Day 1: Welcome to Santiago de Chile
Arrival to Santiago and airport meet and greet and transfer to your hotel/lodge.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Santiago de Chile city
After lunch, we pick you up to discover Chile's main city. We will visit the most important historical sites of Santiago including the downtown area surrounding the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace. We will also pass by the Mercado Central, one of Chile´s largest fresh seafood markets and take a stroll by the many bustling stalls to see the tremendous variety available from Chile´s beautiful sea.
We will visit some of the lesser know barrios of Santiago including, Republica and Concha y Toro. There will be time to walk around and take photos of the many styles of architecture from dating back to the 19th and early 20th century. Continuing through the Lastarrias neighborhood we will walk through the Parque Forestal passing by the Bellas Artes Museum. For a scenic vista of the city, we will visit the top of Cerro San Cristobal hill 600 feet above the city. During the tour you will have the option to visit one Santiago´s many excellent museums such as: The Cousino Mansion, the former home to one of Chile's wealthiest 19th century families; or, the La Chascona Museum, the former home of Pablo Neruda, Chile's most famous Nobel laureate; or, the Pre-Colombian Museum, containing one of the richest collection of Pre-Columbian culture of Latin America.
Day 3: Maipo Valley, the classic Chilean terroir
Departing Santiago at 09.00 am, we will drive south along the foothills of the Andes to the wine appellation closest to Santiago, the Maipo Valley. Named after the Maipo River, this is Chile´s most traditional wine region, home to many of Chile's famous wineries such as Concha y Toro, Cousino Macul and Santa Rita. Moreover, the excellent soil and climate condition is a perfect match for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.
An informative and fun experience is in store at our first stop in the small winery of Roberto Muñoz. Aptly named Paseos del Vino (Wine Steps), he passionately describes his artisan winemaking process where everything is done by hand.
Perez Cruz is our next stop. With its ultra-modern architecture, state-of-the art technology and their diverse soil conditions from clay texture to smooth pebbles & sand, they are producing highly acclaimed Malbec, Carmenere & Cabernet Sauvignon.
We will stop for lunch in the town of Pirque in the eclectic Septimo Cielo. Finally, we will visit the small boutique winery Aquitania where two well-known agronomists and wine makers from Bordeaux, France, Paul Pontallier (of Chateau Margaux) and Bruno Prats (former owner of Cos d'Estournel) are producing delicious wines and still labeling bottles by hand.
Day 4: Trip through the Andes mountain range
After breakfast, we departure for our scenic tour across the striking landscape of the Andes range. The high mountain peaks invite us to enter into a world of giants!
The Andes and Argentina beckon! On our breathtaking route through a gorge hugged by snow-capped mountains we may well see condors soaring against the peak of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes. On the journey we stop for lunch at the border and to view Aconcagua. As we travel away from Chile´s plains there is a dramatic change; green, tropical crops and lush vegetation give way to bare, dramatic mountains and desert scrub of cacti and acacia.
During our trip,we will appreciate the wine area of Aconcagua Valley, Chile´ s smallest wine valley but very well known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah production.
Then, we continue to the International Tunnel "Cristo Redentor", through a meandered path "The Snails of Portillo" that in only 16 Km., it rises 1000 meters and it counts on 32 curves of 180º. It is an exciting experience you can´t miss!
Once in Mendoza, a wonderful viewpoint allows us to see the Aconcagua Mt in all its splendour, which stands at 6,962 meters (22,841 ft.) above sea level. The mountains in the Andes of Mendoza are the highest in the world outside of the Himalayas.
The trip continues towards several other small mountain towns like Puente del Inca, a natural bridge where Las Cuevas river has drilled into the mountains forming this incredible natural attraction. Thermal water emerges from different areas and several pools are being used by the climbers as a free spa.
The following section of the route leads us to Uspallata, framed by mountainous landscapes with changing colours, filled with various geological formations and many tunnels on the road. The famous film "Seven years in Tibet" was filmed in this valley.
