What Chilean Vineyards Are a Must-See For All Wine Lovers?
You cannot overlook Chile while making a list of the best wine-producing regions of the world. Chile, a new world wine region, crafts the finest quality wines that are both herbaceous and fruit forward. Chile’s vast and diverse geography, coupled with the perfect type of climate, has been responsible for its extraordinary wines.
It’s hard not to fall in love with wines that have such distinctive flavors and set the standards for winemakers in the world. Although there is a continuous effort to extend the existing viticulture zone, the main wine producing regions stretch from Elqui Valley in the north to Malleco in the south, and from the Andes in the east to the coastal highlands of the Pacific in the west.
9 of the Best Wineries in Chile
Chile produces over 20 varieties of grapes, and is home to over 339 wineries. If you’re planning a trip to the Chilean wineries, you may find the following list helpful.
#1. Matetic Vineyards
You will love the winery’s remarkable architecture, which is one of the many things to observe on the tour. Located in the Rosario Valley, the Matetic Vineyards have adopted a completely biodynamic and organic method of farming, which produces excellent wines.
The winery also has its own on-site hotel, La-Casona.Matetic Vineyards arranges educational wine tours for visitors, who are willing to learn about the winery’s history and the various stages of winemaking while tasting the winery’s latest produces. The process of biodynamic farming that the winery has adopted for producing wines is also explained during the wine tour.
#2. Casas del Bosque
A list of Chile’s best wineries would be incomplete without a mention of the Casas del Bosque. Situated in Casablanca Valley, Casas del Bosque is one of the most prestigious wineries in Chile. In 2014, for the second year in a row, it was named the “Chilean Wine Producer of the Year†at the renowned Wine and Spirits Competition in London.
The Casas del Bosque has been around for more than two decades. During this time, The Winery Guide, Brazil had recognized it as the “Best Vineyard to Visit in Chile†in 2012. The winery also has a restaurant called Tanino, which was among the Wine Access Magazine’s Top 20 World’s Best Winery Restaurants.
#3. Concha y Toro
Concha y Toro is one of the oldest wineries in Chile, and also the region’s largest winemaker. It prides itself in producing the widely acclaimed, Casillero del Diablo.
The winery was founded by Don Melchor Santiago de Concha y Toro in 1883. Concha y Toro also produces a world renowned line of Cabernet Sauvignon, which has been named Don Melchor in honor of the founder. Concha y Toro offers wine tasting sessions to its visitors, which include a sample taste of the Casillero del Diablo.
#4. Cousiño Macul
Cousiño Macul has been standing for centuries and is well worth a visit. The winery dates back to 1865 and the building is as old as 145 years. The family that started the winery is still in charge of it . Moreover, it is where the first vineyards of Chile were planted back in 1846.
#5. William Cole Vineyards
William Cole Vineyards combines Chile’s breathtaking natural beauty with fine wine making to provide the most remarkable wine tasting experiences. Located in Chile’s picturesque Casablanca Valley, William Cole Vineyards has won a number accolades for its rich winemaking culture.
You can take a tour of its vineyards and winery before treating yourself to some of the award winning wines produced by the winery. William Cole Vineyards, with its exceptional wines, gorgeous surroundings, and personalized services is the perfect destination for any wine lover.
#6. Viu Manent Winery
Viu Manent of the Colchagua Valley is run by the Catalan family, and was built more than 80 years ago. It is best known for its unique, hand-crafted wines. Creating high-quality wines has been the focus of the family since the beginning.
They are an accomplished producer of the magnificent cool climate red and white wines. Their Secreto line is an interesting blend of a different variety of wines. However, what creates the blend is a carefully kept secret.
#7. Errázuriz
Viña Errázuriz, founded in 1870, continues to be in the hands of the members of the family that established it. It was founded by Don Maximiano Errázuriz, and is currently run by Eduardo Chadwick, a family descendant.
Errázuriz is regarded as one of Chile’s finest wine estates, having vineyards in Casablanca, Aconcagua, and the Curicó valleys. The family winery is focused on taking Chile to new heights of winemaking excellence.
It produces textured and light and wines and offers luxurious wine tasting tours, which include a trip to the underground cellars and scrumptious, four-course gourmet meals.
#8. Loma Larga
Loma Large, a family-owned winery, is a wine producing estates that successfully got back on its feet after being hit by a devastating earthquake in the year 2010. Today, it is one of Chile’s most well-known wineries, spearheading the march for international recognition.
Despite being a comparatively new player in the winemaking business, Loma Larga won the prize for, :Winery of the Year†in 2011 by Wine & Spirits magazine.
#9. Koyle Family Vineyards
The Koyle Family Vineyards, also known as Vina Koyle, is located in the rocky Los Lingues region in Alto Colchagua. The Marimon family, which is running the vineyard, has been indulged in wine-making for more than six generations and is dedicated to creating pristine and unique wine flavors.
The family chose the rocky terrains in 2006, after discovering that the rocks have a unique mineral that provides a distinct character to their wines. The slopes are also great for allowing proper drainage, which ensures deep-rooted grapevines.
Chile has a lot more for its wine-loving visitors. Before chalking out a travel plan, make sure you have done your research. Know which wineries you want to visit, and whether or not they offer wine tasting tours. Be sure to include other attractions of the region in your travel plans as well for a broader experience.
You can also have your entire trip planned by an expert, who knows Chile inside and out. Tango Tours is an expert in culinary travels, and offers exciting packages for wine tours in South America. Contact us now for more details.
