Wine & Food Getaway in Colchagua Valley: 2 Days to Savor, Toast, and Fall in Love

Before anything else, let me tell you why Colchagua Valley is such a special place.Located in central Chile, this renowned wine region is considered one of South America’s finest — and for good reason.

Its climate, with warm days and cool nights, creates the ideal conditions for slow, balanced grape ripening.The soils are diverse and well-drained, shaped by the surrounding mountains and the Tinguiririca River, giving the wines remarkable depth and complexity.

Here, red wines take center stage.Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec shine with structure, freshness, and intensity.But what’s truly beautiful is how the terroir expresses itself authentically in every glass — you can almost taste the sun, the mountain breeze, and the respect for the land.

Add to that passionate family-run projects, innovative wineries, and a local-food-driven gastronomy, and you’ve got a destination that’s simply unmissable for true wine lovers.

Day 1: Feet in the Vineyard, Soul by the Fire

We left Santiago early in the morning, that good kind of anticipation already in the air.Our first stop: Laura Hartwig, a charming boutique winery in Santa Cruz.

What I love most about this place is its welcoming atmosphere — the tour is slow-paced and thoughtful, and the carriage ride through the vineyards is simply delightful. It connects you to the land, to the rhythm of the vines.

The tasting at the end is full of personality:Try the “Laura” blend, and the Carménère, which always surprises me with its softness and spice.And don’t miss the Petit Verdot — in my opinion, one of the best in Chile: structured, elegant, and impressively deep.

From there, we headed straight to one of my all-time favorite restaurants: Fuegos de Apalta, located inside Viña Montes.Honestly, this place is a fully immersive sensory experience.

The restaurant is led by renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, known worldwide for his fire-driven philosophy and for creating soulful culinary moments that blend technique, nature, and emotion.

At the heart of the space is the fire dome, where everything is cooked using ancestral methods.Don’t miss the braised lamb or the charred corn with aioli — absolutely unforgettable.

And of course, pair it with the Montes Alpha Syrah, a wine of both power and elegance, perfectly aligned with the soul of the fire.

Late afternoon — time to unwind and enjoy one of the most charming places in the region: Vibo Wine Lodge, part of Viña Viu Manent.Cozy rooms, vineyard views, peaceful countryside silence, and that perfect chill in the air that calls for a hot bath and a glass of wine at sunset.

But the evening holds one of the most special experiences of the entire trip: dinner at the Food & Wine Studio, created by chef Pilar Rodríguez.

The dishes are thoughtfully crafted to pair with local wines, and each one tells a story.I still fondly remember the quinoa risotto with seasonal vegetables, and the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with wine and dried fig sauce.

Everything is served in a warm, welcoming dining room, with Pilar herself bringing lightness and emotion to every moment.

Day 2: Sustainability, Elegance & a Lunch with a View

Waking up at Vibo Wine Lodge is an experience in itself.Having breakfast overlooking the vineyards — with fresh fruit, artisanal breads, and freshly brewed coffee — is the kind of simple luxury that nourishes the soul.

We started the day with a visit to Viña Maquis, a winery with a beautiful sustainability-focused project and wines that truly captivate me.The soils here are influenced by two rivers that border the property, which gives the wines a distinct freshness and mineral character.

The tour is relaxed, filled with thoughtful details, and the final tasting is not to be missed.If you can, try the Maquis Franco — a refined Cabernet Franc with just the right touch of herbal notes and fine, elegant tannins.

Time to head back to Viu Manent, this time for lunch at the delightful Rayuela Wine & Grill.The atmosphere is relaxed, surrounded by greenery, with outdoor seating on sunny days.

The bife de chorizo is juicy and pairs beautifully with the Gran Reserva Malbec.And don’t skip dessert — the dulce de leche treat is the perfect sweet ending.

To close the experience, we took the Ícono Tour at Viu Manent — ideal for those who want a deeper understanding of the winery’s history and a chance to taste their most iconic wines.

The Viu 1 is a powerful, sophisticated Malbec — the perfect wine to toast the end of this unforgettable journey in style.

Returning to Santiago with a light heart, a suitcase full of wine, and a mind overflowing with beautiful memories is a true privilege.That’s the magic of Colchagua Valley — it welcomes you, captivates you, and leaves you wanting more.

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