The South American Wine Trail: Chile & Argentina
13 nights from $7,973pp
Lovers of fine wines, spectacular landscapes and fascinating cities will find much to delight them on this 14-day luxury tour of Chile and Argentina.
From exploring the capital cities of Santiago and Buenos Aires to cultural experiences such as gaucho culture and sensual tango, you’ll get a taste for these two iconic South American countries, separated by the majestic Andes.
But the main focus of this adventure is the wine! Explore a diverse range of landscapes, grape varietals, terroir and micro-climates, as you sip and swirl your way through the renowned wine regions of Maipo and Casablanca in Chile, and Mendoza and the Cafayate Valley in Argentina.
Highlights of our South American Wine Tour
- Guided tours around two intriguing capital cities, Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires in Argentina
- Discover two different styles of Chilean wine, with tours and tastings in the Maipo and Casablanca Valleys.
- Savour the big, bold reds of Mendoza, with tours and tastings in the historic Luján de Cuyo and innovative Uco Valley sub-regions.
- Explore spectacular landscapes and iconic Torrontés white wines from Salta and Cafayate.
- Experience the passion of tango with dinner and a tango cabaret in Buenos Aires.
- Be a gaucho for a day with a stay at the historic estancia La Bamba de Areco.
- Travel in style with upscale boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants, and excellent wine!
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago Before your City Tour
Upon arrival at Santiago Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transported to Hotel Le Rêve, a charming boutique hotel set in a historic building in the Providencia district.
Refresh after your flight, then you’ll be whisked away for a half-day tour of this cosmopolitan city, tucked in a valley and surrounded by mountains. Admire some of Santiago’s most iconic sights, including Palacio de la Moneda, Catedral Metropolitana and Mercado Centro, and ride the elevator up Cerro San Cristóbal for stunning views over the snow-capped Andes.
Day 2: Private Maipo Valley Wine Tour in Chile
Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be collected by your private driver for a full day chauffeured tour of the Maipo Valley wine region. Playfully known as the ‘Bordeaux of South America’, this is the spiritual home of Chilean wine, and location of some of its most prestigious wineries.
Set a short drive south of Santiago, the Maipo Valley is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and the country’s signature red, Carménère. You’ll visit two wineries to see how the region’s unique terroir and climate contributes to such high-quality wines, discover their winemaking techniques, and of course taste some of their superb vintages. The tour includes a vineyard lunch.
Day 3: Vineyard and Winery tour in the Casablanca Valley
Today’s wine tour will introduce you to a different side of Chilean wine. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the central valleys, the Casablanca Valley is renowned for its white wines, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, though Pinot Noir also thrives here.
Your tour takes you to one winery in the Casablanca Valley where you’ll admire the spectacular views as you tour the vineyard and winery, and savour a delicious range of wines. You’ll also visit the bohemian and colourful port city of Valparaíso for a mouth-watering seafood lunch and some free time to wander around the city’s World Heritage listed historic centre.
Day 4: From Chile to Argentina
Savour one final Chilean breakfast at your hotel before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight over the Andes to Mendoza, Argentina’s great wine capital.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and taken to your boutique hotel, Lares de Chacras, in the picturesque village of Chacras de Coria. You have the rest of the day at leisure to relax around the pool, sample some fine vintages from the wine cellar, or take a trip into bustling Mendoza city.
Day 5: Luján de Cuyo Wine Tours in Mendoza
Your first wine tour in Mendoza takes you to the highly regarded sub-region of Luján de Cuyo, just south of Mendoza city. Home to a mix of quaint, historic wineries and small, modern boutiques, the region benefits from hot, dry days and cool nights thanks to its location on the edge of the Andes.
Your private chauffeured tour takes you to two of the region’s standout wineries to learn about their winemaking techniques and sample some of their vintages. We can arrange the day around the wineries you most want to visit with options including Catena Zapata and Bodega Séptima, both renowned for their big, bold reds. You’ll also enjoy a vineyard lunch.
Day 6: Winery Tours and Tastings in Uco Valley, Mendoza
Discover a new frontier in Mendoza winemaking with a visit to the exciting sub-region of the Uco Valley, located around 90km south of Mendoza city. This high-elevation region, often referred to as the ‘Napa of the South’, has seen significant regeneration over the last 20 years. It now produces the country’s best Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs, and has put a fresh spin on high altitude Malbecs. It also features some of Mendoza’s most spectacular views.
Your private chauffeured trip includes visits to two of the region’s most prominent wineries for tours and tastings, along with a traditional vineyard lunch. We can arrange the day around wineries that suit your tastes, with options including the family-run Zuccardi and Cheval des Andes, renowned for producing the ‘Grand Cru of Andes’.
