World-class Carménère — Chile's finest wine valley
For lovers of full-bodied, high-end red wines, the Colchagua and Cachapoal valleys represent the pinnacle of Chilean viticulture. Located south of Santiago — about 3 hours by car — these valleys produce the most awarded and recognized Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec in Chile and South America.
Colchagua Valley is the world epicenter of Carménère, the grape that nearly disappeared in Europe and found its new home in Chile. Discovered only in the 1990s among Chilean vineyards, Colchagua's Carménère is today one of the most sought-after wines by international sommeliers and collectors, with notes of red bell pepper, blackberry, and spices. Visiting Colchagua's wineries means understanding the history of this magical grape that only Chile can produce well.
Alto Cachapoal offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Chilean wine tourism: high-altitude vineyards surrounded by the Andes in the form of a natural amphitheater. The region's wineries — such as Altair, Totihue, and other luxury estates — produce wines of unique expression, with exceptional concentration and complexity. A visit here is reserved for the most discerning wine lovers.
Since this is an expedition to more distant valleys, this tour is arranged in advance with personalized planning. With groups of maximum 8 people and a Brazilian guide in Portuguese, Escapada Tours Chile ensures comfort and total immersion in Chilean wine culture. The company has operated in Chile since 2015 with over 26 years of tourism experience.
This tour is ideal for those who already know the valleys closer to Santiago and want to go deeper into Chile's high-end wine production. An experience to keep in memory — and in the cellar.
Carménère – Chile's iconic grape
Award-winning premium wineries
Andean landscape of Alto Cachapoal
“Our first outing was a gastronomic experience in the mountains at sunset… Sebastian simply perfect, wonderful food rich in Chilean culture, artistic touches and explanations of everything, then a final stop to watch the sunset and sip a delicious sparkling wine… Our third tour was Pablo Neruda's beach house and Algarrobo… they took us to wonderful little-known spots… Worth 1000% of the investment.”
Translated from Portuguese
“First we did the Cajón del Maipo – El Yeso reservoir tour with the Gourmet Picnic… incredible views, explanations about the place and, of course, the most amazing picnic we've ever eaten. … I'd told them I'm vegetarian and they prepared something special for me with the utmost care… Our second tour was to two vineyards in the Maipo Valley… we tasted wines and had time to shop.”
Translated from Portuguese
“We went to the Marin winery and to Tricao Park — great, enriching experiences. Everything went very smoothly; I highly recommend the agency!”
Translated from Portuguese
Carménère is a French-origin grape that nearly disappeared in Europe. In Chile, it was rediscovered in the 1990s and is now considered the country's signature grape. It produces wines with notes of red bell pepper, blackberry, and spices, with velvety tannins.
Colchagua is more famous for Carménère and has more internationally known wineries, such as Montes and Casa Lapostolle. Cachapoal (especially Alto Cachapoal) is more exclusive, with luxury estates and high-altitude vineyards, ideal for ultra-premium wines.
Colchagua and Cachapoal valleys are about 3 hours south of Santiago. This is therefore a full-day tour, with an early departure and return in the evening.
Some of the wineries that can be visited in Colchagua and Cachapoal include Montes, Casa Lapostolle, Viu Manent, Altair, and other prestigious estates. The choice is personalized according to your profile.
Yes! As with all our wine tourism tours, our guide speaks with the group before the outing to understand preferences and recommend the best winery or combination.
This tour is primarily recommended for those who already have some wine tourism experience and want to explore Chile's high-end wines. Our guide adapts explanations to the group's level.
Yes, the tour operates year-round. The harvest season (March–April) is a particularly interesting time to visit the wineries, when the harvest is underway and vineyard activity is intense.
Maximum of 8 people per group, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience, ideal for making the most of the winery visits.
Check availability
Contact us for a personalized quote.
R$500/person (4+, 1 winery) / R$700/person (4+, 2 wineries) / R$2,000 (up to 3p, 1 winery) / R$2,800 (up to 3p, 2 wineries)
Limited spots — groups fill up fast during high season
⚡ Quick reply in English
No commitment · Ask us anything
Tour code: EN-003
📖 Read the full guide: Chile's Premium Wine Tour: Colchagua & Cachapoal Valleys
From Pacific to Andes — a valley combining power and freshness
Escapada Tours Chile
Professional guides · 26 years
Answer the questions on the left to filter tours and packages.