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Apr 30
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Chile & Argentina Wine Tours

Chile & Argentina Wine Tours: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

By Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

A guide to South America’s most extraordinary wine destinations — and why experiencing Chile & Argentina wine together is a journey unlike anything else in the wine world

If you’ve been drinking South American wine for any length of time, you already know the names: Mendoza. Malbec. Casablanca Valley. Colchagua. But knowing them from a wine list and knowing them from the place they come from are two entirely different experiences — and the gap between those two versions of understanding is exactly what a wine tour of Chile and Argentina is designed to close.

Chile & Argentina Wine 2Why Chile and Argentina Together?

The obvious question is why combine two countries rather than focusing on one. The answer is geography, contrast, and one of the most spectacular travel experiences available anywhere on earth: crossing the Andes.

Chile and Argentina share the longest mountain border in the world, and yet the wine cultures on either side of the Andes are remarkably different. Chile is coastal-influenced — wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, its wine valleys benefit from cool marine breezes and a climate that produces wines of notable freshness and precision. Argentina is continental — high-altitude desert country on the eastern side of the Andes, where the thin air and intense sun create conditions that produce some of the most concentrated, powerful wines in the world.

Tasting the two side by side, in the places where they’re made, with the people who made them, is an education that no amount of reading or tasting at home can replicate. The contrast is instructive, the journey between them is extraordinary, and together they represent one of the most diverse wine experiences available on a single trip.

The flight between Santiago and Mendoza takes just forty minutes and offers some of the most scenic, jaw-dropping views in the world — the Andes passing below at close range, the continent’s highest peak visible from the window. It is, genuinely, a highlight of the trip in its own right.

Chile’s Wine Regions: What to Know

The Casablanca Valley

Chile’s Casablanca Valley produces notable white wines including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, with both modern facilities and traditional clay vessel production methods still in use at some estates. Located between Santiago and the coast, the valley benefits from morning fog rolling in off the Pacific, which moderates temperatures and creates ideal conditions for aromatic white wines and Pinot Noir.

The Casablanca Valley is where Chile’s white wine revolution began in the 1980s, and it remains the benchmark for Chilean whites. If you’ve been drinking Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, there’s a good chance it came from here.

The Colchagua Valley

The Colchagua Valley in Chile is marked by the magnificent Cordillera de los Andes, showcasing a temperate region with a Mediterranean climate where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère thrive. This is Chile’s most acclaimed red wine region — often compared to Napa Valley in its concentration of prestigious estates and the quality of its flagship wines.

Carménère deserves particular attention here. A grape variety thought to be extinct after the phylloxera epidemic devastated European vineyards in the 19th century, Carménère was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s, where it had been growing for generations under the mistaken belief that it was Merlot. Chile is now its primary home in the world, and tasting it in Colchagua — where the warm days and cool nights produce its most expressive version — is something no wine lover should miss.

The Aconcagua Valley

Located north of Santiago, the Aconcagua Valley is named for the Andes peak that towers over it — at 6,961 meters, the highest mountain outside Asia. The valley produces powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and is home to some of Chile’s most innovative winemakers, who have been pushing toward cooler sub-appellations closer to the coast. This is less-visited wine country, which means winery access tends to be more intimate and personal than in the more tourist-developed regions to the south.

Chile & ArgentinaSantiago and Valparaíso

Santiago is one of the great cities of South America, with breathtaking surroundings framed by the Andes mountains and wonderful museums, colorful colonial architecture, and delicious food and wine. The nearby port city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with steep, labyrinthine streets and colorful architecture, is a natural complement to wine country and one of the most visually distinctive cities in the Americas.

Argentina’s Wine Regions: What to Know

Mendoza

Argentina’s Mendoza region is the country’s premier wine destination, producing world-class reds like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat, as well as the signature white Torrontés. The city of Mendoza itself is one of the most livable and pleasant in South America — tree-lined avenues leading to sunny plazas, a pace that slows to match wine-country living.

The Mendoza wine region is divided into several distinct sub-zones:

Luján de Cuyo is considered the cradle of Argentine Malbec, where the first vines were planted by Jesuits in the mid-16th century and where altitude, intense sunlight, and the cooling effect of air descending from the Andes combine to create ideal conditions for the grape. Some of Argentina’s most celebrated estates are here.

