FD Colchagua Valley (Los Maquis - Neyen) Out of Masses

The Colchagua Valley Wine Tour is a superb experience, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and world-class wines. As one of the world’s premier wine tourism destinations, the Colchagua Valley boasts beautiful vineyard-covered hills, hundred-year-old vines, enchanting colonial estate houses, and modern high-tech wineries, creating the perfect atmosphere for a day trip from Santiago.

Located in the southern half of the Rapel Valley, the Colchagua Valley has transformed over the last twenty years from a tranquil stretch of farmland to one of the largest and most active wine-producing regions in Chile. The relatively low altitude of the coastal hills allows the Pacific breeze to mingle with the Andean winds, cooling the valley and prolonging the grape maturation period. This results in excellent acidity preservation in the grapes and red wines with vibrant colors, great freshness, and outstanding aging potential. The region predominantly produces red wines, with a particular focus on Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. However, the newer vineyards closer to the coast have shown great potential for cool-climate white wines.

Itinerary Highlights

10:00 Los Maquis Winery Visit

Our tour begins with a visit to Viña Maquis, a winery with a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was owned by Jesuit priests. In the 19th century, the estate was owned by two Chilean presidents who cherished the property, hosting cabinet meetings and constructing brick bridges for their ministers, remnants of which still exist today. In 1916, the Hurtado family acquired Maquis, aiming to develop a fine wine business. The winery building, constructed in 1927, was one of the first in Chile made of concrete, designed by Ignacio Hurtado.

In 2002, after years of meticulous vineyard management, the Hurtado family built a new winery to better express the unique characteristics of their grapes. Much of the winemaking process at Maquis is done using artisanal methods, ensuring the highest quality and care. At Viña Maquis, you'll enjoy a unique experience in a beautiful setting between two rivers in the Colchagua Valley, producing world-class wines like Maquis and Calcu.

Viña Maquis has been recognized as the "Best Emerging Winery in the O'Higgins Region" and has received the "Travellers' Choice" award on Trip Advisor, making it a must-visit destination.

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

A visit to the Colchagua Valley wouldn't be complete without lunch at the heart of Finca de Apalta. Renowned chef Francis Mallmann offers a distinctive dining experience with a menu featuring meats, fish, and vegetables prepared using various fire methods. Guests can choose from an extensive wine list, including different vintages of Montes wines and other local selections. We’ll arrange a table for you to enjoy this culinary delight (lunch is à la carte and not included in the tour price).

Neyen Winery Visit

After lunch, we head to Neyen Winery, located in the easternmost part of the appellation. The vineyard's soil varies from a mix of granitic, volcanic, and stony materials at higher elevations to alluvial terraces rich in clay and sandy soils on the valley floor. These diverse conditions contribute to the exceptional quality of the grapes, which require minimal intervention due to their deep-rooted system.

The experience at Neyen begins in the historic wine cellar and includes a tour of the regenerative organic and biodynamic vineyards. You’ll learn about Viña Neyen de Apalta's history and the unique character of its 130-year-old vines. The tour also covers the different grape varieties grown here, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon used in Primus The Blend.

The visit concludes with a tasting in the oldest cellar in Apalta, where you'll sample a selection of wines that embody Neyen's philosophy of producing genuine, minimally-intervention wines with a strong sense of place.

We look forward to providing you with a unique and unforgettable experience in the Colchagua Valley.