Wine Region: Maipo & Casablanca

Chile — The New World of Wine

Chile is the fifth-largest wine-exporting country in the world and produces some of the best wines in South America. The special thing: Chile's geographical isolation — Atacama Desert in the north, Andes in the east, Pacific in the west, ice in the south — has protected the country from the phylloxera epidemic that destroyed Europe's vineyards in the 19th century. Chilean vines grow on their own roots (ungrafted) — unique in the wine world.

Carménère — Chile's Signature Grape

The great Chilean wine story: The Carménère was considered extinct in France since the phylloxera epidemic. It wasn't until 1994 that a French oenologist discovered that vines thought to be Merlot were growing in Chile's vineyards — it was the lost Carménère! Today, it is Chile's signature grape variety: a velvety-spicy red wine with notes of black cherry, pepper, and chocolate.

The Best Wine Regions Near Santiago

• Valle del Maipo: 45 minutes south of Santiago. Chile's oldest wine region with world-class wineries like Concha y Toro (the largest winery in Latin America, tours and tastings from 18,000 CLP), Santa Rita, and Undurraga. Specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.
• Valle de Casablanca: On the way to Valparaíso, cool and Pacific-influenced. Perfect for white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay) and elegant Pinot Noir. Wineries like Kingston Family, Casas del Bosque, and Emiliana (biodynamic) offer intimate tastings with lunch.

Many wineries offer day tours from Santiago, combining wine tasting with lunch and cellar tours. Also possible individually with a rental car or through a tour agency.