The Uco Valley, located approximately 90 minutes south of Mendoza city and formed by the drainage network of the Tunuyan River, is protected by the striking Cordón del Plata mountain range. At higher elevations than Luján de Cuyo, the Uco Valley produces wines of notable freshness and complexity — it’s the most exciting new frontier in Argentine wine and the place where the country’s most forward-thinking winemakers are doing their best work. The region maintains consistent conditions for wine tasting throughout the year thanks to its high-altitude position.

Maipú is the most accessible sub-region, flatter and easier to navigate, and particularly well-suited to cycling between wineries — a popular and memorable way to spend a day in Mendoza wine country.

Mendoza in ArgentinaWhy Mendoza’s Malbec Is Different

Malbec originated in France’s Cahors region but found its greatest expression in Argentina — a fact that puzzled wine experts for years until the reasons became clear. The combination of high altitude (which slows ripening and preserves acidity), intense sunshine, minimal rainfall, and the cooling effect of cold Andean air after sunset creates conditions that are arguably better suited to the Malbec grape than its French homeland.

Argentina has been making wine since the 1500s and is one of the world’s largest wine producers. For most of that history, the wine was made for domestic consumption — it’s only since the 1980s that Argentine wine found the international export market. That relative lateness to the global stage means there’s still a sense of discovery here, and winemakers who are passionate about sharing what they’ve built.

Buenos Aires

Most South America wine tours include at least a day or two in Buenos Aires — and it’s worth planning time here regardless of your primary interest. The steaks are legendary, the tango is intoxicating, and the nights stretch on forever. The city’s cultural life, its neighborhoods (Palermo, San Telmo, La Boca), and its food scene are all world-class. For wine lovers, Buenos Aires also offers some of Argentina’s best restaurant wine lists, where you can taste the full range of what Mendoza and the country’s other wine regions produce.

Food in South AmericaThe Food: An Essential Part of the Journey

No wine tour of Chile and Argentina is complete without serious attention to the food — both countries have culinary cultures that are deeply intertwined with their wine traditions.

In Argentina, the asado — the traditional open-fire grill — is more than a meal. It’s a social institution. A typical Argentine asado criollo includes different kinds of meat and vegetables grilled over an open fire, empanadas to start, fresh tomato salads, and the kind of wine-pairing that makes everything make sense. The beef is extraordinary — Argentine grass-fed beef has a richness and flavor that pairs with Malbec in a way that feels almost designed. Empanadas Mendocinas (baked beef pastries) are the unofficial snack of wine country.

In Chile, the food culture is more coastal-influenced — Santiago’s markets offer an abundance of native ingredients and the seafood is some of the finest in South America, owing to the cold Humboldt Current that runs along the Pacific coast. The culinary scene in Santiago has developed significantly in recent years and is now among the most sophisticated in Latin America.

Chile and ArgentinaWhen to Go: The Best Time for a Wine Tour

The wine regions of Argentina and Chile welcome visitors from October through April, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Summer months from December to February are ideal for exploring Chile’s Casablanca Valley.

For most travelers, March and April are the most desirable months — this is harvest season in Mendoza, when the vineyards are at their most active and beautiful. Mendoza’s wineries come alive during harvest season in March and April, and visiting during the vendimia (harvest) means you may have the chance to see — or participate in — the picking and crushing that produces the wine in your glass. The Mendoza Harvest Festival in early March is one of the most celebrated events in Argentine culture.

October and November (spring in the Southern Hemisphere) are also excellent: the vines are leafing out, the weather is mild, and the tourist infrastructure is operating at full capacity without the peak-season crowds of February.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Spanish? Not at all. English is widely spoken in the wine tourism industry in both countries, and a good guide will handle all communication. That said, a few words of Spanish are always appreciated and will deepen your interactions with locals.

How physically demanding is a wine tour? Most wine tours involve light walking through vineyards and cellars — nothing strenuous. The most demanding part is typically the travel between destinations. Tasting sessions are conducted sitting down. The biggest physical challenge is pacing yourself across multiple days of excellent wine.

