Food and wine enthusiasts have been flocking to Chile's wine valleys for years.
It was once one of the world's best-kept secrets. However, as more and more people began to discover the wonders of Chile, its valleys became an obvious attraction.
Vineyards carpet the land sandwiched between Chile's 2,700 miles of coastline and the peaks of the Andes Mountains. The country is home to several wine-producing regions that offer up a vast selection of varietals, including vibrant reds, crisp whites and everything in between.
It's one of the most diverse wine-growing regions in the world.
The most famous of all of Chilean wines is Carmenere. The wine is a grape that went extinct in France. When it was discovered in Chile, the rebirth of a long lost varietal took place, and Chile's production began to take off with new fervor.
Visitors can use Santiago as a hub of exploration or stay within the valleys themselves.
The city's metropolitan feel and fine dining options are an ideal pairing for culinary enthusiasts. Travelers can combine strolls through the seemingly endless food market with afternoons spent in one of the nearby vineyards for wine tastings.
Santiago is even better for fans of red wines.
The Maipo Valley is the closest wine-producing region to Chile's capital city and is known for its brilliant cabernets. There are nearly 30 vineyards in the area-which should keep wine enthusiasts busy for extended periods.
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Also within driving distance of the city is the Casablanca Valley, known for its crisp whites. It's Chile's first cool-climate wine region, where early morning fog holds down temperatures and leads to afternoons of brilliant sunshine. This is an ideal climate for chardonnays and sauvignon blanc.
The Casablanca Valley also has fewer vineyards, making it an easy place to take everything in with just one or two days.
Colchagua Valley is known another valley famous for its red wines. It is located approximately 2 1/2 hours from Santiago, and the wine route here is made up of nearly 20 different wineries that can be explored on foot, by carriage or on horseback.
Colchagua Valley is also one of the most diverse regions for red varietals, with both cool and warm climate zones. Therefore, visitors can try Chile's famous Carmenere wine as well as deep cabernets, Syrah and arguably some of the best Malbecs.
No matter how long you are staying, one of the best ways to travel through the wine country is to organize a tour. There are a variety of operators to choose from that provide semi-private, group and private tours in the valleys.
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Tour operators such as Uncorked Chile or Colchauga Wine Tours can arrange transportation and activities for visitors as well as organize tastings and wine-pairing meals at local vineyards.
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