Wine Country & Coast
The central region of Chile is blessed with mild, dry, Mediterranean weather similar to California. The fertile green valleys are nestled between the Andes and coastal mountains and while mild, have four distinct seasons. Certainly some of the highlights are the seasonal produce and artisan foods (olive oil, cheeses, bread), the wine, the great Pacific Ocean, and the varied terrain (hills, foothills, headlands, beaches, and vineyards). It’s all ripe for exploration.
And as you get far from the hustle and bustle of Santiago, the pace slows down. Life in the countryside and on the coast moves to a different rhythm. It’s a place to appreciate the simplistic beauty of the wild flowers and vines. Go for a walk on the beach. Have a long lunch with a little more vino and a siesta afterwards. When the warm sun appears, soak up its energy and relish the place, moment, and life!
Ingredients
Chilean wine country extends through the Central Valley from north to south with over a dozen wine valleys and scores of micro-appellations. Today, the hallmark of Chilean wine is its incredible diversity. In wine country, vineyards can grow everything from zesty whites like Sauvignon Blanc and mineral-laden Chardonnay on the coast to more robust varieties inland like Syrah, the “native” Carmenere, and the king… Cabernet Sauvignon. In the south, lesser known varieties like Cinsault, Carignan, and Pais have emerged and Pinot from the rainy lake district is turning heads. It’s an exciting time to dive into Chilean wine and explore from tiny projects to established references, all showcasing the uniqueness of Chilean terroir. Chile is absolutely a must-visit for any wine lover.
Things We Love
Sleek Wine Lodges: The best way to immerse in wine country is by staying in it. Slow down to its pace which is dominated by the rhythms of nature. Smell the sweet Mediterranean perfume, savor the mountain views, and partake in what country life in Chile is all about. Positioned in different valleys, you can slumber throughout wine country from a couple nights in one location to going deep across several valleys. We love waking up and going for an early morning walk among the vines. Or savor your morning coffee with a view. Taste from the barrels and tanks and spend time with the winemakers. Lounge by scenic pools in the summer with a balmy breeze. Savor scrumptious meals with fresh produce that incorporate the wines. It’s truly paradise.
Valparaiso’s Historic Hills: The Unesco World Heritage site of Valparaíso with its turn-of-the-century hills is so full of color and charm. Cozy cafés and old-fashioned mom-and-pop shops mesh with cool boutiques and artist ateliers. Graffiti murals mingles with majestic Victorian mansions and a youthful, bohemian vibe, yet full of traditions, permeates the city. Ride the city’s emblematic ascensores, funicular elevators, that date back more than 100 years. Drive by busy plazas where children play and eat churros. Stop into the centuries-old market where vendors hawk the freshest daily produce, tangy goat cheese, briny olives, and lots of cheery banter. Valparaíso preserves its old school feel, and we love it..
From Mountains to Shining Sea: There are few places on the planet where you ski in the morning and sip a glass of bubbly by the sea just a couple hours later. Chile is one of them! As thin as a noodle, the widest gap between the ocean and the Andes is only around 70 miles or so, and much more narrow in various parts. We love being on the beach and seeing the jagged outline of the Andes on a clear day with the naked eye. The ultimate way to appreciate Chile’s landscape is to take a helicopter flight. Observe the azure Pacific, snowy Andes, and green-carpeted valleys in between. It’s a privileged, bewitching landscape.
and the meaningful
Hotels
Casa Higueras
Set high in the hills of Valparaíso overlooking the azure Pacific, Casa Higueras is a gorgeous renovated Victorian mansion with a bird’s eye view of the busy port and colorful hills. Inside, chic nostalgia is the style with elegantly decorated guest rooms that are luminous and look out onto the city. In the heart of the UNESCO world heritage site, everything is just a step away—restaurants, cafés, nightlife, and boutiques. It’s just as easy to stay in and ponder the picturesque port with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or go for a soak in the hot tub. As night falls, the hills twinkle like a fairyland.
Lapostolle Residence
High above the village of Apalta in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, the Clos Apalta winery has its four casitas, little villas, claiming the valley’s most prized view of the vines and Andes in the distance. An exclusive slice of paradise for wine lovers, the villas are nestled into the forested hillside in a bucolic, peaceful setting and bear names like Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Disconnect and enjoy nature. Go for a hike or bike ride on one of the many trails. Savor a visit to the gravity-flow winery buried six stories in the earth with a private tasting and visit the owner’s private wine cellar. Indulge in delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients and markedly French flair. And of course, the house wines flow like water.
Matetic La Casona
Located near the Pacific Coast coast, this colonial-style is part of the impressively sprawling Matetic Vineyards, occupying its own micro-appellation within the San Antonio Valley. The house rule is kicking back and taking life at a slower beat and savoring the sweet Mediterranean scents and sunshine. Head out to the swish modern winery at the end of the valley to taste their biodynamic wines from zesty Sauvignon Blanc to wild Syrah and earthy Pinot Noir. Dine on-site in the Equilibrio restaurant with delicious estate lamb and just-harvested-seafood from the nearby Pacific. After dinner, cuddle up under the stars by a bonfire with a glass of wine in hand.
