Aconcagua | Intense Flavors High in the Andes
As with all of our tours we are constantly looking for contrasts to show you. Different sizes of wineries, different technology, varying techniques and philosophies, different varieties and styles of wine. Aconcagua offers all of these contrasts and as we explore more we discover more. Some of these options are shown below and feel free to let us know if there is a winery experience that we have not mentioned but you would like to include.
Spring vines at the InSitu San Esteban winery in the high altitude Aconcagua wine region
The world-famous Errazuriz winery is a visit that is on many peoples lists, but there are many other options that we can blend with Errazuriz, boutique-size, historic and quirky wineries. Apart from high-altitude wine, we can also blend in an Alpaca farm and an ancient Petroglyph park with lovely views over the vines. More than enough to keep your brain and palate entertained.
While many of the wineries in this country are owned and run by generations of Chilean families or companies there is a growing number that have been set up by foreigners attracted to the opportunities of the terroir here. Flaherty is one such place and was created by two native Californians in 2004. The winery has steadily grown but can still be considered as being “boutique” size but with a very polished visitor set-up. On the other hand, we may visit Sanchez de Loria which is a Chilean family-owned and run operation since 1890. Here the historic old house is an attraction in itself, it is in fact possible to overnight here and that may be something that interests you?
The cellars of Sanchez de Loria are blessed with a raft of huge “Rauli” wooden casks, or foudres is impressive. Hundreds of thousands of liters of wine could be stored in these ancient vessels. The grape reception area looks like something from an industrial museum but the owner proudly informs you that this stuff not only works but they use it each year. Cast iron destemming and crushing machines are run from a motor connected by rubber belts, quite a contrast to the state-of-the-art machines you will see at modern wineries.
Another great new find for us is the very small-scale “La Joda” winery. Founded by a young winemaker couple, of particular interest are their Pet-Nats, a trend that is on the rise in Chile. This is a very intimate visit, with the owners and the winery has the added attraction of being within a 300-year-old hacienda which we can look around, plus enjoy a sweet dessert wine pairing at a German-style cafe on the grounds.
A Full Day of Visits in Aconcagua
In this part of the Aconcagua wine region, there are too many places of interest to visit in one day. So we need to work with you to choose, or you just trust us to do what’s best. If you have the time you could take two or three days and fit everything in of course. Below are some of the highlights to get your juices flowing:
- The “headline” tour and tasting is probably at Viña Errazuriz
- Contrast with boutique producers such as La Joda with their Pet-Nats
- Sanchez de Loria winery visit with its long history and quirky cellars
- Tours and tastings at other great wineries too e.g. Von Siebenthal
- Alpaca farm experience – Up close and personal with the beasts
- Ancient Petroglyph park, stretch your legs and enjoy vineyard views
- Artisan-style wineries with concoctions such as Pipeño and Chicha, plus fruit liquours
- Lunch at a traditional restaurant along the route, paring with local wines
You can see that there are wine and non-wine related visits so you can choose if you wish to be “full-on wine” or not. If you have a particular special interest or want to do some outdoor activities, for example, mountain biking, trekking, or skiing (if you visit when the vines are sleeping), just let us know. We can arrange almost anything.
High Altitude Wineries in the Aconcagua Valley
Meltwater from the Aconcagua peak, the highest mountain in the Americas at nearly 23,000 feet above sea level, gives life to this valley. During tastings throughout our Aconcagua wine tours you will have several chances to experience the effect of, and the difference between, coastal and mountain terroir. Many of the larger, more well-established names have vineyards in a number of locations stretching across the full width of Chile, ranging from a couple of hundred meters of altitude close to the coast up to over two thousand meters inland towards the Andes proper.
The prestigious Errazuriz winery was founded way back in 1870 and today garners wine awards on a regular basis, in 2004 it placed ahead of Chateau Lafite and Margaux at a blind tasting in Berlin. The extensive vineyards stretch up into the surrounding hills and from the viewpoint, above the winery, you will appreciate the whole picture. A visit to the cellar and production areas will be made before enjoying a premium tasting.
After enjoying some of the Errazuriz wines we will travel the short distance to the Viña San Esteban winery. The “In Situ” vineyards cling to the steep slopes of Mount Paidahuen which provide increased drainage and vine stress while these same fields also benefit from healthy cool breezes and plenty of sunshine at great angles. A petroglyph park forms part of the land within the winery limits and a visit offers a different perspective and angle over the vines. We can also arrange to picnic on the surrounding hills with superb vine and mountain views.
There is another great winery option for our guests nearby, Von Siebenthal. We can arrange a private tour and premium tasting here where you will try their Bordeaux blend-style wines. As you would imagine from a Swiss lawyer-owned winery, the facilities and quality are superb. Von Siebenthal wine consistently scores very well with wine critics, come and find out why.
Refueling, Alpacas and Petroglyphs
We will take you to refuel somewhere during today’s visits, choosing a place which gives you a taste of local food which you can pair with the local wine which you are really getting to love. It could be that we choose to eat at one of the artisan-style wineries that can be found here. These places are in stark contrast to the high investment, polished places we have seen so far, but they are a great experience. Sanchez de Loria, Martel and Almendral are three of the options, we can pick one that fits with our route to have a tasting and maybe lunch.
These more traditional places are where you can try wines that you won’t find in your wine merchant back home, Pipeño or Mistela for example, or Chicha, or maybe some strange fruit beverages. A pairing with local food is always a good idea.
The El Escorial winery is another place on our list in Aconcagua. It has a long history and along with some more mainstream blends, there is a wine style you may not expect in Chile, or at high altitude, Port. OK, we know its not actually Port but it is a very close replica and has won several awards in its time. The winemaker is very proud of it, that is very evident when you tour the winery with him.
A couple of non-wine options we can blend in are the Alpaca farm and the Petroglyph park, both of these add great value to the day so just let us know if you fancy either of those.
During the drive back to your hotel, we will fill you in on the delights we have lined up for you tomorrow, whether that be further exploration close to Santiago or a trip down to Colchagua or further away, or maybe taking you to the airport. We will drop you off at your hotel with a time set for your pick up in the morning.