The adventure continues towards the tiny lake village of Potrerillos, where we´ll enjoy an unbeatable view of the Potrerillos dam which forms a breathtakingartificial lake.
Check IN at your hotel.
Day 5: Sightseeing around Mendoza City
Today, be ready to explore Mendoza city, visiting sites like the foundation area -known as the Old Town-, and the New City with its beautiful squares and main streets.
Day 6: Malbec Experience
Today explore the different microclimates in the region of Luján de Cuyo to better get to know Argentina´s most beloved grape - Malbec.
Our first stop will be at Bodega Dante Robino. This family company, 100% owned by Argentine shareholders, was founded 90 years ago, and it still keeps the same compromise and passion for quality as envisaged by its founders. The vision of the Squassini family is base on history, performance and strong future aspiration.
Then we continue to Bodega Renacer . The winery was built in 2004 and is under the supervision of talented winemakers: the Tuscany-born Alberto Antonini, who is considered as one of the most renowned flying winemakers from Italy, and the Mendocinean Hector Durigutti, who has an extensive knowledge about Malbec and the terroir. ¨Winemaking is really quite a simple business¨, Baron Philippe de Rothschild likes to tell visitors to his château near Bordeaux. ¨Only the first 200 years are difficult¨. However, in Bodega Renacer, this is a little different: to make the most out of those first 200 years.
Last, but not least, we break for lunch at Cava de Cano. Served in their cozy barrel cellar, we´ll savor their silky hand-crafted Syrah wine, paired by simple gourmet dishes. The appetizer course is fit for a king, with every Argentinean vegetable dish you could imagine plus a big selection of meats and cheeses. Beans, rice, squash, fruits, olives, tomatoes, salamis and sausages are just a small sample of what is served. This first course is then followed by four additional courses with two different empanadas, a beef stew, and pasta. There is no way a normal person could finish all the food that is served. Bring a camera to document this feast!
Day 7: Wine tasting in the Andes
Located an hour south of the action in Luján, the high-altitude Uco Valley has extended beyond Malbec. Many wineries are experimenting with new varietals like Cabernet, Tempranillo, and Syrah. Well inside the first mountainsides of the Andes foothills, the Uco Valley presents the highest altitudes at which wines are produced in the province of Mendoza: up to 1,400 meters above sea level. A lush agricultural valley amid a parched desert, the valley floor is dotted by almond trees and orchards. The Andes feel like they are at arm´s length.
Our first visit will be to Bodega Salentein. Respectful of the land´s vibrantly textured past, Salentein is equally inspired by the land´s remarkably promising future. It is this delicate balance of old and new- of blending the tradition of long-celebrated European winemaking methods with the bold ingenuity of the New World- that defines the Salentein style.
Then, we move towards Bodega La Azul. This is a garage operation where everything is in miniature. Hosted by one of the winemakers, we´ll taste their Cabernet and Malbec wines, which have grabbed much attention for their distinct personality and excellent value.
We continue for lunch at one of the great rising stars of the region: La Tupiña. This intimate and exclusive restaurant run by Chef Lucas Bustos invite us to live an unforgettable dining experience that put together regional recipes, products from the Uco Valley and above all, its people hospitality.
Day 8: To home
Check OUT from the hotel and transfer to Mendoza airport. Ask about optionaladd-on trips to the cosmopolitan glamour of Buenos Aires, wi ne tasting in the foothills of the Andes in Salta, to the thundering majesty of Iguazú Falls, and outdoor activities in the pristine natural beauty of Patagonia . Extra days must be arranged in advance. End of our services.
Mendoza Holidays Wine Tours has once again received an International ¨Best of Wine Tourism Award¨ (2009/2010/2011/2012) thanks to the exceptional and memorable wine tourism experience offered to clients. Great Wine Capitals Global Network. www.greatwinecapitals.com
