Wine, Dine, and Unwind: Exploring Chile’s Iconic Vineyards

One of the best reasons to visit Chile—along with exploring its wild places like Patagonia and the Atacama Desert—is the country’s incredible wine scene.

Chilean wine country is somewhere it is only right to indulge; where you can immerse yourself in the world of wine, sample local cuisine and relax in the stunning vineyards. It was the perfect place for me to shake off my jet lag and an even better place to wind down at the end of your trip after action packed days exploring the country.

Chilean wine country is split into several valleys, each with its own micro climate and unique terroir. There’s just so much to experience here—different regions to visit, countless wines to try, and plenty of fantastic hotels and restaurants. So, where should you go?

Colchagua Region

If you’re a red wine lover like me, Colchagua Valley is a must. It’s one of the hubs of Chilean winemaking, famous for its bold and full-bodied red wines. The warm days and cool nights make it perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Malbec, among others. But it’s not just about the wine here—you’ll find charming colonial towns, excellent restaurants, and some cool museums to explore. It was fascinating to learn about the valley’s rich history.

Clos Apalta
I stayed at Clos Apalta, just two hours south of Santiago, and couldn’t believe how quickly I’d gone from the busy capital to the peaceful, vine-covered hills. Previously home to the Marnier Lapostolle family, the estate felt like staying with family. The staff were so welcoming and made me feel instantly at home. Clos Apalta produces some of Chile’s best wines, with their 2005 vintage even named Wine of the Year.

I had a private tour of the winery with Dragan, their top sommelier. The winery design cleverly fits into the hillside sitting high on a forested slope overlooking the vineyards, and what appears as a modern marvel really is a functional wine production. Its tasting room seven floors down, and the owner’s private wine cellar visible through a glass floor beneath your feet!

My days were packed with wine tastings, vineyard tours, a trip to the local farmers’ market in Santa Cruz with Chef Leonel, followed by a cooking class. If you are feeling more active—horseback ride through the vineyards, bike the valley trails or like I did, a quick morning wander before breakfast to explore their forest trails.

Being part of the Relais & Châteaux, the food here was some of, if not the best I enjoyed on my trip. Chef Leonel’s adaptability blew me away. He crafted every meal specifically for each guest, almost like he knew what I wanted before I did. Each lunch and supper was adventurous, colourful, beautifully presented and perfectly paired with wines from the estate.

There are few places where you can be on the beach and in the mountains on the same day. With the Andes to the east, you’re just a couple of hours from some of Chiles top ski resorts, or head to Pichilemu, one of Chile’s top surf spots. Spend the morning heli-skiing, the afternoon surfing, and end your day with a glass of red in hand!

Vina Vik
Then there’s Viña Vik in the Millahue Valley—like nowhere I’ve ever been. If you love art and wine, this is your spot. Driving up a long dirt road, you catch glimpses of the bronze-roofed hotel shimmering on the hilltop, with snow-capped Andes in the background.

Each room and space here is unique and packed with artistic flair. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel like the outdoors is part of the room.

The property is home to an 11,000-acre sustainable winery producing some of Chile’s most intriguing reds. The wine flows through everything here, from the creative pairings at the Milla Milla restaurant to the wine-infused treatments at the spa (I was not quite brave enough to try their signature wine bath!). It’s the ultimate place to unplug and just soak in the experience.

So, if you are looking for a couple of nights to slow down at the end of your trip or perhaps somewhere you can ease into holiday mode after a long flight then the Chilean Wine Region is the perfect place. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a serious enthusiast the wine region promises some indulgence, adventure, and of course, unforgettable flavours.

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