Santa Rita Vineyard Tour with Lunch: An Authentic Taste of Chile’s Wine Heritage

If you’re craving a full day of culture, scenery, and excellent wine, this Santa Rita Vineyard tour offers a compelling blend. For around $186, you’ll spend about nine hours exploring one of Chile’s most storied wineries, located in the scenic Maipo Valley. The experience includes a guided tour of historic cellars, a guided or relaxed walk through Centennial Park, a wine tasting of some of Chile’s finest wines, and a delicious three-course Chilean meal. Plus, a visit to the Andean Museum with thousands of artifacts adds a cultural depth to the day.

What makes this tour stand out are the beautiful gardens and historic architecture, especially the Neo-Gothic Chapel, and the chance to taste premium wines — one Reserva and two Gran Reserva — which are carefully selected to showcase the winery’s best. We also appreciate that you can choose to explore on foot or on a guided bike ride, adding an element of activity and fun.

The only potential drawback? Some reviews mention that the tour can be shorter than expected, with one guest noting it was cut down from six to about four hours, and a key museum skipped without warning. This might leave those hoping for a more extensive or comprehensive experience a little disappointed.

This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking a relaxing yet engaging day amid Chile’s lush vineyards. If you’re looking for a well-rounded visit that balances scenic beauty, history, and excellent wine — with the flexibility of biking or walking — it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Historic Cellars & Legends: Learn the story of “Los 120” Patriots and visit century-old wine cellars.
Scenic Gardens & Architecture: Wander through Centennial Park and see the Neo-Gothic Chapel.
Premium Wine Tasting: Sample three high-quality wines, including Reserva and Gran Reserva varieties.
Cultural Enrichment: Explore over 3,000 artifacts at the Andean Museum.
Flexible Exploration: Choose between guided biking or walking tours of the vineyard.
Delectable Chilean Lunch: Enjoy a traditional three-course meal at the Doña Paula Restaurant.

While in Santiago Chile, here are other experiences we've covered

In-Depth Review: Santa Rita Vineyard Tour with Lunch

Setting the Scene

Starting in Santiago’s bustling Metropolitan Region, this experience whisks you away for a taste of Chile’s wine-making tradition at Santa Rita, a winery with over 135 years of history. Located in the fertile Maipo Valley, Santa Rita is famous not just for its wine but for its stunning gardens and historic buildings, which lend a sense of timelessness to your visit.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was a place that takes its history seriously — since 1974, the winery has been recognized as a Historic Monument. The grounds are sprawling, with the 40-hectare Centennial Park offering lush lawns and walking paths that invite leisurely exploration. The Neo-Gothic Chapel, a striking feature, provided a charming backdrop for photos and set the tone for the day’s cultural richness.

The Tour: Explore, Taste, Learn

The core of the experience is the guided tour of the historic cellars and vineyards**. You can opt for a bike ride, which offers the chance to feel the wind and see the landscape at a relaxed pace, or simply walk with your guide. We loved the idea of cycling through the scenic vineyards, although the tour’s logistics and timing can vary.

The highlight for many is the visit to the 120 Patriots Cellar, where a legendary story surrounds the wine and its creators. As your guide explains the significance behind this storied cellar, you gain insight into Chilean history as well as winemaking techniques passed down through generations.

A notable feature is the wine tasting session. You get to sample three premium wines — one Reserva and two Gran Reserva — which are carefully curated to showcase the winery’s highest quality offerings. These wines are often praised for their balance, depth, and smoothness. One reviewer remarked they appreciated the “good value for the price,” especially considering the quality of the wines and the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Cultural Layer: The Andean Museum

For those interested in pre-Columbian history and ethnography, the Andean Museum is a compelling stop. Housing over 3,000 artifacts, it offers a glimpse into the indigenous cultures of the Andes. We found the collection impressive for its size and diversity, adding a layer of cultural appreciation beyond just wine.

However, a caveat from a recent review is that the museum was skipped because it was closed on the day of their visit, which was disappointing. That highlights an important consideration: check the museum’s availability if it’s a key part of your plans.

While you're exploring Santiago Chile, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Meal: Chilean Cuisine at Doña Paula

After the tour and tasting, you’ll settle into the Doña Paula Restaurant, a beautifully preserved colonial house turned restaurant. The three-course Chilean lunch offers regional specialties, hearty and flavorful, perfect for unwinding after a morning of exploration. The setting, surrounded by nature, enhances the experience — food, scenery, and wine all in harmony.

The Overall Experience: Value and Authenticity

Considering the price point of $186 per person, this tour offers a good balance of value and authenticity. You’re not just paying for a quick drive-by wine tasting but for a comprehensive experience that combines history, nature, and gastronomy. The inclusion of a guided tour, bike options, wine tastings, museum visit, and a hearty meal makes it a well-rounded day.

That said, some travelers, like Ulmen, found the tour shorter than advertised, with the actual experience lasting less than six hours. If you’re expecting a longer, more in-depth visit, it’s worth noting that the tour might be more condensed than initially presented. Still, the highlights tend to make this time well spent.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers looking to deepen their appreciation of Chilean wine while enjoying scenic landscapes and cultural sites. It’s also suited for those who appreciate history and architecture or want a relaxing day with delicious food in a beautiful setting. Less fitting for travelers with mobility issues, as the tour involves walking and biking, and it might not be suitable for those seeking an extensive museum visit.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Rita Vineyard Tour delivers a rich blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and excellent wine, all wrapped into a manageable nine-hour package. It’s a great pick for travelers who want an authentic Chilean experience without the fuss. Ample opportunities for photo-taking, tasting, and learning make it a memorable day.

The inclusion of a traditional Chilean lunch and the chance to explore historic cellars elevate this beyond a simple tasting trip. While some may wish for a longer or more in-depth visit, the combination of highlights makes it a good value, especially if you want a taste of Chile’s wine heritage paired with scenic and cultural richness.

If you’re after a balanced, enjoyable, and authentic day trip that connects you with Chile’s landscape, history, and wine, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides a transfer to and from the departure point, exclusive for the group, making logistics hassle-free.

Can I choose to explore the vineyard by bike?
Absolutely. The tour offers a guided bike option for those who want a more active experience, though you can also explore on foot.

What wines will I taste?
You will enjoy a tasting of three premium wines, including one Reserva and two Gran Reserva, showcasing some of Santa Rita’s best offerings.

Is the museum visit guaranteed?
Not necessarily. One recent review mentioned the pre-Columbian museum was skipped because it was closed, so it’s worth confirming availability beforehand.

How long does the tour last?
The scheduled duration is around nine hours, but some guests have experienced shorter times, especially if parts are cut or canceled.

What’s the meal like?
You’ll enjoy a traditional three-course Chilean lunch at the Doña Paula Restaurant, which complements the day’s wine and cultural highlights.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s primarily designed for adults interested in wine and culture. The tour involves walking and biking, so it might not be the best fit for those with mobility challenges or very young children.

To sum it up, the Santa Rita Vineyard Tour with Lunch offers a well-rounded day of wine, history, and scenery. Its flexibility with walking or biking, paired with quality wines and cultural visits, makes it a compelling choice for those wanting to experience Chile’s viticultural heritage in a relaxed setting. While it might not cover every aspect extensively, it hits many high points and provides a satisfying taste of what the Maipo Valley has to offer.