Argentina and Chile Food and Wine

Itinerary Highlights

Discover Chile and Argentina through your palette by indulging in unique culinary experiences in style. Whether you are a culinary expert or an aspiring foodie, this journey will connect you through the local culture of these flavorful destinations. Make your way through the grape heartland of Casablanca and Colchagua Valley in Chile, marked by the magnificent Cordillera de los Andes (Andes Mountains), showcasing a temperate region providing an idyllic Mediterranean climate where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère thrive. The highlight of your stay will be lodging at the glass houses in Puro Vik Millahue, the perfect setting that is ripe for luxury and relaxation. Spend a night in the capital of Santiago, exploring its eclectic architecture, colorful facades and vibrant food markets. Gather an abundance of native ingredients at the market with your private guide for a cooking class later in the evening.

Take a quick flight over the blanket of mountains to Argentina's wine capital Mendoza, the star producer of Malbec. Explore small, family owned wineries to large production and modern architectural masterpieces, always surrounded by beautiful mountains, warm people and treating oneself to delicious meals and Argentine asados ("barbecue"). Once you have your fill of fine wine and meat, delve deep into the Andes mountain as you head for a night to Estancia Rancho e' Cuero, a true authentic guest ranch awaiting to enhance your off-the-beaten path experience with unparalleled hospitality and exquisite local dishes. End your stay fashionably at Buenos Aires, tasting your way through the city where chefs are wildly creative.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival to the airport, a driver will greet and transfer you west for approximately 1 hour into Casablanca Valley. The valley receives a cool oceanic breeze from the nearby Pacific Ocean that makes this terroir a perfect region for some of the best Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays and Syrahs produced in the country. We will make our way to Matetic Vineyards for check-in, a boutique biodynamic winery located in the Rosario Valley between the coastal valleys of Casablanca and San Antonio. These vineyards were planted in 1999 on the hillsides of this privileged area, making them the pioneers of cool-climate Syrah production in Chile.

After check-in, you will enjoy a complete wine experience at Matetic and discover the winery with a guided tour, where you will learn about the organic and biodynamic principles Matetic follows and how they result in the finest of wines. You will sample these delicious wines from the Corralillo and EQ lines. Lunch will be served at the restaurant on site, Equilibrio, the ideal location to sample Chile’s gastronomy. The freshest products from local producers and Matetic’s own organic garden are used to produce the finest of taste.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or enjoy one of the exciting outdoor activities offered on site to immerse yourself in nature: guided cycling, walking, trekking, horseback riding or vehicle tours at El Rosario Valley. Horseback riding and vehicle touring is subject to an additional cost. Your nights will be spent resting at La Cason, which is a fine colonial house offering 10 spacious guest rooms, swimming pool and a welcoming lounge with a fireplace, offering a truly authentic and unique experience.

Overnight at La Casona at Matetic Vineyard (Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast this morning, you will depart with your guide towards the coastal city of Valparaiso. Historically known as the main port of Chile, this magical city is known for its European architecture, steep funiculars, cobblestoned streets, street art work and clifftop homes. Valparaiso also holds a well-deserved reputation among foodies. Our first stop will be at La Sebastiana, the former home of the Noble Prize Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, which is now a museum with impressive panoramic views of Valparaiso, Vina Del Mar and the Pacific Ocean. We will then walk the upper hills, board the funicular railway and wander through the town admiring the stunning street art. We will stop for lunch at our recommended restaurant, offering a heavenly array of Pisco sours (local alcoholic drink) and fish recipes. After more time exploring the historical landmarks, we will return to Matetic Vineyard for an evening of leisure.

Overnight at La Casona at Matetic Vineyard (Breakfast and Dinner)

Enjoy your final breakfast at La Casona before your transfer to Millahue Valley (approximate drive time of 2h30m), to the impressive retreat and wine spa at Puro Vik. Ideally perched on a hilltop in the middle of this most picturesque valley, with the Andes Mountains in the distance, Puro Vik is a collection of glass houses that hang from the steep hills just below the vineyards of Vik Chile. The vineyard is located on over 4,300 hectares of magnificent Chilean nature with a unique biodiversity. Chief Winemaker Cristian Vallejo oversees VIK's viticulture and viniculture, ensuring grapes are harvested by hand and fermentation occurs naturally with no added yeasts. Wines are aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels.

