When in America, vineyards are happy to offer tastings upon arrival. Only the nicest tastings and tours require a reservation. Not in Chile. Chilean government permits very little wine to be imported, so the domestic wine is taken very seriously.
We, of course, had a very American mindset of simply stopping by for a quick tasting at a few vineyards on our way to and from Valpo. Time and again, we were proved wrong.
On our way to Valpo, we finally got lucky at Vina Casa del Bosque and landed an impromptu lunch reservation! What an incredible vineyard with an amazing ceviche and the best caramelized onion jelly. You could spend a lot of time here just relaxing on their cabanas on the lawn.
We, of course, had a very American mindset of simply stopping by for a quick tasting at a few vineyards on our way to and from Valpo. Time and again, we were proved wrong.
On our way to Valpo, we finally got lucky at Vina Casa del Bosque and landed an impromptu lunch reservation! What an incredible vineyard with an amazing ceviche and the best caramelized onion jelly. You could spend a lot of time here just relaxing on their cabanas on the lawn.
Knowing better on the way back from Valpo, we made a reservation at Vina Loma Larga, which is tucked away in Casablanca's countryside. Alejandra gave us a superb tasting of their Malbec in the predominantly Sauvignon Blanc region. Due to the location of the hills surrounding the vineyard, they are the only vineyard able to produce Malbecs in the region. She gave us a great history of Valpo throughout the tasting.
Alejandra was also kind enough to make us a reservation for lunch at Macerado, with an exceptional seafood stew.
When traveling to Chilean wine country, you won't be disappointed, as long as you make a reservation.