Overview of Chile Self Drive Wine Tour
The region has a long viticultural history for a New World wine region
dating to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought
Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. In the
mid-18th century, French wine varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were
introduced. In the early 1980s, a renaissance began with the
introduction of stainless steel tanks and the use of
oak barrels for aging. Wine exports
grew very quickly as quality wine production increased. The number of
wineries has grown from 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005. Chile is now the
fourth largest exporter of wines to the United States. The climate has
been described as midway between that of
California and France.
The most common grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and
Carmenère .
Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago
Arrive Santiago and transfer to
Hotel Diego Del Armagro, situated 5 minutes form the airport (SIB
transfer).
Day 2: Santiago - Las Majadas de Colchagua (190 km / 120
mi)
After breakfast, transfer back
to the airport to pick up your car and drive to the renowned Colchagua
Valley. By finding Ruta 5 Sur is rather easy. Drive 142 kilometres to
San Fernando and then follow the route towards Santa Cruz. Along the
road you will be able to see how the thriving wine industry has taken
over most of the valley. There at Santa Cruz you will reach your final
destination at Viña Bisquertt. There, the old family house has been
remodelled to provide excellent accommodations as well as an inviting
wine cellar.
Day 3: Viña Bisquertt
This day you can pick your way
through some of the many wineries of this always surprising region,
while driving you will be able to see Chile’s most traditional Huaso
area, with old adobe houses and beautiful corridors. Overnight at Las
Majadas de Colchagua. (Breakfast)
Day 4: Colchagua - Valparaíso (250 km / 160 mi)
Today you will drive through
the I-80-g route to reach your final destination in ValparaÃso.Today
you will drive through the I-80-g route to reach your final destination
in Valparaíso. This route is a great alternative to Chile’s main highway
since it keeps most of the quaint appearance from the old times. Once
you make it to Valparaíso you will be able to experience the oldest and
most important port of Chile. Valparaiso’s picturesque layout, enhanced
by the surrounding hills that seem to dive into the ocean, remind us
that this was once the most important maritime destination of the
Pacific coast before the Strait of Panama as opened to navigation in
1914. Overnight in Valparaíso. (Breakfast)
Day 5: Drive through the Coast
Today you can drive along the
coast and explore some of the most traditional beach town in Chile,
including Viña del Mar and Con Con. Maybe you want to explore the nearby
old whale processing factory in Quintay or visit the house of Pablo
Neruda (Literature Nobel Prize winner) in Isla Negra with its beautiful
collections (Closed on Mondays). There are some amazing wineries that
specialize in whites in the Casablanca valley. Overnight in Valparaíso.
(Breakfast)
Day 6: Termas de Jahuel (260 km / 160 mi)
Today you will leave the coast
to start climbing up the Andes Mountain Range. You will drive towards
the city of San Felipe. Here you will start seeing some of the
traditional country side houses that were built in one of Chile’s first
developed agricultural areas.
Then at 1180 m / 3900 ft and only 14 km / 9 mi Northeast of San Felipe
you will find the amazing spa and health service of Alto Jahuel.
Overnight in Alto Jahuel. (Breakfast)
Day 7: Santiago (100 km / 62 mi)
Today you will drive back to
the airport to hand back your car. Transfer SIB back to Hotel Diego Del
Armagro. Overnight Santiago. (Breakfast)
Day 8: Depart Santiago (B)
After breakfast, transfer back to the airport
for your flight home
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