Wine Regions of Chile & Argentina - 10 Days

Highlights

• Sample wines in Chile's Cachapoal Valley
• Tour the Maipú Valley and Luján de Cuyo in Argentina
• See Andes mountain villages on a full-day tour
• Travel by bus through scenic Aconcagua National Park

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Explore

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival in Santiago, a driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. You could hike to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal, the most magnificent viewpoint in Santiago, stroll the cobblestone streets of fashionable Barrio Bellavista, visit the Plaza de Armas, located in Santiago's historical center, or snap some pictures in front of the Palacio de la Moneda.

For dinner, enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years, Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination. Chilean chefs are reinventing traditional dishes like empanadas, cazuelas (stews), and seafood, with ingredients harvested all the way from the northern deserts and southern Patagonian regions. You can find great restaurants and wine bars not only in the Bellavista neighborhood but also in the revitalized historic barrios of Yungay and Italia.

Day 2: Wine Tour of Valle de Cachapoal

In the morning, depart from your hotel by private transfer and head south about 53 miles (85 km) to the Valle de Cachapoal wine region. This is one of the most beautiful and fertile provinces of central Chile. The weather conditions here—heavy rains in winter and high heat in summer—make this an ideal valley in which to grow wine grapes, most notably Chile's flagship varietal: carménère. Eventually, you'll arrive at Requinoa, a small farming town located in the heart of the valley, close to the city of Rancagua. There, you'll meet your guide, who will provide an overview of the culture and wines of the area.

You'll then visit two vineyards and tour the facilities while learning about the production process as well as the different varietals they produce. Around noon, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant accompanied by the types of wines you experienced in the valley. The journey continues in the afternoon as you head farther south to a third vineyard, where the order of the day will be more touring, learning, and tasting.

Day 3: Concha y Toro Vineyard Tour

A driver will meet you at your hotel today and transfer you to another example of a Chilean wine country. Your destination will be the town of Pirque, located about an hour south of Santiago. This is where you'll find the showcase vineyard and family estate of Concha y Toro. Currently, Concha y Toro is the largest producer of wine in Latin America, and they export their popular brands to over 130 countries. The tour begins in the Casa Patronal, the company's main estate, notable for its beautiful green grounds and tranquil pond. Visit the vineyards and stroll among the rows of grapes that comprise these internationally-known wines.

Then, enter the production facilities and observe the process that results in all those famous bottles, including the most famous Chilean wine of all: Casillero del Diablo. Finally, it's time for a tasting of Concha y Toro's most famous varietals. Afterward, you can visit the vineyard's wine shop to purchase more bottles either for yourself or as gifts. The tour finishes with a return to your hotel in Santiago, where you'll be free to enjoy the remainder of the day as you please.

Day 4: Valle de Maipo Wine Tour

The Valle de Maipo is another rich wine-producing region in central Chile, located just a short distance from Santiago. Today's tour covers the history of wine and the almost mythical art that goes into its production. The scenery adds to the experience, as you'll find yourself amid the fertile green valley and imposing Andes mountains. You'll visit two prestigious vineyards here, with options including the Viña Cousiño Macul, Viña Undurraga, and others.

Whichever vineyards you tour, you'll be tasting the best Maipo wines, featuring unique bouquets and flavor profiles. The tour of both wineries covers every aspect of production, from the grape to the bottle. You'll also have the opportunity to pair the wines you sample with tasty tidbits like fine cheeses. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Santiago.

Day 5: Fly to Mendoza, Explore

Now that you've discovered the prized vineyards of Chile's wine country, it's time to visit another globally renowned viticulture region: Mendoza, Argentina. This city is located adjacent to the Chilean border in western Argentina, and the valleys surrounding it produce some of the world's most famous wines, such as malbec. A driver will pick you up and transport you to Santiago International Airport, where you'll take a short flight to Mendoza.