Upon arrival, enjoy a gourmet three-course meal in the vineyard’s Pavillion restaurant, prepared with fresh and seasonal produce from VIK’s own organic culinary garden. After lunch, enjoy an exclusive tour of the outstanding winery and learn about the art of VIK’s wines through a full-on-tasting. With horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking, it is easy to be immersed in the immensity of VIK, surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, native Chilean forests and lush vegetation.

Overnight at Puro VIK (Breakfast & Lunch)

This morning after a hearty breakfast, you will be taken into the narrow Apalta Valley, an area that focuses on red wine production. Apalta wines are most often made from the classic varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah. The valley is home to Chile’s most famous producers, Montes and Casa Laspostolle. This morning, we will visit Casa Lapostolle and have the chance to taste the highly rated premium wines, such as its sister property Clos Apalta, which won the award “Wine Spectator’s 2008 Wine of the Year”. Clos Apalta has a micro-climate which is very distinct from the general climate of Chile, which could be considered semi-Mediterranean, with winter rains and a long dry summer. These weather conditions allow the grapes to reach optimum maturity.

Next we will visit Montes winery and have a fine cuisine at Fuegos de Apalta, operated by world-renowned check Francis Mallmann. Lunch will be paired with sampling the Premium and Ultra Premium wines of Montes, such as Montes Alpha, Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly and Purple Angel.

Overnight at Puro Vik (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast and check out, we will head towards Maipo Valley, the red-wine territory and landlocked cradle of Chilean wine-making traditions. Cabernet Sauvignon is the king here, as a consistent sunny climate and cool evenings make it the optimal temperature for delicious red wines. Maipo’s traditional haciendas, the sightings of huasos (Chilean cowboy) and slowpace country life, makes this region feel a world away. We will visit Haras de Pirque Winery, whose founders have excelled in blending two national passions: horses and wines. The wine cellar is in the shape of a horse-shoe; we will tour the the cellar and learn about the barrel aging process, followed by a tasting of three wines - Albaclara Sauvignon Blanc, Reserva de Propiedad and Hussonet Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva in their memorable tasting room.

Afterwards, we will visit Viña Santa Rita. First visit the historic Hacienda with its lavish gardens. The property itself had an important role in the Independence war that eventually liberated the country. Then it is time for tasting some of their premium wines, before having lunch on the property at Restaurante Doña Paula, currently part of the historic monument as it once sheltered 120 patriots in the fight for Chile’s independence over two hundred years ago. The mansion is a classic example of colonial architecture with idyllic views out over the vineyards.

After lunch, we will depart to Chile’s bustling capital, Santiago. After check-in, spend the rest of the evening at leisure or ask your Travel Designer for some city tips to explore the city on your own as well as dining at one of our top recommended restaurants.

Overnight at The Singular Boutique Hotel in Lastarria (Breakfast & Lunch)

Get to know Santiago’s foodie scene and its rich culinary traditions while visiting the historic downtown. You will learn about Santiago’s eclectic architecture, colorful facades, local characters and take a peek into the vibrant food markets. Your expert and personal guide will take you through the sprawling wholesale market, where vendors overstock their stalls with seasonal fruits, local hams, fresh cheese and mounds of colorful spices. Shop and cruise through the labyrinth-like market to get all of the ingredients necessary for your cooking class.

You will taste No.1 Chilean Classic “Italiano”, a sandwich filled with tomato, avocado and mayo, sold in a hidden food stall only known to locals. We will also travel to the city’s most loved seafood market, where fishmongers display fresh hunts straight out of the ocean and hand fillet our seafood order with exact precision. We will then visit Santiago’s best artisanal ice cream bottega for some tangy creamy flavors.

The cooking class will take place in a spacious, chic apartment with panoramic views of the city’s upscale financial district and the Andes mountain backdrop. We will cook authentic Chilean dishes with a local chef who loves sharing his passion for Chilean cuisine with travelers. All cooking classes are hands-on, using only the fresh, local ingredients brought from the market tours visited earlier in the morning. Travelers will learn about the Chile’s most authentic recipes and local dishes, as well as regional cooking techniques and how to pair such dishes with Chile’s best wines.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Santiago’s International Airport for your departing flight to Mendoza. You will be transferred from the airport in Mendoza to your hotel for check-in.

If you are open for an appetizing dinner near in the valley of Maipu, which is near the city centre of Mendoza, we recommend dining at “Casa el Enemigo”, for a fine dining experience.