Can I visit both countries without flying? Yes — it’s possible to cross the Andes by road, which takes 6–8 hours but offers spectacular mountain scenery. Most tours use the 40-minute flight between Santiago and Mendoza for efficiency, but the road crossing is a memorable experience in its own right.

What’s the best way to get to Chile and Argentina from the US? Santiago (SCL) is the most common entry point, with direct flights from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Buenos Aires (EZE) also has direct service from several US cities. Flying into one and out of the other is a common and practical routing for a combined tour.

What if I’m a casual wine drinker rather than an enthusiast? South America’s wine regions welcome all levels of interest. The landscapes, the food, the culture, and the people are as compelling as the wine itself — and the wine tends to convert people who weren’t previously

Planning a Private Group Tour to Chile and Argentina

For travelers who want to go with their own group — family, friends, a wine club — a private tour offers something a scheduled group departure can’t: complete flexibility over dates and pace, and the experience of sharing the entire journey with people you chose to be there with.

A private wine tour of Chile and Argentina typically requires a minimum of 6 travelers and runs for 9 days. The journey usually begins in Santiago, moves through Chile’s wine valleys, crosses the Andes to Mendoza, and ends in Buenos Aires.

At Taste Vacations, our Chile & Argentina Wine Tour has been designed around the principle that the best wine experiences require real access — to winemakers, to cellars, to the landscape. Our guide, Lorena Gil Fin, was born in Mendoza and has spent 20 years building relationships across Argentina, Chile, and Spain. The blending course at Viña San Esteban in the Aconcagua Valley — where your group works with winemaker María José to blend your own cuvée from component varietals — is one of those experiences that changes how you taste wine for the rest of your life. The tour runs on your dates, with your group, at $5,950 per person for 9 days across both countries.

Apr 14
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Tuscany in September

Tuscany in September Feels Like a Secret

By Taste Vacations No Comments

There’s a version of Tuscany that many travelers never find. Most people know a lot about Tuscany. But here’s what it actually feels like to be there in September.

The cypress-lined road climbing to a farmhouse. The vineyard at golden hour. The hilltop town with the view that makes you put your phone down. These images exist because they’re real — Tuscany is genuinely, unreasonably beautiful — but they’ve been photographed so many times that somewhere along the way they stopped feeling like a place and started feeling like a screensaver.

We’d like to offer you a different Tuscany. Not a hidden one — there are no secrets in a region this beloved. But a version that most travelers miss because they visit at another time, in a different way, or in the wrong company.

September Is When Tuscany Becomes Itself Again

The busloads thin in September. The French families and the American honeymooners and the tour groups counting heads have largely gone home. And what’s left is something the summer crowds inadvertently concealed: a region that is genuinely, quietly alive in a way that has nothing to do with tourism.

September is harvest season. The vineyards that looked like pastoral decoration all summer are suddenly the center of everything. Families are out in the rows. The air near the wineries carries something you can’t quite describe — fermentation starting somewhere nearby, earth and grape and something almost sweet. The people you encounter at the cellars aren’t in hospitality mode. They’re in the middle of the most important weeks of their year, and when they pour you a glass and tell you about what’s coming, they mean it.

The olive trees are still silver-green in the slanted afternoon light, a few weeks from their own harvest. The sunflower fields are done, their stalks dried and leaning, but the landscape they leave behind is its own kind of beauty — more austere, more honest. The tomatoes at the farm stands are extraordinary. The pecorino is at its best.

This is Tuscany operating at full capacity, for itself, for reasons that have nothing to do with your visit. You just get to be in the middle of it.

The Villages That Don’t Need Your Attention

TuscanyA lot of Tuscany’s famous towns have learned, over centuries, how to handle tourists. San Gimignano is magnificent — the medieval towers rising above the valley are genuinely astonishing — but the main street knows exactly what it’s doing. The gelaterias are optimized. The souvenir economy is finely tuned.

This isn’t a criticism. It’s just useful to know that the more famous a Tuscan town is, the more it has organized itself around the experience of being visited.

