The Colchagua wine route in Chile which rivals Napa Bordeaux and Tuscany

When thinking of iconic wine routes, places like Napa Valley in California, Bordeaux in France, or Tuscany in Italy often top the list. However, nestled in the heart of Chile lies a gem that’s beginning to earn its place among the world’s premier wine tourism destinations: the Colchagua wine route in Chile, which rivals Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany. This valley not only offers wines of the highest quality but also an immersive experience amidst vineyards, unique landscapes, and unparalleled hospitality.

A Route with Its Own Identity: The Colchagua Wine Route

Located about two and a half hours south of Santiago, the Colchagua Wine Route is a journey that combines history, winemaking tradition, and modernity. Through towns like Santa Cruz, Apalta, Peralillo, and Lolol, visitors can explore more than a dozen wineries open to tourism, each with its own style, architecture, and oenological signature.

What sets apart South America’s Wine Route rivaling Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany is the blend of internationally renowned names with family-run and boutique projects, all committed to terroir and quality. Here, wine is lived and breathed.

Wineries Among the World’s Best

The 2024 edition of the World’s Best Vineyards once again placed Chile on the global wine map, with the Colchagua Valley playing a notable role:

1. VIK Winery – Millahue, Colchagua

This winery, which seems straight out of a science fiction movie, merges avant-garde architecture with a strong commitment to sustainability. The VIK hotel, featuring artwork in every room, and its semi-underground winery nestled among the hills, offer a luxury experience rarely seen in Latin America.

2. Montes – Apalta, Colchagua

With a history of innovation and respect for the environment, Viña Montes has been a pioneer in introducing practices like feng shui in its winery. Wines like Purple Angel and Montes Alpha M are among the most internationally awarded. The visit includes tours of its gardens, barrel rooms, and terraces with panoramic views.

3. Clos Apalta – Apalta, Colchagua

A classic of high-end Chilean wine. Owned by the Marnier Lapostolle family, this boutique winery has elevated Chilean wine to the highest levels with labels like Clos Apalta, repeatedly chosen among the world’s best wines by Wine Spectator. Its hotel, nestled among the hills, offers privacy, luxury, and a connection with the surroundings.

Beyond Wine: Comprehensive Experiences

Exploring the Colchagua Wine Route isn’t limited to wine tasting. Here, the natural environment plays a starring role. Vineyards are flanked by the Coastal Range and interior hills, creating breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. The light, the colors of the foliage, and the slow pace of rural life transform each visit into a complete sensory experience.

Additionally, many wineries offer horseback rides, electric bicycles, picnics among the vines, and local cooking workshops. All of this makes South America’s Wine Route rivaling Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany an alternative that delights not only the palate but all the senses.

World-Class Gastronomy

One of the greatest attractions of this route is its gastronomic offerings. Most wineries have restaurants that prioritize the use of local and seasonal products. Some must-visits include:

Fuegos de Apalta, at Viña Montes, featuring the cuisine of Francis Mallmann.
Milla Milla, at VIK Winery, offering an author’s menu with precise pairings.
Rayuela Wine & Grill, at Viña Viu Manent, ideal for a countryside lunch.

These establishments not only nourish the body but also enhance the Colchagua Wine Route experience.

Sleeping Among Vineyards

Unlike other destinations where accommodations are disconnected from the wine experience, in Colchagua, you can literally sleep surrounded by vines. Some of the best lodgings are:

Clos Apalta Residence: absolute luxury in Apalta.
VIK Lodge: art, design, and vineyards at your feet.
Hotel Terraviña: tradition and comfort facing the hills.
La Playa Wine Lodge: a retreat in the countryside, with a notable cellar.

All these accommodations elevate South America’s Wine Route rivaling Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany to another level.

The Santa Ana Route: Boutique Wineries Setting Trends in Colchagua

After visiting these large and famous wineries, take some time to explore, within the Colchagua Valley, the Santa Ana Route in Peralillo, which stands out for bringing together a collection of boutique wineries gaining recognition for their innovation, quality, and unique character. These small producers have focused on crafting artisanal wines with their own identity, leveraging the valley’s climatic and soil diversity.

Among the most representative names are:

Viña La Sirca: Known for its elegant and vibrant reds, where Carmenere and Syrah take center stage. Its commitment to organic practices brings freshness and authentic expression of the terroir.
Viña Clos Santa Ana: A winery with historical roots that has revived traditional techniques to produce wines with a classic profile and balanced structure, with a special focus on emblematic Chilean red varieties.
Viña Los Chanchitos: Stands out for its limited-edition wines, with a modern and expressive character. Its Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec reflect the valley’s power and sophistication.
Viña Secreta: A boutique endeavor aiming to surprise with innovative blends and highly complex wines, ideal for palates seeking new sensations.
Viña Punku: With a strong emphasis on biodynamics, this winery produces wines with marked minerality and great freshness, ideal for pairing with the rich local gastronomy.
Viña Caminomar: Focusing on small-scale productions, Caminomar stands out for its aromatic and elegant wines, made from varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, showcasing the Colchagua Valley’s versatility.

These boutique wineries complement the traditional offerings of the Colchagua Wine Route, inviting travelers to discover unique nuances and styles beyond the big brands.

When to Go and What to Expect

The region’s Mediterranean climate allows for visits throughout the year, although the peak season is between October and May. March, during the harvest, is especially attractive: wineries celebrate the harvest with festivals, concerts, grape stomping, and much more.

Moreover, many wineries offer online reservations, facilitating planning for international visitors. From family activities to romantic getaways, Colchagua has something to offer everyone.

How to Get There

From Santiago, the drive takes about 2.5 hours. There are also direct buses to Santa Cruz. Once in the valley, it’s ideal to have your own vehicle or hire specialized tours that take you through the various wineries of the Colchagua Wine Route.

A Route with International Projection

Although it still retains the air of a hidden treasure, Colchagua is already being discovered by sommeliers, critics, and discerning travelers from around the world. Its combination of tradition, innovation, and hospitality makes it a destination that rivals the great wine capitals.

South America’s Wine Route rivaling Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany is not just a tourist slogan: it’s a reality backed by awards, reviews, and, above all, the living experience of those who traverse it.