When you arrive, head out to explore the city. Mendoza's downtown features expansive plazas and wide boulevards shaded by canopies of bushy green sycamores. The difference in energy between Buenos Aires and Mendoza is night and day—here, people move at a relaxed pace, making this the perfect place to enjoy a tranquil stroll. Consider visiting one of the city's famous parks, such as Parque General San Martín, or head to the Museo del Pasado Cuyano, which features many exhibits on the history of Mendoza as well as collections of weapons from the independence era.

Day 6: Mendoza Wine Tour

Explore beyond the city while discovering the region's wine culture. On this circuit, you'll visit the most famous wine destinations around Mendoza, from the area around the town of Luján de Cuyo to the fertile soil of the Maipú Valley. It's a fun-filled excursion that mixes wine history with tastings. Over the course of the tour, you'll glean insight into how Mendoza rose over the centuries to become Argentina's premier wine-making region.

You'll visit two wineries that still rely on traditional irrigation methods handed down from the Huarpe Indigenous people, as well as others that use the latest technology in the wine-making process. On tours of the bodegas' facilities, you'll learn about vinification methods, processing, bottling, and even the labeling of wines. This will be accompanied by a tasting of the different varietals offered. You'll also get to sample locally-grown olives and artisanal cheeses and eat malbec grapes right off the vine!

Day 7: Full-Day Mendoza Vineyards Tour

Embark on a guided tour of two distinct wine-producing areas around Mendoza: the Maipú Valley and the town of Lujan de Cuyo. Both are close to the city—Maipú is located a mere 12 miles (20 km) away, while Lujan de Cuyo is located directly adjacent to Mendoza in the south. The first winery tour includes a presentation on the viniculture process with a subsequent tasting. The second tour includes another tasting, as well as more education about wine development. Lunch will be served in the winery's warehouse, where you'll enjoy a gourmet menu paired with some of the best wines from the cellar.

Afterward, visit two more wineries before ending the day's excursion. With a full stomach and a head swirling with all the delicious varietals of Mendoza, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening relaxing while enjoying your hotel's amenities.

Day 8: High Mountain Full-Day Tour

Explore the untamed landscapes and historical sites found just outside the city of Mendoza. Your driver will take you for a drive along the Río Mendoza, and you'll be treated to great views of the Cordón del Plata mountain range, a subset of the Andes that is a popular trekking destination. Then pass by the Potrerillos Dam, notable for distributing all the water for the vineyards of the region. Continue on to Uspallata, a pre-Hispanic Indigenous settlement, then head to the villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas, Punta de Vacas, and the Los Penitentes ski resort.

Later, drive to the Puente del Inca, a natural arch that forms a bridge over the Río Las Cuevas. You'll now be on the ascent as you climb 9,022 feet (2,750 m) above sea level to a viewpoint at Cerro Aconcagua. Other highlights include a visit to the glacial lake of Laguna Horcones. Your final destination is the European-style village of Las Cuevas, located just before the Chilean border at 10,498 feet (3,200 m) above sea level. 

Day 9: Return to Santiago by Bus

Your Argentine wine experience has now come to a close, and it's time to return to Santiago. A driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the bus terminal, where you'll catch a bus bound for the capital. On this scenic eight-hour drive, you'll travel over the Andes and enjoy views of sweeping, high-altitude mountain landscapes. The route passes through Aconcagua National Park, and its painted mountains and snowcapped peaks will be on display. Moreover, as you ascend from Mendoza, you'll pass the tiny, postcard-worthy towns of Potrerillos and Uspallata.

The famous Cristo Redentor Tunnel marks the border between Argentina and Chile. Here, you'll find a large monument featuring a crucifix-bearing Christ, with the flags of both countries flanking its base. The mountain roads that take you between these two countries are filled with twists and turns. This is never more apparent than once you reach the harrowing 29 Curves portion of the journey. It's the most famous section of the route, as it features a steep downhill drive comprised of narrow switchbacks. Upon reaching the bus station in Santiago, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 10: Depart Santiago

With your taste buds tantalized and your thirst for the great wines of South America now quenched, it's time to say goodbye to Chile and Argentina! At the scheduled hour, a driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. While this particular journey is coming to an end, know that these two countries will be waiting with open arms anytime you'd like to return and continue the adventure. Have a safe and comfortable journey home! 

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