What are the main regions near Santiago de Chile? What about the distance? Are there wine sorts I should taste during my stay? Which unique properties to stay at if you are a wine lover, and when is the best time of year to visit?
In this blog article, we aim to address all these questions that arise when delving into Chile's wine culture.
Chile is located on the western coast of South America, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean, the snow-capped Andes, the arid Atacama Desert, and Patagonia.
As a result of this natural isolation and protection, the Chilean vineyards managed to avoid the phylloxera grape louse that pretty much decimated the world’s vineyards in the 1800s.
As a result, the country is home to some of the world’s oldest vines. And the presence of these ancient vines contributes to Chile's winemaking heritage and exceptional characteristics.
Today, Chile is the world’s 5th largest exporter of wine, with the most famous grape variety being the ever-tasty Cabernet Sauvignon. Still, there are also other renowned wine varieties that you should definitely explore during your time in the country.
Chile's wine scene has experienced significant growth and innovation, resulting in a diverse range of high-quality wines to discover. Here are a few renowned wine varieties worth trying:
Santiago is the best destination in Chile (and South America), for wine lovers. This is due to the fact that there are various wine valleys around the city.
Having heard the inspiring story of María Luz Marín, we set out for Lo Abarca, about an hour south of Valparaíso.
An oenologist by training, María Luz Marín held fast to a bold vision: crafting distinctive wines just four kilometers from the ocean. In 2000, she became the first woman in Chile to open her own vineyard. At the time, many called her crazy for attempting to make wine in Lo Abarca, a place shaped by cool temperatures and constant ocean breezes. What followed were years of sacrifice, perseverance, and resilience—but the effort paid off.
Today, Casa Marín stands as a global benchmark for quality wines, proving that when tradition is paired with a healthy dose of audacity, the results can be extraordinary. Its vineyards sit on soils composed entirely of limestone and marine deposits, a rare composition that grants them a unique denomination of origin. Casa Marín is, quite simply, the only vineyard of its kind in the area.
That legacy continues through María Luz Marín's two sons and daughter-in-law, Jamie Verbraak, whom we met during a tasting at the estate.
From the first moment, Casa Marín's intimate atmosphere and genuine passion were palpable—this is a personalized experience in every sense. Our favorite? The exceptional Sauvignon Gris.
If you are looking for an intimate experience, the Santa Rita vine is the perfect choice. Founded in 1880, this historic property was among the first to pioneer plantings of European grape varieties in Chile. Santa Rita offers various tastings where you can sample some of Chile’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons as well as tour through the vineyards and its historic cellar.
We recommend enjoying a lunch at the 'Doña Paula', awarded as one of the best vineyard restaurants in all of Chile.
Carménère originally hails from Bordeaux, France, where it was nearly wiped out by the devastating phylloxera plague. Santa Rita's 'Carménère Tour' takes visitors on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vineyards to the iconic Carménère Stone — marking the very spot where this long-lost variety was rediscovered in 1994.
Furthermore, if history interests you, be sure to ask your guide about the historic significance of the wine cellars. It is believed that 120 patriots were given shelter there, after fighting against the Spanish army for National Independence.
The property is also home to the boutique hotel Casa Real. With only 16 rooms and a private 40-hectare park filled with ponds, lush vegetation, and magnificent sculptures, you can enjoy a unique as well as personalized stay. Check out our itinerary with Santa Rita Winery for some inspiration!
One of our favorite wine experiences in the Casablanca valley is Bodegas Re.
This is the personal project of Chilean winemaker Pablo Morande and his family. Regarded as one of the most influential winemakers in Chile, Morande is the discoverer of the Casablanca Valley. It was Morande who achieved the first iconic wine (Don Melchor) for the Concha y Toro brand - the first to obtain 96 points in Wine Spectator magazine.
Morande decided to follow his innovative instincts and create 'Re' with three of his children. His vision is to continue experimenting and creating wines with a blend of science, love, art, and inspiration from ancient winemaking techniques.
The guided tour of the Winery (prior reservation required) conveyed a passion for the product and the essence of RE. It was impressive to see the clay-coated amphorae used for wine storage, inspired by techniques from the Maule region, the homeland of the Morande family. Internally sealed with concrete, it showcased one of the new trends for premium wines. A combination of ancient and modern elements.
This region is very well known for its exquisite Carmenere, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
There are many acclaimed wineries in Colchagua Valley. However, one vineyard we highly recommend you visit is the Viña Montes.
The angel depicted on its logo represents the premium nature of their wine in the world of Chilean wines – it flies above the rest.
Furthermore, for a delectable meal, their onsite restaurant, Fuegos de Apalta, is the perfect choice. The delicious dishes are prepared with different types of open flames conceived by the world-renowned chef Francis Mallmann.
For those seeking to blend wine with luxurious accommodations, we highly recommend Vik Chile. This exceptional hotel is a masterpiece in itself, providing an innovative and all-encompassing wine spa experience against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Moreover, guests can indulge in the awe-inspiring infinity pool, which offers sweeping vistas of the enchanting valleys that surround the property.
You can visit Santiago’s surrounding wine valleys year-round. However, the peak season is from late spring to early autumn (mid-October to mid-April). During these months you can expect warm weather with a lower chance of rain. Which is ideal for spending lots of time outside among the stunning vineyards!
Our final tip is to visit Santiago's vineyards in March or early April when the grapes are being harvested. During this time the vineyards are full of ripe grapes which make for amazing photos. Also, if you're lucky some tours might even let you taste the grapes right off the vines!