What’s interesting is how many towns haven’t. Radda in Chianti, perched on its ridge with archaeological traces going back 4,000 years, feels like a village that would exist in exactly this form regardless of whether you showed up. Montepulciano — steep and beautiful — is famous for its wine but not famous for being famous, which is a meaningful distinction. Spello, officially one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and largely unknown to anyone without a reason to be looking for it, has cobblestones worn smooth by genuine centuries of use, not footfall optimization.

The feeling of walking through these places is different. You’re not being managed. The bar in the piazza was there for the locals before you arrived and will be there after you leave. The man arguing about football at the corner table is not a performance.

What the Food Is Actually Doing

Tuscan food has a reputation for simplicity that is sometimes used to undersell it. ‘Simple ingredients, simply prepared’ — which is true, but misses why it works.

What Tuscan food is actually doing is trusting its ingredients completely. The bread is unsalted and stale-looking and somehow perfect with good olive oil. The ribollita — a thick, slow-cooked bread-and-vegetable soup — is the kind of dish that would be uninspiring at a restaurant that didn’t care and transcendent at one that did. The bistecca fiorentina is just steak and fire and salt, which sounds like nothing and tastes like everything.

The truffle, though, is where the philosophy becomes almost mystical.

Tuscan truffleThe Tuscan truffle is not a garnish or an affectation. It is an underground thing found by a dog following an instinct, dug from the roots of an oak tree in a forest that looks ordinary until it isn’t. Following a truffle hunter through the woods — watching a dog work, understanding that this skill has been passed down through families, that the location of a good truffle spot is guarded like family property — changes how you feel about what ends up on your plate. It is one of the more genuinely strange and wonderful food experiences available in the world, and it happens in forests that most tourists drive past without slowing down.

Chianti from Inside a Villa

There’s something about staying in the Chianti countryside — actually staying in it, waking up to vineyards outside the window rather than a hotel room in a city — that changes your relationship with what you’re tasting.

The geography of Chianti Classico is one of the most beautiful in the wine world: the hills, the elevations, the way altitude and aspect and drainage combine to create the specific character of a Sangiovese from this valley versus the next one. None of that is abstract when you ate dinner under the pergola last night and walked through the vineyard this morning and the people who made this wine live five kilometers away.

Wine tourism, in a place like this, isn’t really tourism at all. It’s just paying attention to where you are.

The Pace That Changes You

Tuscany toastThe reason people come back from Tuscany — from a real trip in Tuscany, not a rushed one — looking subtly different isn’t the sights. It’s the pace.

Tuscany doesn’t reward hurrying. The towns are arranged on hilltops specifically to slow you down. The meals last as long as they last. The afternoon light at 4 PM, when the shadows start to go long across the fields, is doing something to your nervous system whether you intend it to or not. You stop checking the time. You order a second glass of wine because the conversation is still going. You find yourself genuinely interested in what the winemaker is saying about the difference between clay soil and limestone.

This doesn’t happen on a packed itinerary. It doesn’t happen in large groups. It happens when the travel has been designed with enough space for the place to actually reach you.

A Note on September 2026

We have one small-group departure to Tuscany this September — 7 days, a maximum of 8 travelers, starting in Florence and working through the Chianti hills, the Val d’Orcia, Cortona, and Umbria. Truffle hunting in the forest. Cooking class at a stone farmhouse. A pecorino farm in Pienza. Wineries that welcome a group of eight the way they would welcome friends.

It’s the version of Tuscany we’ve been describing. And there are a handful of spots left.

→ See the full itinerary and dates: Tuscany Food & Wine Tour, September 10–16, 2026

Mar 31
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FAQs About Taste Vacations Culinary Tours

FAQs About Taste Vacations Culinary Tours

By Beer, Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

If you’re considering a culinary tour, it’s natural to have questions—especially if you’re comparing different tour companies or wondering what the experience will actually feel like. Read on for FAQs about our culinary tours: Answers to the most frequently asked questions from travelers considering Taste Vacations.

At Taste Vacations, we believe clarity builds confidence, so we want to answer some of the most frequently asked questions travelers ask when planning a food, beer, or wine-focused trip with us.

Whether you’re curious about group size, pacing, or whether our tours are right for you, the following will help you decide if Taste Vacations is the right fit for your travel style.

