Colchagua Valley Wine Tour (Clos Apalta – Montes)

The Colchagua Valley is one of the world's premier wine tourism destinations, renowned for its picturesque vineyard-covered hills, historic vines, charming colonial estates, and modern, high-tech wineries. This region offers a perfect escape for a day trip from Santiago, providing an exceptional wine-tasting experience.Located in the southern part of the Rapel Valley, the Colchagua Valley has transformed over the last twenty years from a quiet agricultural area into one of Chile's largest and most dynamic wine-producing regions. The low altitude of the coastal hills allows the Pacific breeze to mingle with the Andean winds, cooling the valley and extending the grape maturation period. This climatic advantage helps preserve acidity in the grapes, resulting in red wines with excellent color, freshness, and aging potential. The valley is particularly known for producing Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, while newer vineyards near the coast show great promise for cool-climate white wines.

Itinerary Highlights

10:30 - Montes Winery Premium Wine Tour:

Begin your day with a tour of Montes Winery, where you'll walk through beautiful vineyards with stunning valley views. Explore the mystical winery where the Premium and Ultra Premium wines are crafted, including Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly, Purple Angel, and Montes Alpha. Visit the Barrel Room, where the best wines mature accompanied by Gregorian chants. The wine tasting includes three Premium wines (Montes Alpha or Outer Limits) and one Icon Montes wine (M, Folly, or Purple Angel).

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

A visit to Colchagua Valley wouldn't be complete without lunch at Finca de Apalta, amidst the vineyard's splendor. Enjoy the culinary creations of renowned chef Francis Mallmann, featuring a variety of meats, fish, and vegetables cooked using different types of fire. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list, including various vintages of Montes wines and other local selections. The menu is à la carte, and guests are responsible for their own meals. We will reserve a table for you.

15:00 - Clos Apalta Winery Visit:

Our final stop is at the Clos Apalta Winery, where you'll discover the unique role gravity plays in the gentle crafting of their iconic Clos Apalta wine and Le Petit Clos. The one-and-a-half-hour tour, available in both English and Spanish, provides an in-depth introduction to winemaking, culminating in a tasting of Le Petit Clos 2018 and Clos Apalta 2018, along with a welcome drink and bottled water.