Nestled amongst the rolling valleys of the Andes and Chile’s coastal range, the central valleys produce some of South America’s finest wines which are rapidly gaining recognition the world over. With age-old vines brought over by the conquistadors in the 16th century combined with a favourable Mediterranean climate, Chile is now the 5th largest exporter of wines in the world and most famous for its signature Carmenère grapes. For visitors, the key valleys are all in easy reach of Santiago and each specialise in different varieties, perfect for wine-tasting tours. Among the most popular, the Colchagua and Maipo Valley, close to the high Andes, produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon while heading south, Curicó delivers sumptuous Chardonnays. Best of all, a number of traditional wineries have thrown open their doors to tourism creating beautiful boutique hotels, the perfect base to explore the valleys and enjoy delicious cuisine amidst award-winning vintages.
Come harvest, between late February and March, the wine valleys explode into life and coincide with traditional festivals, music and rodeos, a wonderful highlight to any trip to South America!