Optional Route: To experience the scenery of the Andes mountains, a road transfer from Santiago to Mendoza can be arranged with stops along the way. Drive time is approximately 5-6 hours. Please ask your Travel Designer for more details on this alternative route.

Overnight at Entre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel & Spa (Breakfast & Lunch)

Passionate wine lovers and avid wine learners will enjoy delving into Mendoza's wine country to learn about grape varieties and pairing wine with food, which is Argentina's main wine-producing region. The generous soil and Mediterranean climate provide healthy vineyards loaded with grapes ripened by the ever-present sun, making it home to the Malbec.  The province is divided into three main wine producing areas: Maipu Valley, Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley. 

This morning we will visit Mendel Wines in the Lujan de Cuyo, a small estate owned by Roberto de la Mota, one of Argentina's most respected and experienced winemakers. The building is from the 1930's and the structure itself is simple and not designed to impress its visitors. As Roberto de la Mota says, "the idea is to make outstanding wine, not to have a fancy building". You will have a personal tour of the winery and finish in the tasting room to try the different lines of wine. The Unus blend is a long time favorite, which will leave a memorable taste to your palette. 

We will then continue to Bodega Matervini, a new boutique winery dedicated to experimental soils. Their founders, however, are not new to the winemaking world: Santiago Achaval and Roberto Cipresso, former founders of the acclaimed Achaval Ferrer. Today, through their new project, they aim to explore the oldest geologies of Pre-Cordillera soils and their impact on wine personality and flavors. With a very limited production of wines and concentrating on high quality, these pioneers are already making a revolution in the industry. We will visit the modern winery with a tasting of their Malbec collection and a few unique tastings, which includes a white blend of Marsanne-Roussanne. 

Located in the off the beaten path area of Las Compuertas, we will have lunch at the Riccitelli Bistró, showcasing local cuisine using products from their own garden, harvested manually by the chef, Juan Ventureyra, himself. Juan has a long history in renowned French restaurants of Michelin star. Enjoy a five-course meal where Juan will present his best creation paired with the winery's high-end wines. 

After lunch, we will end our tour at Finca La Anita, producers of high-end wines at a small scale. Experience a unique and laid-back winery, as empanadas are served outside with the fire pit lit while you chat away. At Finca La Anita, each grape is grown on estate vineyards, hand-picked, and transformed from barrel to bottle, resulting in iconic award-winning wines. Enjoy blending your own wine with the sommelier, as you pretend to be a winemaker to achieve the optimal taste to your own liking. You will then be transferred to your next hotel in the Uco Valley.

Overnight at The Vines Resort & Spa (Breakfast & Lunch)

Today we will explore Uco Valley, the gem of Argentina's wine region due to its unparalleled soil and climate conditions. Located approximately 1h30 minutes south of downtown Mendoza, the Uco Valley is formed by the drainage network of the Tunuyan River and is protected by the striking Cordon del Plata mountain range. With its impressive landscapes, it is also one of the most fertile ones. We will first visit Close de los Siete, a 1,600 acre joint wine adventure initiated a few years ago by French winemaker Michel Rolland and home to four different wineries. We will visit the different wineries and taste full body Malbecs and crispy Viogniers at Diamandes, while being mesmerized by the impressive peaks of the Cordillera Principal.

After Clos de Los Siete, we will visit Piedra Negra, famous for its Gran Malbec, which is a fine blend of Côt and Malbec. You will be welcomed with a glass of wine on their terrace before exploring the winery. One of the highlights is being able to taste wine directly from the tank! We will then head to Piedra Infinita (Altamira), for a winery visit and four-step lunch paired with wines. This is a new winery that has been awarded by Great Wine Capitals as one of the most beautiful wineries in the world. Piedra Infiinta produces small quantities of limited-edition wines of the highest quality. Sebastian Zuccardi, a third generation of Zuccardi winemakers, is in charge of creating wines that have reached a success rate of 100 points in Wine Spectator. Enjoy lunch at Piedra Infinita Cocina, which is paired with top-rated Uco wines. 

Overnight at The Vines Resort & Spa (Breakfast & Lunch)

Early in the morning, we will depart to the estancia Rancho ‘e Cuero for the most authentic Argentinian experience throughout your stay. Located deep in the Andes Mountains and 2,500 meter high, the ranch is family run by the Palma family for over 250 years. You will be welcomed as a family member while experiencing the true Mendoza ranch lifestyle. With the Andes foothills right outside your window, enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing and trekking in this vast and remote land surrounded by river valleys, meadows and jagged cliffs. Enjoy homestyle meals of local dishes and “asados” (Argentine barbecue), giving you the opportunity to dive into the essence of Argentinean culinary culture. Fresh salads and excellent wines from the Mendoza wine region will make your culinary experience at the estancia a memorable one.

