Tren del Vino)	Wine Harvest
Though you won't find them everywhere, several valleys have wine routes that feature individual guided tours and tastings. You can find more information on their Websites.	This train, which departs the station in San Fernando, 140 km south of Santiago, takes you on a 90-minute ride to Santa Cruz. During the journey, you can sample a terrific selection of red and white wines accompanied by a generous tasting of the area's finest cheeses. (These trips have been suspended temporarily due to damage caused by the February 2010 earthquake. For more information, visit www.trendelvino.cl. The train normally leaves at 10:30 am on Sundays. Advance reservations required.)reservar previamente).	Each March and April, the valleys offer cheery celebrations in honor of the wine harvest. Enjoy tastings, traditional cuisine, cueca (a traditional Chilean dance) contests for kids and adults, colt taming, and harvest queen elections.

02

Pairings
Some vineyards are home to restaurants that pair each dish with a glass of wine with the aim of harmoniously blending their respective flavors and aromas. An experience that is not to be missed.