By now, Chile has long been established as one of the most desirable oenophile destinations of the New World. Spanning over 600 miles down central Chile from the Elqui Valley, it benefits from an unlikely and somewhat unusual mix of microclimates. The cooling Antarctic Humbolt Current meets high and dry altitudes and low and warm valleys between the Andes and the Coastal Mountains. Combined with its diverse soil varieties, Chile’s geography creates very favorable terroirs. The result? Robust full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Syrah that melt your mouth with rich and dark notes of chocolate, fig, and black cherry. Perfect for the discerning palate.

From some of Chile’s most historic wineries to some of its most innovative, this article introduces you to the best wineries and wine regions around Santiago de Chile. As well as delving into the country’s most established regions like Maipo Valley and Colchagua Valley, we introduce you to some of its lesser-known and up-and-coming destinations like Casablanca, San Antonio, and Cachapoal Valleys. Set amongst Chile’s phenomenal mountainous landscapes, they provide the perfect setting for a refined retreat. If you would like to discover more about Chile and the wine, check out the selection of luxury Chile tours we have to offer, you will not be disappointed. 

Maipo Valley

Start your tour of Chile’s best wine regions where Chilean viticulture began almost 500 years ago, in the Maipo Valley. This beloved region stretches from the Andes foothills to the Pacific Coast of central Chile, encompassing the nation’s capital, Santiago de Chile. Its warm and dry climate enables it to produce full-bodied wines with substantial ripe tannins, coining it ‘the Bordeaux of South America’. Of the 3000 hectares of vineyards in the Maipo Valley, over half of them are dedicated to producing Cabernet Sauvignon, a rich wine with notes of fig, blackcurrant, dark cherries, chocolate, and hints of spice.

Some of Chile’s most internationally established wineries including Concha y Toro and Santa Rita are based in the Maipo Valley, both of which provide luxurious tours and tastings. At Concha y Toro, we recommend the exclusive Cellar Collection tour which invites you into the mansion of Don Melchor de Concha y Toro for a private tasting of five of his most premium wines including the revered Marques de Casa Concha Heritage and the distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor. For a more immersive Maipo Valley experience, stay in Santa Rita’s Hotel Casa Real, a regal 19th-century mansion and the founder’s former summer home,  set amongst the French landscaped gardens beside the winery.

Casablanca and Antonio Valleys

Chile is generally known for its rich reds, but Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys are distinguished as two of Chile’s best white wine regions. While Casablanca lies 40 miles west of Santiago de Chile en route to Valparaiso, San Antonio lies along the Pacific Coast a few miles south. Their coastal positions provide a cool sea breeze optimal for dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Having only cropped up in the 1980s, both valleys are relatively young compared to most of Chile’s wine regions, many of which were established in the 19th century. Of course, their youthfulness is greatly attractive to wine enthusiasts who want to be among the first to discover fresh, alternative, and up-and-coming labels.

On your tour of these regions, base yourself at Matetic, a winery at the forefront of biodynamic wine-making in Chile. Choose to luxuriate in the 19th-century Hotel La Casona or sleep under the stars in its glamping domes placed amongst the vines. During your visit, we recommend touring edgy Bodegas and Casa Marin wineries which are known for their unorthodox processes and unlikely flavors. Meanwhile, Casas del Bosque combines its prestigious wines with top-notch gastronomy to create one of Chile’s best dining experiences. 

Aconcagua Valley

Aconcagua Valley is a wine around 60 miles north of Santiago de Chile named after South America’s tallest peak which overlooks the valley from the east. Enduring four polarising seasons, the Aconcagua Valley was originally dismissed as a wine-growing region, but since the Errazuriz winery opened in the 1870s, it has become one of the four main wine regions in Chile. Its high altitude gives its terroir a distinctive edge warm air rises rapidly in the east and sucks cooler air in from the coast, efficiently moderating the air and soil temperatures and moisture levels. Like many of Chile’s wine regions, the Aconcagua Valley produces divine Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs. However, its Syrahs are particularly worth sampling. 

Start your tour of the Aconcagua Valley at the winery of its region’s founder Errazuriz. After discussing its commanding history and influence on Chile’s international reputation for wine-making, you’ll be guided through the cellars and vineyards to the impressive new Icon Winery for a three-course lunch paired with Errazuriz’s finest reserves. Afterward, head further into the Andes to discover the flavors of Vina El Escorial. Located 1,600 metres above sea level, this historic winery established in 1880 boasts the highest terroir in the Aconcagua Valley. 

Cachapoal Valley

Heading around 50 miles south of Santiago de Chile we reach the Cachapoal Valley, a lesser-known yet equally distinguished wine region. Sandwiched in between two mountain ranges, the Cachapoal Valley is sheltered from the Pacific’s cool ocean breeze, giving it a warmer Mediterannean-type terroir. Combining its mountainous backdrop with scenes of the meandering Cachapoal River and verdant valleys, Cachapoal is perhaps one of the most magical wine regions to feast your senses on. Whilst it produces some of the country’s best Cab Sav blends, Cachapoal is best known as being the only place left in the world to grow the Carménère grape variety. Originally grown in Bordeaux, it was thought to have become extinct after the phylloxera devastation until it was rediscovered in the Cachapoal Valley in 1994.

From historic estates to new boutique wineries, Cachapoal Valley promises an exciting variety of Chilean wine-tasting experiences. Ride on horseback through the valley to visit its most popular wineries and sample its most sought-after bottles at wineries including Aristos and Santa Ema. For some of the finest Carménère wines, visit Peumo’s Concha y Toro and Undurraga vineyards which have been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. Complete your trip with a stay at one of Chile’s most innovative and visually impressive wineries, VIK. The ultra-luxury VIK Chile Retreat immerses you in the region’s breathtaking landscape in a striking building featuring a floating titanium sculptural roof.

Colchagua Valley

Located around 80 miles south of Santiago, Colchagua Valley may be the furthest region to reach on our list, but it’s also one of the most desirable. Defined by its granitic soils created by the meltwater of the Andean Mountains that flows into the Tinguiririca River and moist Mediterranean climate, the wineries produce smaller grapes with a more concentrated flavor. As a result, this region claims some of the most prestigious wines in Chile such as the Clos Apalta and Altura. Its viticultural success has given Colagua Valey international acclaim despite being one of the country’s younger wine regions. For this reason, it has been pinned as the Napa Valley of Chile. Stretching 70 miles between the Coastal Mountains and the Andes, the Colchagua Valley is a vast wine region that deserves thorough exploration.

For the most refined Colchagua Valley experience, stay at the Clos Apalta Residence, a private property in Casa Lapostolle complete with its own gourmet restaurant, tasting room, and infinity pool overlooking the valley. The perfect base from which to visit the valley’s other revered wineries including the historic Neyen known for its chocolatey blends, the rustic Casa Silva winery, and Vina Montes which produces one of Chile’s top vegan wines. 

Enquire about your Chile Wine Adventure Now

Learn more about the wine regions around Santiago de Chile and how you can explore it by speaking with a dedicated luxury destination expert today by calling toll free on 1 855 217 9045 (USA/Canada) or by filling in our online contact form.