For those of us who have a thirst for adventure, legendary scenery and complex wine without the price tag, we think one country has especially emerged amongst seasoned wine travelers—Chile’s combination of favorable growing conditions, investment in modern winemaking practices, and commitment to quality has solidified its position as a go-to destination for wine lovers worldwide. But specifically, what makes this South American destination so special? Let’s look at 7 reasons to tour the Chilean Wine Region.
The Landscape is Incredibly Diverse
To begin, Chile is the second longest country in the world just behind Brazil. It spans roughly 4300 kilometers from North to South, with its widest point reaching no more than 356 km (only 112 miles!). The snow-tipped Andes Mountains dominate the landscape to the East, with the majestic Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountain Range bordering the West. To the North, you’ll find the Atacama Desert, which offers some of the clearest and driest skies in the world — a premier destination for stargazers. If you travel far to the South, you’ll eventually run into Antarctica, but not before passing through beautiful Patagonia.
There Are Over 13 Unique Wine Regions to Visit
As more and more producers from around the world become conscious of Chile’s undervalued terroir, the country has recently exploded with a number of high-quality wine producing sub-appellations. These span almost the entire length of the country, beginning as far North in Atacama as Valle Copiapo, all the way down to Valle Osorno.
Aside from a diverse array of soil compositions and microclimates, innovative producers are crafting deliciously balanced and refined white and red wines. Many of which you’ll likely already be familiar with (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay stand out particularly in quality). Chilean wines often offer excellent value for money. While they can compete in quality with wines from more established regions, they are typically more affordable, making them attractive to both casual consumers and aficionados.
The Carmenere Grape Variety Finds Its Best Expression
A grape originating from and once believed to be best suited to the terroir of Bordeaux, France, Carmenere has essentially become Chile’s premier grape variety. This luscious red grape commonly produces black and red fruit forward wines, with no shortage of veggie-esque flavors — not unlike that of green bell pepper.
The largest area of Carmenere production is concentrated throughout Chile’s Central Valley, although plantings span as far north as the Maipo Valley — near Santiago — all the way down to the Southern appellation of Valle Maule. This grape is so popular to both locals and foreigners alike that there’s actually an entire festival dedicated to its greatness during the third week of March every year in the Maule Valley.
Innovation and Investment
Over the past few decades, Chilean winemakers have increasingly invested in modern technology and techniques, leading to significant improvements in wine quality. Additionally, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable and organic practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Chile’s Geographical Location is Convenient
Chile is a convenient travel destination, but not because it’s necessarily easy to get to or navigate. Rather, it’s located near several other highly sought-after travel destinations.
For those of us looking to taste the best wines of South America, Chile’s Central Valley is also conveniently located next door to Argentina’s Mendoza wine region. If Carmenere is the Chilean Central Valley King of Grapes, Malbec is undoubtedly Mendoza’s.
On the other hand, if you’re the kind of traveler that craves unparalleled outdoor scenery and hiking, Patagonia offers some of the finest in the world.
Travel Well with Planning
Individuals and families alike who are looking to travel can enjoy touring most of Chile, although the further South you venture towards Patagonia, the more expensive things tend to get. While Chile may not be the cheapest destination in South America, it offers a range of options for travelers with different budgets. With careful planning and prioritization, it’s possible to experience the beauty and culture of Chile without breaking the bank.
The Climate is Ideal for Both Vines and Travelers
Although there is an incredible amount of geological diversity throughout the country, the best wine producing regions (Central) receive a Mediterranean climate. For the most part, one can expect long, warm sunny days, with cool and crisp evenings. Snowmelt from the Andes helps to hydrate vines during the Summer season, while Winter tends to bring more rain. Even if you travel to Chile during the Winter (which happens to be Summer in the Northern Hemisphere), the season is often referred to as a “just-so Winter” — indicating that they can be chilly, but not obnoxiously cold.
With as few as six people you can plan a private Wine Tour to Chile and Argentina! Or, check our current list of public tours that are open to everyone to see if you can grab a spot!
