Wine & Culinary Trip – Chile & Argentina
10 days / 9 nights
Overview
This one-of-a-kind trip takes you to the major wine areas in both Chile and Argentina. Both countries are captivating destinations for wine lovers, with an astounding range of landscapes, grape varietals and micro-climates. In Chile, we visit the best wineries of Maipo, Apalta and Colchagua valleys to enjoy premium wines and exclusive dinners. In Argentina, we visit top wine-producing areas near Mendoza city: Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, and the region of Uco Valley. Enjoy private tastings of the most limited production wines accompanied by seasonal menus from the finest Argentine chefs and the best Polo of the world. Once in Buenos Aires, you will visit the majestic Colón Theater, one of the world's top five opera houses for its acoustics, and discover its artistic history. Go backstage on a private tour and visit dressing rooms, rehearsal areas, and the stage where some of the most famous faces in music and dance have performed over the last 100 years.
This luxury trip is sure to amaze even the most well-traveled wine lovers.
One of a Kind Wine & Culinary Experience!
Memorable Moments
Impressive Wines and Spirits
- Award winning sommelier will lead visits to exclusive vineyards where guests will tour and taste specially selected vintages. (Chile and Argentina)
- Private wine tasting at Santa Rita vineyards – a Premium Chilean Wine producer. (Chile)
- Tasting at “Clos Apalta” winery. Taste specially selected vintages in the Colchagua Valley which producing Chile’s finest red wines. (Chile)
- Visit and wine tasting to “Vistalba” winery and tasting of their prized 100-point Malbec wines (Argentina’s most famous grape): Gran Reserva, Progenie I, Tomero Reserva, Tomero Gran Reserva Malbec and Vistaba Corte A. (Argentina)
- Private tasting at “Zuccardi” winery located in the Uco Valley. Taste its prized Malbec wines. Its stunning modern architecture designed to emulate the line of the Andes, it serves as a backdrop to this state-of-the-art complex. (Argentina)
- Private tasting of four exclusive ‘Sophenia” wines in the winery gardens. Synthesis Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (93 points Tim Atkin), Synthesis Malbec 2015 (97 pts. Platinum Medal Decanter World Wine Awards), Synthesis 2014 (95 pts. Platinum Best Argentine Red Blend Decanter World Wine Awards 2017) Roberto L 2014 (93 pts. Tim Atkin, Argentine Special report 2017) (Argentina)
- Technical tasting of the different cuts of “Cheval des Andes”. Then vertical tasting of 3 years of the winery in comparative form. (Argentina)
History, Culture and Art
- Meet a new generation of innovative winemakers.
- Stargaze Tour in the Chilean Wine country –clear skies and low-to-zero light pollution, make the wine country of Chile a paradise for stargazing.
- Exclusive access to the largest private International Collection of Contemporary Art in South America.
- Tango Show at the exclusive Faena Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 – Santiago de Chile – Arrival Day & Overview tour
Day 2 – Santiago de Chile – Day tour in Valparaiso and Viña del Mar
Day 3 – Wine Country (Chile)
Day 4 – Wine Country (Chile)
Day 5 – Santiago de Chile – Mendoza (Argentina)
Day 6 – Uco Valley – Mendoza Wine Country (Argentina)
Day 7 – Lujan de Cuyo & Maipu – Mendoza (Argentina)
Day 8 – Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 9 – Buenos Aires – Comprehensive Tour & Tango Show
Day 10 – Buenos Aires – Departure
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Full Itinerary
Arrive in Santiago, the lively capital of Chile, where you will be escorted from gate to customs and to our transportation. Following check-in at the hotel, you will enjoy a welcome cocktail and have time to unpack and relax. A local guide will lead a comprehensive tour of the city which will give you an in-depth view of major attractions in town, historical and residential districts.
In the evening, enjoy a private tasting of traditional Chilean drink and have dinner at one of the best ranked restaurants in Santiago.
Accommodations: The Singular Hotel
Following breakfast, check out from your hotel in Santiago and travel through wine country’s gorgeous vineyard-covered hills, on this day-trip to Maipo valley, central region of Chile.
Savor the ultimate food and wine pairings in Santa Rita vineyards and continue the drive to Viña Vik.
