Wine Country Overview

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South of Santiago, the endless sprawling suburbs gradually melt away to reveal Chile’s most fertile region – squares of orchards, vineyards and pastures make up a blanket of greens, yellows and browns as far as the eye can see. Sip your way through the Ruta del Vino, where vineyards produce what is arguably the best red wine in South America. Nearly all vineyards offer tours and tastings of their vintages, which you can then buy at knockdown prices. Many of the larger estates also offer accommodation, often in traditional haciendas.

If you visit in March you’ll see the grapes being harvested and pressed. It is possible to take an all-inclusive tour to a vineyard Santiago, which can be a good idea if you’re short on time or Spanish skills. Otherwise, it’s far cheaper to organise transport yourself, as the vineyards themselves don’t charge. Two of the best vineyards are Viña Concha y Toro, one of the oldest in the country, and Viña Santa Inés. Both offer tours in English.

Other regional highlights include:

Pichilemu: a pretty seaside town with cheap accommodation and restaurants, and a haven for water-sports enthusiasts. It’s also a good base for exploring the little-known beaches in the area.

Sink into the Termas de Chillán hot springs to relax your muscles, after a day of skiing, horse-riding, white-water rafting, hiking or climbing in this beautiful area just west of Chillán.

Forests, waterfalls and swimming holes await the visitor in the Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas.

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