Your travel specialist on: Sipping your way through Chile

Over the years I have done several trips to France, Italy, New Zealand and Australia all dedicated to the study of wine, but knew nothing about South America’s industry. Over the years I have had the pleasure of putting groups together for the purpose of studying different wines of various countries. I recently was invited by the Chilean Tourism Board to write an article on wine, and jumped at the opportunity to have expert tuition and did in fact sip my way around the country. I was in awe of the elegantly dressed women all over the country, and never did get used to the fact that they dined so late. It seemed like I was going out to dinner when I should be going to bed. I am now a fan of Malbec a great red wine and was surprised at the great selection of Chilean wine at my local supermarket.

Start in Santiago. Positioned at the foothills of the Andes, a breathtaking range of mountains, the capital city of Santiago boasts a dynamic scene that grants a bird’s eye perspective of Chilean gastronomy. Prime your palate at La Bega, Santiago’s daily market where vendors beckon you to stalls piled high with ripe persimmons and wild potatoes. Pause for a lunch of puffed up bread called sopaipillas dunked in cazuela, a hearty chicken stew. Then get a crash course in Chilean wine at Bocanariz wine bar in the historic Barrio Lastarria neighborhood. Your table is set amidst almost 400 bottles in the temperature controlled cellar where you will compare a coastal sauvignon blanc to the country’s signature red carmenere, ancient European grape that now dominates Chilean vineyards.

The Maipo Valley is the closest wine region to Santiago, almost an hour by car. The first wines were planted in 1554. They eat a lot of beef in Chile, and the steaks were outstanding. Fifty miles northwest of Santiago is the Casablanca Valley, paving an entrée into the coastal port of Valparaiso where Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are produced. I went on a private helicopter tour over the wineries and the view was breathtaking.

South of Santiago, about eighty miles, Colchagua Valley sits between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean holding the key to Chile’s big bodied reds. Wend through the area on a steam train dating back to 1923. There are thirteen wineries to tour, with wonderful restaurants.

Great food, outstanding wine, friendly people anxious to share their customs and music with a fellow wine lover. Didn’t get much free time, but did manage to buy a lovely leather handbag. Leather goods did appear to be outstanding.

Whether you are seeking a secluded respite or an all encompassing journey of Chile’s countless wine regions, we can create an unforgettable escape you’ve always imagined. Let us curate a private tasting among the vines or arrange a hot air balloon ride over the land, delivering experiences that delve deeper into the natural rewards of wine country.

Go look at the three opportunities on our website www.allhorizonstvl.com

1. Chile, wine country by private car, Offer 1220238

2. Chilean Wine & Cuisine inspired by a Masterchef, Offer 1219279

3. Signature Chile, Offer M12998

If you haven’t been to South America before, this is a good place to start with.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.