The wine guide: Chile and Argentina
Regions of Chile and Argentina
Making some of the best wines across the world, we explore Chile and Argentina’s best wine regions.
While many visit Chile and Argentina to explore Patagonia’s famous glaciers, dance the tango in Buenos Aires and enjoy Santiago with its colonial architecture, both countries offer multiple wine producing regions that beckon travelers to their picturesque valleys. No matter which side of the snowcapped Andes you’re on, if you’re an oenophile, you’ll have many great options to choose from. The only difficult decision to make is which one to visit.
While Chile and Argentina both have multiple wineproducing regions, most international visitors focus on those that are set up for easy tourist visits. In Argentina, two of the best are Mendoza and the Calchaqui Valley/Cafayte regions. The primary spots in Chile are the Maipo Valley and Colchagua.
If you look at a South American map, you’ll notice that the wine regions are spread out, especially in Argentina. Those with unlimited time could easy make an entire trip of it, touring them all, but as few have that luxury this guide will help you make the most of one or two, whether you’re looking for full-bodied reds or refreshing, crisp whites.
ARGENTINA Mendoza
Tucked in the foothills of the Andes just east of Chile, Mendoza is the main wine region in Argentina and the capital of wine production in South America. It boasts well over a thousand wineries and almost 400,000 picturesque vineyard acres, accounting for more than 70 percent of the country’s total wine production. While it may be a high desert oasis that receives less than 10 inches of rainfall each year, the grapevines rely on the snowmelt from the Andes for their pure water. The fruit thrives in the high-altitude conditions with the sun shining 300+ days a year, while cool nights allow it to rest, retaining the acids that are an essential part of the wine. Not only does the region produce its most characteristic variety, Malbec, but everything from Pinot noir and Merlot to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet franc.
This sun-drenched region is also renowned for its gourmet dining scene and dramatically stunning scenery. The city of Mendoza itself is right next to the Andes Mountain Range, with the jagged peaks visible from most of the tasting rooms and wineries. There are plenty of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and kayaking to enjoy while taking in a majestic view. Many visitors begin in the capital city of Buenos Aires with a sightseeing tour, and perhaps a tango lesson, before taking for Mendoza to enjoy the wine.
Calchaqui Valleys
The second most popular wine region in Argentina lies in the northwest. It sits near the border of Bolivia in the Calchaqui Valleys, near the border of Bolivia, surrounded by mineralrich mountains and hillsides in psychedelic hues of purple, pink, yellow, and green. While those are tourist destinations in their own right, they also make a spectacular backdrop for vineyard visits. The high-altitude area is baked by the sun but experiences chilly nights and a terroir ideal for elegant white wines, including Torrontés, a crisp white wine with floral notes.
Cafayate has a low-key vibe that gives it a small-town feel, making it a popular base for exploring the wine region. It’s also home to the oldest recorded living vineyard in Argentina, a Torrontés vineyard planted in 1862. While this region represents just 2 percent of the country’s vineyards, they claim a disproportionate share of its wine awards, thanks to their refreshing acidity and character. Most visitors also spend time in the city of Salta nearby, known for its mix of Andean heritage and Spanish colonial architecture. Hiking and horseback riding to cave paintings are popular too.
CHILE
Maipo Valley
The long, thin country of Chile is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Andes on the other. Its main wine-growing regions are tucked in between and aren’t as spread out as Argentina’s. The Maipo Valley is the birthplace of Chilean wine production, dating back to the 16th-century, although it wasn’t for another 200 years that the wine industry really took off here. The daytime heat and cooler nighttime temperatures combined with the altitude produce wines that are extra special, particularly red wines and most notably of all, Cabernet Sauvignon. Syrah, Merlot, and Carmenére, a unique and spicy red, make up most of the others. While reds are the focus, locals also make some whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Another plus for this wine region is that it’s very easy to reach from the capital city of Santiago, even by public transport, and you’ll never have to worry about rain. If you want to enjoy outdoor adventures, you can join a thrilling whitewater rafting ride on the Maipo River too.
Colchagua Valley
Colchagua lies south of Maipo Valley, a modern wine region with so many state-ofthe-art wineries that many have compared it to California’s Napa Valley. You’ll find some of the most highly acclaimed Chilean wines here, including Carmenère and Syrah. The area experiences more of a Mediterranean climate, similar to California’s famous wine country, ideal for grape-growing. It boasts warm breezes, an ideal amount of sunshine, and mineral-rich soils. While it’s relatively young in the Chilean wine world, it makes up for its age with an astounding number of vineyards, currently at around 1,700.
This is also one of the most visitor-friendly wine routes, with top wineries including Viña Montes and Casa Lapostolle. By visiting in March, you can celebrate vino at the three-day Grape Harvest Festival held around the colonial town of Santa Cruz. Colchagua Valley’s mild climate also makes it ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, with everything from biking and horseback riding to hot-air ballooning and incredible stargazing. For those seeking a luxury stay with five-star dining, there are many upscale wine resorts too, along with vineyard carriage rides.
Chile is a long, thin expanse of land stretching for nearly 2,700 miles along the west coast of South America. Incredibly diverse, it’s home to everything from beautiful beaches, magnificent fjords, glistening glaciers and vast wine regions to the driest place on Earth. A nature lover’s and an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, it’s one of the few destinations where you can still find miles and miles of untouched wilderness.
