The Maipo Valley is the closest Chilean wine region to Santiago. It is a historic wine-producing region and the birthplace of the Chilean wine industry with vines growing there for the past 150 years.
We first visit the internationally-renowned Concha y Toro Vineyard, which dates back to 1883. The founder was Don Melchor Concha y Toro who brought the first vines from the Bordeaux region in France that were planted in Chile and grew prosperously in the Maipo River basin. Walk around the gardens of the summer residence of the Concha y Toro family, discover the variety garden, visit their cellars and taste a selection of three of their fine wines.
Then, we visit Santa Rita Vineyard, which dates back to the 1880s and plays an important role in Chilean history as the site of one of the battles during the War for Independence. Admire the old hacienda-style Estate house and enjoy your wine while you stroll through the old cellars. You will see the grape variety garden, vineyards, winemaking and cellaring facilities, and bottling process, visiting “Bodega 1” – the winery’s first cellar and the “Cellar of the 120 Patriots”. You will discover the exciting story that gives 120 its name. The tour ends with a tasting of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.
After the tour, you can visit the neighboring “Museo Andino” (Andean Museum), which contains a special collection of pre-Columbian pottery, textiles and other artifacts.
Please note:
(1) The order of the vineyards visited may vary.
(2) Although this is a private tour with your own vehicle and guide, there may be other visitors at the vineyards joining you on the winery tours and tastings, which is beyond our control.
(3) The Andean Museum is closed on Mondays.