What makes Taste Vacations culinary tours different?

Taste Vacations specializes in small-group culinary travel designed to feel personal, relaxed, and thoughtfully hosted. Rather than packing each day with nonstop activities, our tours focus on meaningful food and drink experiences, regional culture, and time to savor the journey.

Guests choose Taste Vacations because they want:

  • Authentic food and wine experiences rooted in place
  • Small groups that encourage connection
  • A calm, well-paced itinerary
  • Real hosts who care about the experience

Our tours are about quality, not quantity—and that difference is felt throughout the trip.

FAQs About Taste Vacations Culinary Tours

Are Taste Vacations tours good for solo travelers?

Yes. Many Taste Vacations guests travel solo and find our public tours especially welcoming. Small group sizes make it easy to connect with fellow travelers, and shared meals and experiences naturally create conversation and camaraderie.

Solo travelers often appreciate that our public tours feel inclusive without being forced, allowing relationships to form organically.

How large are the tour groups?

Taste Vacations intentionally limits group size on public tours. Smaller groups allow for:

  • Better access to guides and hosts
  • More meaningful conversations
  • Greater flexibility during the trip
  • A more relaxed overall experience

This approach also helps create groups that travel well together, enhancing the experience for everyone.

Do I need to be a food or wine expert to join a tour?

Not at all. All Taste Vacations tours (public or private) are designed for curious travelers, not experts. Whether you’re passionate about food and wine or simply enjoy learning through experience, our tours meet you where you are.

Our hosts and partners provide context and insight without overwhelming guests with technical detail.

Are Taste Vacations tours highly scheduled or rushed itineraries?

No. Pacing is a core part of our philosophy. While each tour includes thoughtfully planned food, wine, and cultural experiences, there is also time built in to relax, explore independently, or simply enjoy where you are.

This balance helps travelers feel engaged without feeling exhausted—a common concern with traditional group tours.

Is a Taste Vacations tour worth the cost?

Travelers often tell us that what makes Taste Vacations worth the investment is the overall experience: the care, the pacing, the quality of experiences, and the relationships formed along the way.

Rather than paying for volume or extras you don’t need, you’re investing in:

  • Thoughtfully curated experiences
  • Expert hosting and local insight
  • Small groups and personal attention
  • A trip that feels meaningful and memorable

FAQs About Taste Vacations Culinary Tours

Can I ask questions before booking a tour?

Absolutely. We encourage it. Planning-stage travelers often have questions they don’t see listed on a website, and we’re happy to talk things through before you commit.

Whether you’re deciding between destinations, wondering if a tour fits your travel style, or simply comparing options, our team is easy to reach and happy to help.

If these FAQs about Taste Vacations culinary tours don’t answer your questions, we’d love to hear what is important to you!

Are Taste Vacations tours right for me?

Taste Vacations tours tend to be a great fit for travelers who:

  • Love food, wine, and cultural discovery
  • Prefer small groups over large tours
  • Value pacing and flexibility
  • Want a hosted experience that still feels personal

Dreaming about a future Culinary Tour?

Taste Vacations offers a curated selection of public culinary tours in Portugal, France, Belgium, and Italy, all designed for travelers who want to experience Europe through its food and drink—without rushing or crowding.

And, we offer even more choices for private food, wine, and beer tours around the world—gather your friends and family and you pick the dates—we do the rest.

Mar 03
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Portugal hot destination

Why Portugal Is the Hottest Travel Destination

By Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

If you’re wondering why everyone seems to be falling in love with Portugal, you’re not alone — and you’re not late to the party. This magical country is having a moment, and for good reason. Here’s why Portugal is red hot and we’ll give you a recommendation on how best to enjoy it!

1. Portugal’s Natural Beauty Is Irresistible

From the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley to the rolling plains of Alentejo, Portugal packs a breathtaking variety of landscapes into a relatively small footprint. On our Portugal Wine Food Vacations, you’ll wake up to vineyard views, cruise on the Douro River, and explore historic hill towns — all woven into one immersive journey.

