The Casablanca Valley is located between Santiago and Valparaiso. This is Chile’s youngest wine region. Winemakers just began planting vines a few decades ago in the 1980s. Because of its warm days and cool temperatures from the coastal air in the evening, this valley produces first-class crisp wines.
You will first visit Bodegas RE, a small family winery. Here, they produce wine with a unique concept, which consists of recreating, reinventing and revealing beauty, complexity, structure, and innovation. The owners keep the traditions of their ancestors and create noble wines in clay jars to show that they can create wines of excellence combining these ancient procedures with current knowledge of viticulture and oenology.
The “RE” stands for “Rebirth”, “Reinvention” and “Rejuvenation” – exactly how you will feel after this lovely day vineyard hopping in the Casablanca Valley!
When finished, you will cross the valley to Casas del Bosque, one of the most important wineries in Chile. In 1993, a family of Italian descendants established the vineyard. The large old pine and olive trees, and small white houses of adobe, define the name “Casas del Bosque” (Houses of the Forest).
Currently, the vineyard has 580 acres of planted vines exclusively dedicated to the production of cool-climate varieties of wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Syrah. One of Casas del Bosque’s biggest strengths is its soil. In the hills, red clay composites of volcanic origin sit on top of decomposed granite layers formed 110 million years ago beneath the Pacific Ocean. This soil gives their wines the unique characteristic sea salt flavor.
Casas del Bosque has gained great prestige over the years and in 2010 became the Best Vineyard to Visit in Chile.
After the winery tour and wine tasting, you will have time for lunch, if desired, at the vineyard’s restaurant, Tanino. Otherwise, you will return to your hotel.