Vibrant culture and a rich history await as well, providing something for every traveller. The entry point to Chile for most is the capital city of Santiago with its old-world charms and soaring skyscrapers that stand out against the snow-capped peak of the Andes. Some of the top wine regions are an easy day’s trip away while a major international airport provides connections to the country’s remote reaches.
Chile’s four natural borders make it especially unique, with the Andes running down its spine to the east. The south is a hiker’s paradise with Torres del Paine and its remarkable granite spires that rise from the Patagonian steppe while wildlife like guanacos, condors, and pumas can be spotted, if you can take your eyes off the rest. Even further south, it holds a section of Antarctica, the world’s last frontier. Atacama, the world’s driest desert sits to the north with its unrivalled opportunities for stargazing led to NASA setting up a base here. The Pacific coast is to the west with white pebbly beaches leading down to volcanic black sands and off the mainland some 2,500 miles is mysterious Easter Island with its giant Moai rock statues.
Spend 11 days exploring some of the most beautiful areas of Chile. You will start by touring the cosmopolitan capital city of Santiago. From Santiago, you will take guided tours out into the wine region where you can sample some of Chile’s exceptional wine and visit the coastal city of Valparaiso. You will then fly south to experience the beauty of the Lake District and Torres Del Paine National Park. The area is home to the magnificent Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano and you will take a short ferry trip to the historic island of Chiloe. The tour ends with 4 nights in Torres Del Paine National Park where there is a whole range of activities for you to enjoy out in the park.
Day 1:
Arrive Santiago
Welcome to Chile’s capital, Santiago, which is built in a valley with the backdrop of the snowcapped Andes mountains and the ocean. The city was founded in 1541 by the Spanish and the old colonial centre of the city is the Plaza de Armas filled with historical buildings.
On arrival in Santiago, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you will have a city tour visiting the highlights of the city including the Pre-Columbian Museum, a drive up Cerro San Cristobal for views of the city and wine tasting at the Wine House.
Day 2:
Valparaiso
Today your guide will meet you for a day exploring the coast. You will visit Isla Negra, the home of the Nobel prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda and then to Valparaiso for a city tour. Valparaiso is known for its colorful buildings and steep funiculars as well as the home of many artists, writers and musicians. The historic quarter of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved architecture. You will return to Santiago in the late afternoon.
Day 3:
Wine Region
This morning your guide will meet you for a day of wine tasting and sightseeing in the Chilean wine region. You will sample wines at two of the vineyards nearby, the first stop is at Concha y Toro for wine tasting and then continue to Santa Rita vineyards for lunch at the well known Dona Paula’s and then an afternoon visit to the vineyards installations. The majority of wine produced in the area is red, particularly popular is Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. In the afternoon your guide will drive you back to Santiago for the night.
Day 4:
Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas
You will check out of your hotel this morning and your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight south to Puerto Montt which is the gateway to the scenic Lake District. Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you on a tour of Puerto Montt including Angelmo’s fish market and the colorful handicraft market. You will then drive 20 minutes to Puerto Varas, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue with the magnificent Osorno Volcano as a backdrop.
Day 5:
Puerto Varas
You will spend today exploring the Lake District with your guide. You will visit Lake Llanquihue and its monument to the first settlers. Your guide will then take you to the picturesque city of Frutillar which sits on the edge of the lake. The town was founded by the Germans and its architecture is strongly influenced by its German Heritage. You will then continue on to Octay on the Centinela Peninsula.
Day 6:
Chiloe gsland
Today you will board a ferry for the one hour crossing to the island of Chiloe. Once you arrive on the island you will drive to Ancud on the north coast. It was founded in 1767 and two fortresses were built on either side of the bay to protect the shipping route. You will visit the fort and museum.
You will then continue to visit some of the many churches that the island is famous for. The Jesuits inhabited the island from 1608 – 1767 and built 69 churches. You will spend some time browsing the islands traditional handicrafts before taking the ferry back to the mainland and returning to Puerto Montt.
Day 7:
Torres Del Paine National Park
This morning you will check in for your flight south to Punta Arenas. You will be met by your driver who will transfer you to Torres Del Paine National Park. You will spend the next 4 nights in this incredible national park. Located in Chile’s Patagonia region it is one of the most popular National Parks in the country. Torres Del Paine is dominated by the Paine mountain range and the Patagonian ice field, creating spectacular landscapes.
Lago Grey
Day 8 - 10:
Torres Del Paine National Park
Torres Del Paine has magnificent scenery and there are miles and miles of scenic trails for hiking that wind through dense forest, passing jewel-hued lakes, rushing rivers, and glistening blue glaciers. Lago Grey is one of its most famous landmarks with its spectacular glacier, the ice carved valley of Valle Francés is a must for hikers and the distinctive three granite peaks of the Paine Massif are a real highlight.
Each day you will be able to choose from a wide range of activities in the park so you can appreciate its beauty, there are 16 hikes, 6 horseback excursions and boating trips to choose from.
Day 11:
Depart
Today you will leave Torres Del Paine and return to the airport at Punta Arenas for your flight back to Santiago, on arrival you will board your connecting flight home.