After check in, welcome cocktails will be served by the swimming pool followed by 4 steps- dinner at “Milla Milla” Restaurant paired with VIK wines.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodations: Viña Vik
Start your day with a complete tour of Vik’s operational winery and be treated to a V.I.P. six-barrel wine tasting. Al fresco lunch will be provided by Viña Vik culinary staff. During the warm-weather season in particular, al fresco lunches are among the most memorable experiences in this region. In the afternoon, there are countless leisure activities to appeal to cultured and adventurous travelers. From guided tours to mountain bike excursions through the vineyard and mountain trails; At around 5:00 pm, depart to visit “Viu Mannet” vineyards for a 5 course-dinner paired with Viu Mannet wines. A fantastic opportunity to pair some of the best local wines with authentic cuisine d’auteur;
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodations: Viña Vik
Following breakfast, drive through the scenic Colchagua valley to visit the best wineries of this region and taste specially selected vintages in the Colchagua Valley which producing Chile’s finest red wines. Lunch at “Fuegos de Apalta” restaurant – by Francis Mallmann: A world-famous chef born in Argentina, best known for reinventing the art of cooking over fire around the world. At dinner, dish out delectable regional cuisine using fresh ingredients from the local farms, as you learn from expert-led cooking demonstrations by local renown Chef.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodations: Viña Vik
In the morning, leave the Chilean wine region to fly to Mendoza. Upon arrival in Mendoza Airport, meet your guide and enjoy a transfer to your hotel. After check-in, join a guided tour of the VISTALBA Vineyard, one of Argentina’s most revered producers of Malbec. Discuss the influence of high altitude viticulture and regional influence while you visit Vistalba winery. Continue with a Wine Tasting will be led by Viticulturist Gustavo and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Cavas Wine Lodge
Explore the premium wine region of Mendoza: “The Uco Valley” which produces excellent Malbec, Semillon (a white) and Torrontes wines. Visit “Zuccardi Piedra Infinita” Vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting from barrels guided by our qualified staff members. Lunch will take place at “7 Fuegos” – 4 succulent courses where Chef Francis Mallmann’s famed seven cooking techniques are executed to perfection and paired with top boutique Argentine Wines; Visit and Tour of “Sophenia” Winery – Tasting of various wines from high and low
elevations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodations: Cavas Wine Lodge
Visit and wine tasting at wineries of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu region regarded for its production of Malbec, although Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin, Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah are all bottled as well; For lunch, indulge in dry-aged steaks (aged on the premises) at “Los Toneles” Winery; Celebrate the science and art of dry-aging with prime cuts that only get better with time. Dinner will be paired with best Malbec wines of this region;
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodations: Cavas Wine Lodge
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Mendoza Airport to take your flight to Buenos Aires; upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met by your guide and be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure. Dinner will be paired with wines from different regions of Argentina;
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Four Seasons Hotel
Today, explore Buenos Aires on a city tour that includes Retiro, La Boca and San Telmo districts. This is a private visit through the outstanding architecture of the city, to raise the eyes and to discover the most impressive buildings that few people know about. In the afternoon, visit the largest contemporary art collection of South America –this art collection includes cutting-edge work of artists from all of Latin America. Following dinner, guests will be transferred to the Faena Hotel to experience the best tango show of the city. Lively and ethereal, “El Cabaret” is the vibrant dance of the award-winning show “Rojo Tango”. A dazzling live orchestra, great dancers and a fine selection of local wines and cocktails;
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Four Seasons Hotel
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Driving Argentina’s wild northwest: Mendoza to Jujuy on Ruta 40
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FAQ
From September to March.
Summer, November through March is the best time to visit both wine regions of Chile and Argentina as well as both capital cities: Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires.
Our itinerary includes special premium tastings created exclusively for our clients in wineries of different styles and production size (ranging from the small family-owned boutique projects to the most reputable establishments). We will also take part in different activities that focus on a different part of the world of wine in each winery. We will always stop at one winery for a relaxed 5 course food and wine pairing lunch.
The price of the trip includes meals, wine tastings, accommodations, and excursions as indicated in the itinerary; services of the Ideas expert and local guides; ground transportation; all airport transfers; baggage handling and electronic pre-trip materials. Included meals are noted at the end of each day on our itineraries.
Anyone who follows a special diet (such as kosher or vegan) knows that sticking to your food regimen can sometimes be tricky — especially when you’re traveling overseas.
When you book a kosher tour with us, a shomer/et mitzvot will check the kitchen to make sure that all the ingredients to be used in your meals are kosher. This includes fish and meat, checking that only kosher utensils will be used when preparing and cooking your meals. These arrangements will be made before you reach your destination, and anything not available at the hotel, will be brought along with the group.
Apart from the fact that you can travel with complete peace of mind, knowing that you will have special meals provided for you that will meet your needs.
No. Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. But we would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.
Yes. All airport transfers are included in this itinerary. Our professional bilingual drivers wait for our clients at the Arrivals Gate with a sign with their name on it. We use modern cars and SUVs with air conditioning and plenty of room for luggage. This is a professional, and safe service with licensed drivers, who are committed to your personal safety and comfort.
Our clients are permanently in contact with our staff via cell phone and our instant messaging app. If for any reason, our clients don’t see their driver, they will contact their personal coordinator and he/she will assist them until they meet their designated driver.
Currently, proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test is required to enter Chile and Argentina. Given the fluidity of the situation, updated entry requirements will be provided 30 days prior to travel.
No vaccinations are needed for this itinerary.
We strongly recommend that you check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/travel) or the World Health Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your destination.
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact an Ideas Specialist for price information and availability.
Throughout all of our travel itineraries, we have built in options and free time where possible so that you can experience a place and its people in a way that’s meaningful to you. If you are interested in exploring further, many of our expeditions offer pre- or post-trip extensions.
We strongly recommend that you purchase this insurance to protect your travel investment. Travel insurance can offer financial protection for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as assistance should you encounter travel delays, baggage loss, or require medical treatment while traveling.
Information regarding any baggage weight restrictions.
After you sign up for a trip with us, you will receive several pre-trip mailings with specific information about your destination; packing suggestions, etc. You will be able to download our app and have your own password. You will have access to your itinerary, real-time flight alerts and relevant information to help you prepare for your trip.