After hotel pickup in Santiago, begin your journey into the lush Chilean countryside in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. Admire the gorgeously green surroundings as you approach the renowned Cousino Macul, a winery founded in 1856. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, descend into the atmospheric cellars to discover more abut the winemaking process; gain insight into the obscure materials used to construct the cellars and learn about the modern processes used to make merlot. Pleasure your palate with samples of refined wine made from locally grown grapes, then return to the minivan for the next leg of your journey.
Stop for lunch in a rustic Chilean restaurant to sample some regional specialties (own expense.) Refreshed, arrive at the 19th century Concha y Toro winery to delve deeper into its intriguing history. As Chile’s largest producer of export wines, the winery is famed for its sumptuous selection of fine wines. Wander the beautifully landscaped gardens and admire the colonial architecture of the buildings as you tour the verdant vineyards of the enclave. Conclude your tour with a sumptuous sampling session and browse the gift shop for souvenir bottles of wine before relaxing during the journey back to Santiago.
