Against a backdrop of sea and mountains, the Curico valleys (Chile) contain around 50,000 acres of vineyards, with a long tradition, producing sublime wines that are triumphing at prestigious international competitions.
Wine enthusiasts from the United States, Japan, Brazil and all over Europe can vouch for the excellent wines that this region exports the world over and whose most renowned grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and, above all, Carmenère, one of the most popular in the world, since for years it was considered extinct.
Now, in addition to exporting its best vintages, the region has made wine tourism one of its top priorities. Wending it way through an idyllic setting, the Valleys of Curico Wine Route takes travellers 200km south of Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Gastronomy and history, customs and culture, combined with unique natural attractions – such as Radal Siete Tazas Nature Reserve, Tarca Lagoon or Vichuquen Lake – and its wine tradition, make for a very attractive and dynamic route on offering travellers the opportunity to visit both large industrial wineries and boutique vineyards, a synthesis of cutting-edge technology and age-old tradition.
Sixteen wineries belonging to the communes of Curico, Sagrada Familia and Molina have joined forces to open their facilities to visitors who want to get to know their beautiful vineyards and cellars, and the production and ageing process, as well as tasting the best selection of wines from the heart Chile’s wine producing region in a spectacular setting.
One of the most beautiful tracts of countryside in Chile, these valleys offer visitors a host of things to do, including a visit to the park and a colonial house of Viña Casa Donoso, the church founded by the winemaking family at Viña Mario Edwards on the banks of the River Lontue, or a day out riding through the estate of Viña Corral Victoria, to name but a few.
Located in Maule, Viña Villa Golf has a fine course, while Viña Vía Wines, at the foot of the volcano Cuenta, is set in 220 acres of olive groves.
Photo tours, animal watching, visits to stately homes or lunches paired with the most select wines are just some of the possibilities that the Curico Valley wineries – most of which have guest houses – offer to visitors bent on enjoying the region’s wines and natural heritage.
Villa Gilmore offers well-appointed accommodation with a wine-themed spa centre and gardens with autochthonous flora and fauna in which to savour its outstanding signature wines.
