Our Argentina and Chile wine tour is a 14-day immersion in some of the best wine and food in these two South American countries, while enjoying some spectacular scenery and exciting cities.
The tour gives you a fascinating insight into the wines and culture of these two neighbouring countries, similar in some ways but also two very different.
Argentina, on the east coast is very “European”. The country received millions of immigrants from Europe at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. At that time, it was one of the world’s richest countries. In Buenos Aires, you can see this on many magnificent buildings constructed around that time, often in a style that makes you think of Rome or Paris.
Chile, on the west coast, is much more influenced by North America, both economically and culturally. You can see this, for instance, in the capital, Santiago de Chile where America-style high-rise buildings are common.
The tour starts in Buenos Aires and finishes in Santiago so you will get an opportunity to experience this first-hand.
But we’re here for the wine and for the gastronomy.
Mendoza
Both Chile and Argentina have seen a tremendous development in the wine business over the last few decades. Flying into the main Argentinean wine region, Mendoza, you see (clear skies permitting) vast plains, the Pampas. But when you approach Mendoza, the mountains rise up on the horizon. The Andes where you will see the America’s highest peak, Aconcagua.
Most people think of malbec when they think of Mendoza wines. That is true, still true, but today there’s much more. First of all, here on site you can find malbecs of a quality that rarely (but sometimes) finds it way out of the country. But you will also discover many other wines. The torrontes, a deliciously aromatic white, syrah, with a depth and fruit from the abundant sun and much more. Everywhere you go, you have the majestic Andes as a backdrop.
You will meet some of the most exciting wine makers of Mendoza on our tour, visit a unique barrel cellar with ancient casks, explore the new and very trendy “cool climate” Uco Valley, enjoy delicious meals under the pepper trees and much more.
Yes, the meals, worth a special mention. Food is important so we have prepared some special experiences for you. There will – obviously – be plenty of grilled meat, the “asados”. The cattle was what made Argentina’s fortune in the late 1900s and what still puts it on the world gastronomic map. But not only.
The Andes
Perhaps the most extraordinary part of this tour is the trip over the Andes. Many people travel here just to cross the Andes, but you get it included in the wine tour. In a comfortable bus. It is breathtaking seeing these high altitude landscapes, mountains towering on both sides. Stopping for lunch at almost 10,000 feet, following the once-functioning mining railway… And then stopping to admire the 6,961 meters (22,837 ft) Aconcagua peak.
A one-day mountain drive that is breathtaking (and very safe, in case you’re worried).
Chile
Chile is different. It is a narrow strip of land along the Pacific. Nice warm days and cool nights thanks to the closeness of the sea. Plenty of very fresh fish. And avocado everywhere.
Our main focus here is the Colchagua wine region, a few hours south of Santiago. Santa Cruz, our base, is a small rural town but with plenty of restaurants. Our hotel looks like an old-style hacienda. But with a lovely pool, perfect to look out over sipping a pisco sour (pisco sour is compulsory here).
The vineyards are squeezed in between two mountain ranges and along a few small rivers. More lush than in Argentina. At one of the wineries we have a tasting followed by a lunch among the vines under the avocado trees, surrounded by the vegetable garden, drinking some of Chile’s best cabernet franc and carmenère.
At another winery, you will get to try your hand at being a winemaker. With three base wines you will try and make the best blend. Who of us makes the best blend? Maybe we’ll have a competition and taste them all to find the winner.
All is not wine, at least not quite
On the tour you will also get the opportunity to explore some of the cities in Chile. Santa Cruz, the centre of the Colchagua wine region. Viña del Mar which, in spite of its name, doesn’t have any vines but has a beautiful coastline. Valparaíso, what was once the biggest harbour but now famous for its amazingly colourful hilltop “old town”, and that actually also houses the Chilean parliament. Santiago, the capital with South America’s tallest building, Grand Torre at 984 ft (300 m), not far from our hotel.
The Chile and Argentina wine tour will take you to some of the most exciting and extraordinary wineries and special gastronomy, but will also show you much, much more of these two exciting countries.
A very special wine tour.
Book now!
Book the wine tour to Chile and Argentina BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15. Click the link to book.
We hope to see you soon on one of our wine tours.
