Colchagua Valley Wine Tour: VIK and Montes

Explore the renowned Colchagua Valley, one of the world's premier wine destinations, known for its picturesque vineyard-covered hills, century-old vines, charming colonial estates, and cutting-edge wineries. Just a day trip from Santiago, this region has transformed over the past two decades from a tranquil farming area into one of Chile's largest and most vibrant wine-producing regions.

The unique geography of the Colchagua Valley, situated in the southern Rapel Valley, benefits from the cooling Pacific breezes and Andean winds. These natural influences create ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes, preserving acidity, and producing vibrant red wines with great freshness and aging potential. The valley is particularly known for its Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot varieties, while newer coastal plantations show promise for cool-climate white wines.

10:00 VIK Winery Tour

Begin your day at the VIK winery, located in the breathtaking Millahue Valley, known as the "Golden Place" by the indigenous Mapuche people. This estate spans 4,300 hectares of stunning Chilean wilderness, with 327 hectares dedicated to vineyards. The VIK terroir features 12 unique valleys, each with distinct microclimates and exposures, cooled by breezes from the Pacific and Andes mountains, offering complexity and variety.

Under the guidance of Chief Winemaker Cristian Vallejo, VIK ensures meticulous viticulture and viniculture practices. Grapes are hand-harvested, and natural fermentation processes are used, with aging in a mix of new and used French oak barrels.

Lunch at Fuegos de Apalta by Francis Mallmann (not included)

Savor a memorable lunch amid the vineyards at Finca de Apalta, crafted by renowned chef Francis Mallmann. Enjoy a selection of meats, fish, and vegetables cooked with various fire techniques in the restaurant's central dome. Pair your meal with an extensive selection of Montes wines and other Colchagua Valley offerings. Choose from the à la carte menu and pay for your lunch. We will handle the table reservation for you.

15:00 Montes Winery Premium Wine Tour

In the afternoon, visit Montes winery for a premium wine tour. Stroll through the scenic vineyards and tour the mystical winery where the prestigious Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly, Purple Angel, and Montes Alpha wines are produced. Explore the Barrel Room, where these exceptional wines mature to the sound of Gregorian chants. The wine tasting includes three premium wines (Montes Alpha or Outer Limits) and one Icon wine (M, Folly, or Purple Angel).