Outings and excursions · Rancagua
The Colchagua Valley Wine Route
Photos: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Carménère, wineries open to visitors and the town of Santa Cruz as a base: a getaway among vineyards in the O'Higgins Region.
The Colchagua Valley, in the O'Higgins Region, is one of Chile's best-known wine valleys. Its climate, between the Andes and the nearby Pacific, suits grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec and, above all, Carménère, the country's signature grape.
How to explore it
The Wine Route brings together wineries that open their doors for vineyard and cellar tours and guided tastings. The town of Santa Cruz, in the heart of the valley, is the most practical base.
Beyond wine
- The Colchagua Museum, in Santa Cruz, covers the history and traditions of the area.
- Country cooking and winery restaurants round off each visit.
Tips
- Harvest time, from late summer into autumn, is the most appealing season to visit.
- Most wineries require advance booking: plan your route before you go.
- If you are tasting, plan your transport: there are tours with transfers included.
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