Day 7: A Day to Relax or Further Explore Mendoza
Today is yours to spend as you please. You may wish for a quiet day relaxing around the pool and wandering the picturesque village around your hotel. Alternatively, we can arrange for a trip to Mendoza city, or you may prefer to explore another of Mendoza’s sub-wine regions, such as the historic Maipú region near to Mendoza city.
Day 8: From Mendoza to Salta, Argentina
It’s time to leave Mendoza and head to the northwest of Argentina. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Salta, the historic capital of one of Argentina’s largest and most beautiful provinces.
Check into your atmospheric boutique hotel, Legado Mítico, nestled at the heart of the colonial quarter, and refresh after your journey. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to explore the city, admiring its elaborate architecture, and sampling its vibrant, festive ambiance. We can offer suggestions for a delicious evening meal.
Day 9: Roadtrip to Cafayate, Via the Calchaquí Valley
Today you’ll leave the city behind and head towards Cafayate on a road trip that is simply spectacular. Your private driver will transport you through the Calchaquí Valley, a land of red rock canyons, towering cacti and vast vineyards. As you traverse the Quebrada de las Conchas (the Shell’s Gorge), you can stop at viewpoints such as Garganta del Diablo and Anfiteatro to soak in the views and snap lots of pictures.
Your destination is Patios de Cafayate, a dreamy vineyard retreat set in a colonial hotel wrapped in beautifully manicured grounds. Check into your room, then enjoy an afternoon at leisure, unwinding by the pool, horse riding through the vines, or enjoying a tour and tasting at the hotel vineyard.
Day 10: Winery and Vineyard Tours and Tastings in Cafayate
Fuel up well at breakfast, as you prepare for a full-day chauffeured wine tour of Cafayate. This region is best known for its iconic Torrontés white wines, the only 100% Argentinian grape variety, which thrives in the region’s high altitude and hot climate.
You’ll visit two wineries to tour the vineyards, learn about the terroir and winemaking techniques, and sample some of their fine wines. Discover the region’s Malbec, Malbec Rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon, in addition to its aromatic Torrontés, while admiring more of its sublime landscapes. The tour includes a vineyard lunch.
Day 11: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Wave goodbye to the hot, dusty landscapes of northwest Argentina as you venture south to its emblematic capital, Buenos Aires. With a private driver transporting you to and from the airport and a two-hour flight time, you’ll arrive feeling suitably refreshed.
Check into your hotel, the adults-only Duque Hotel Boutique & Spa in the bohemian Palermo Soho neighbourhood and unwind with a dip in the pool or treat yourself to a little pampering in the spa.
In the evening, you have the option to experience the passion and flavour of Buenos Aires with dinner and a tango display by some of the city’s finest musicians and dancers.
Day 12: Your Tailored Tour of Buenos Aires
Discover the magic of Buenos Aires with a full-day tour around this city, famed for its boulevards and ballrooms. With a reputation as the ‘Paris of the South’, Buenos Aires combines colonial architecture and sprawling green spaces with a passion for tango, football and sizzling asados.
The tour can be adapted to the things you most wish to see and do, such as the Casa Rosada (Pink Palace), Teatro Colón and the Recoleta Cemetery, which houses the graves of many historic Argentine people including military heroes, influential politicians, past presidents and Eva Perón.
Day 13: Settle into your Relais and Châteaux Hotel
Round off your South American adventure with a day on one of Argentina’s oldest estancias. Your private driver will drive you 120km south of Buenos Aires to La Bamba de Areco. Surrounded by manicured gardens and polo fields, this Relais and Châteaux property offers a thrilling insight into gaucho culture.
After checking into your room, you’re free to explore at leisure. There are several horse-based activities on offer including horse riding, carriages rides and a visit to the polo stables, as well as birdwatching, biking, or simply relaxing around the pool.
Day 14: Relax on your Final Morning in South America
It’s the final day of your trip today, but you may have time for one final spa treatment or dip in the pool before your driver transports you to the airport for your onward journey.
Where You Could Stay in South America
Le Reve Boutique Hotel
Nestled on a quiet side street in the leafy district of Providencia, Le Rêve Boutique Hotel is an oasis of comfort and refinement.
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Lares de Chacras
Situated in the picturesque village of Chacras de Coria in the heart of Mendoza’s wine country, Lares de Chacras is a cosy and welcoming boutique hotel.
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Legado Mitico Salta
Tucked in the historic quarter of colonial Salta, Legado Mítico Salta is a boutique hotel set in a handsome townhouse.
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Patios de Cafayate
Situated amongst the El Esteco vineyards against the backdrop of the Calchaquí Valleys, Patios de Cafayate is a dazzling wine hotel set in a colonial-style mansion.
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Estancia La Bamba de Areco
Nestled amid fertile grasslands 120 kilometres from Buenos Aires, La Bamba de Areco is one of the oldest estancias in Argentina.
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We craft each itinerary just for you. Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey discovering the wines and Cities of South America.
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