2. Food Is at the Heart of Everything

Portugal’s cuisine is simple, soulful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Think: grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), hearty stews, and of course, pastéis de nata. On our tour, you won’t just eat — you’ll cook alongside local chefs, learn Portuguese recipes in hands-on classes, and dine in hidden gems that only insiders know about.

3. Wine That’s World-Class (and Often Under-the-Radar)

Portugal’s wine regions are having their moment. The Douro Valley isn’t just for port — there are elegant reds, crisp whites, and boutique quintas that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations. We recommend you:

  • Visit family-run vineyards and historic wine estates

  • Taste both port and table wines

  • Learn about wine production from winemakers themselves

  • Take part in blending or cellar experiences

4. Rich Culture — Without the Overwhelming Crowds

Portugal masterfully balances its history and modernity. You’ll wander through Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods, explore Porto’s tile-clad alleys, and even step into the Roman and medieval heritage of Évora.

5. Perfect Weather, Year-Round

Whether you’re traveling in spring, summer, or fall, Portugal tends to deliver. The climate is ideal for outdoor meals, wine tasting under the sun, and exploring villages by foot. However, we recommend Spring and Fall because you’ll still get great weather, but miss the summer crowd surge.

6. Warm, Welcoming People

Portuguese hospitality is genuine and heartfelt. On the Portugal Vacation, travelers repeatedly tell us that the guide, Francisco, was a highlight — deeply knowledgeable about wine, history, and local life. Our guests also bond with each other: as one past traveler put it, “everyone became quick friends … connecting over great food, exceptional wine, and unforgettable experiences.”

Portugal isn’t just trending — it’s a destination that delivers on beauty, flavor, and soul. And there’s no better way to experience it than with a journey that’s designed to awaken all your senses. If you’re ready to explore, taste, and connect, our 2026 Public Portugal Wine Food Vacation is calling your name.

Feb 03
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Yannick

Meet Yannick de Cocquéau: The Heart (and Hop Spirit) of Our Belgium Tours

By Beer, Food, Taste Vacations No Comments

If you’re joining our Belgium Beer, Food & Walking Cultural Adventure, you’re in for a treat before the first sip is even poured. You’ll be exploring Belgium with our longtime local guide, Yannick de Cocquéau, one of the most passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun beer experts in the country.

Yannick lives in Geraardsbergen but grew up in Ghent, a city he still proudly calls home. He embodies what he calls the “Burgundian Lifestyle.” This means living life to the fullest, savoring good food, great company, and the fermented treasures Belgium is famous for. His love of gastronomy runs deep. It shows in every story he tells, every brewery he introduces, and every tasting he leads.

What makes Yannick truly exceptional is his rare combination of expertise and warmth. He’s a certified beer sommelier, has brewed his own beers, guides tasting sessions for groups, and is actively involved in multiple beer associations. He was part of the team behind the renowned Zythos Beer Festival and even organizes international beer competitions. After years in the industry, he knows every Belgian brewer personally — and more importantly, he knows the stories behind their beers, their families, and their craft.

But Yannick’s palate doesn’t end with beer. His passion originally began with wine, leading him to become a wine sommelier as well. He remains involved behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest wine competitions, making him a true “pluralist” when it comes to all things fermented. Whether it bubbles, barrels, brews, or ages, Yannick can talk about it — and make you fall in love with it, too.

He’s guided Taste Vacations guests for many, many years, and his presence is often a highlight of the entire trip. Guests consistently rave about his enthusiasm, generosity, and ability to make everyone — from total beer newbies to seasoned enthusiasts — feel welcome and included.

Here’s what past travelers have said about him:

“Yannick was very attentive to all our needs and shared his time with all – always with a smile. He was so full of knowledge about both the culture, the areas we were visiting, and history of beer. Very impressed!”

“Yannick brought so much to the table with beer knowledge, local knowledge, and extraordinary energy and patience.”

When you travel with Yannick, you don’t just taste Belgian beer — you experience Belgium through the eyes of someone who loves this country deeply and wants to share that love with every guest. With him leading the way, you’ll gain insider access, meet the brewers behind your favorite pours, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Belgium’s beer culture than you ever thought possible.

If you’re thinking about joining us in Belgium, just know: you couldn’t ask for a better guide.