Overnight at Estancia ‘e Cuero (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Mendoza airport for your departing flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the late afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, dress up for Argentina's Rojo Tango show, known as Argentina's best dancers, singers and musicians. Tango is the musical art form in Buenos Aires, originating in the 1880 ghettos, then populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. Each song has a story to tell about the city, its history and its people. In spite of its growing popularity in ghettos and brothels of the 1920s, tango rose to the salons of the upper class. In the spirit of its history,  you will be transferred to the chic Faena Hotel to witness the sultry musical art form of Argentina. Dinner at the show can be included, but we do recommend dining at a local parrilla (steakhouse) in the area of Puerto Madero for a more local and authentic experience. Transfers can be rearranged accordingly. 

Overnight at Hub Porteno (Breakfast)

Our journey begins in the Palermo residential neighborhood, with its quiet curvy streets, wonderful parks, monuments and city mansions. Today Palermo has developed new areas under popular names such as Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, where signature designers have their trendy boutiques. The area also offers an array of dining options: think chic and gourmet! Next, we will head to the posh Recoleta District. Stroll along Avenida Alvear, the most palatial street in Buenos Aires. With its elegant architecture and tree lined promenades, this distinct area was once home to the porteño aristocracy who gave it buildings such as the Pereda Palace (Brazilian Embassy), the Ortiz Basualdo Palace (French Embassy), Unzué de Casares Palace (Jockey Club) and more. We will pay a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, an amazing above-ground cemetery lined with mausoleums and statues. This is the final resting place of Eva Duarte, known as Evita, Argentine President Juan Perón’s wife and Argentina’s First Lady. Afterwards, we will visit El Pilar Church, one of the cities oldest and most beautiful churches with its wonderful woodcarvings and silver altar from Peru. The historical and financial centre of Argentine politics, referred to as “la city” by locals, is represented by the famed Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada (the presidential palace). From here the Avenida de Mayo leads to the National Congress building. The avenue is flanked by architectural gems and the historical Cafe Tortoni, a legendary coffee house that still attracts diverse crowd of intellectuals and tango aficionados.

We will head towards the banks of the river plate, Puerto Madero, once the old city docklands, which is now completed updated with modern buildings and avant-garde restaurants. Continue to San Telmo, the old quarters of the city, known for its traditional charm of colonial houses, cobblestone streets, churches, museums, antique shops and the renowned Sunday market of antiques in Plaza Dorrego. Save the last colorful visit for last, as we head to La Boca, the first port in Buenos Aires, which is inhabited by mostly Italian immigrants and gave birth to the tango. Its colorful buildings on the popular “caminito “ street give it character with roaming street dancers and souvenir shops. The area has grown as a cultural centre of artistic activities and is also popular with football (soccer) fans who visit the famous Boca Juniors Bombonera Stadium.

In the evening, you will be transferred to a beautiful private home in Barracas for an Argentine asado (‘local barbecue’). If your energy permits, visit a local milonga bar with your private guide to witness locals dancing tango at a local club.

Overnight at Hub Porteno (Breakfast & Dinner)

There is no better way to experience the essence of a city than by touring the streets and local restaurants or cafe with a local. With your expert guide (or local!), who is a both a writer and stylist in Buenos Aires, you will investigate the sleepy backstreets of Buenos Aires and unearth its most tucked away spots. Your day will be tailored based on your expectations. Whether you prefer to go shopping at the best kept secret boutique shops or explore old school cafes and traditional Argentine cuisine, your expert guide will lead the way from a non-touristy perspective, adding the perfect ending to your trip!

In the evening, you will be transferred to the international airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 11 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• The wineries in Chile and Argentina are opened year round, but the ideal time to visit is during the harvest season, where you will see and taste the best grapes and witness the actual making of wine. Otherwise, October through April are all favorable months for visiting the vineyards as these are warmer months out of the year.

• To experience the scenery of the Andes mountains, a road transfer from Santiago to Mendoza can be arranged with stops along the way. Drive time is approximately 5-6 hours. Please ask your Travel Designer for more details on this alternative route.

• Alternative wineries can be visited based on the traveler’s expectations and/or preference of wine.