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An Intimate Look at Chile’s Boutique Encierra Vineyard: A Review of the Moment Tour Tasting Icon

Imagine walking through lush vineyards, hearing fascinating stories from the vineyard’s owners, and tasting some of Chile’s finest wines—all in just about an hour. For around $40 per person, the Moment Tour Tasting Icon at Viña Encierra offers an experience that’s as personal as it is delicious. Located in the heart of the Colchagua Valley, this private tour takes you behind the scenes of a family-run winery where you’ll analyze grapes directly from the vines, learn about the winemaking process, and taste three distinctive wines.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to get into the details that large tour groups often miss—the differences between grape varieties, the stages of winemaking, and the stories from the passionate owners themselves. Plus, the tasting of Encierra Vineyard Reserve, Encierra Carmenere, and Rosé offers a real taste of the region’s quality and diversity.

One potential drawback? The tour’s duration is fairly short—around 1 hour—so if you’re hoping for an in-depth, lengthy experience, you’ll need to supplement this with a visit to other wineries. But if you’re after a genuine, personal encounter with a boutique vineyard, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic stories, high-quality wines, and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

This tour is ideal for those who value personal attention, want to learn about grape growing and wine production firsthand, and enjoy tasting thoughtfully crafted wines in a setting with stunning views. If you’re seeking a memorable, authentic experience that emphasizes quality over quantity, this is a fine choice.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour led by the owners adds a unique touch
• Hands-On Grapes: Directly analyze grapes from the vines, noting acidity, sweetness, and maturity
• Educational Journey: From grape harvest to bottling, learn each step of winemaking
• Tasting Excellence: Sample three well-regarded wines—Reserve, Carmenere, and Rosé
• Authentic Setting: Located in a boutique vineyard with stunning valley views
• Value for Money: At $40, offers a well-rounded introduction to Chilean wine

The Experience: What You Can Expect from the Moment Tour Tasting Icon

Visiting Vina Encierra: A Family’s Heritage and a Vineyard’s Charm

Your journey begins at Cañetenes de Puquillay in Peralillo, a scenic spot in the Colchagua Valley—famous for producing some of Chile’s best wines. The tour kicks off with a warm welcome from Inés, the passionate guide and host, who immediately makes you feel at home. You’ll stroll through the vineyard, learning about the different types of vines and what makes each one special.

One aspect that consistently draws praise from visitors is the opportunity to taste grapes directly from the vine. This isn’t just a photo-op; it’s a chance to notice the differences in acidity, sweetness, and ripeness firsthand. Many reviewers remark on how this sensory experience makes the rest of the tour more meaningful, as you see how the grapes develop before they become wine.

From Vineyard to Cellar: The Winemaking Process in Detail

After the vineyard walk, the tour moves into the winery, where the process of transforming grapes into wine is explained step-by-step. You’ll get to see the crushing of grapes, fermentation tanks, filtering equipment, and bottling lines—all explained clearly so that even newcomers get a sense of the craft involved. This behind-the-scenes look is particularly appreciated by those who want more than just tasting; it’s about understanding what makes Chilean wines special.

Throughout the visit, Inés shares stories about the family’s history, the vineyard’s evolution, and the philosophies guiding their winemaking. Many reviews highlight her storytelling skills, mentioning how she makes the experience lively, personable, and educational.

Tasting the Wines: A Highlight of Authentic Quality

The tasting includes three wines: the Encierra Vineyard Reserve, the Carmenere, and a Rosé. Reviewers frequently mention how these wines are of excellent quality, with many calling out their flavor profiles and balance. Several say they had previously visited larger wineries but found Encierra’s wines to be equally impressive or better—especially noting the personal touch and the care put into each bottle.

The wines are served in a relaxed setting with gorgeous views of the valley, making each sip even more enjoyable. Many guests describe the tasting as “well explained,” with the owner sharing insights about the different grapes and production techniques, enhancing the appreciation of each glass.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Part Special

Stop 1: Vina Encierra and Vineyard Tour

This initial stage is the heart of the experience. Walking through the vineyard gives you a palpable sense of place—an important aspect that many reviews praise. You’ll learn about the vineyard’s history, its connection to the region, and the differences among the vines.

What makes it stand out? Several visitors mention the beautiful landscape and panoramic views that surround the vineyard, creating a sense of tranquility and authentic charm. The visit to the family chapel, where the founder’s ashes rest, adds a personal, almost spiritual touch to the experience.

Exploring the Winemaking Process

Moving into the winery, the owner or guide explains each stage: crushing, fermentation, filtering, and bottling. This process is shown in a straightforward manner, making it accessible to all levels of wine knowledge. Many reviews highlight the clarity and enthusiasm of the guide, Inés, who makes complex concepts easy to understand.

Wine Tasting and Food Pairings

The tasting features three wines: Encierra Vineyard Reserve, Encierra Carmenere, and Rosé. Each one represents a different style and showcases the vineyard’s craftsmanship. Guests often comment on the wines’ balance and rich flavors, noting they can compare these to wines from larger, more commercial wineries.

Some reviews mention that the wines are served with small bites or tapas, adding to the experience and making it more than just a tasting. Others emphasize that the tasting is unhurried, with plenty of time for questions and conversation.

What Reviewers Say: Authentic Feedback from Past Visitors

• Many comments highlight the knowledgeable guides, especially Inés, who is described as attentive, friendly, and passionate about sharing her family’s history.
• The personalized nature of the tour is a major plus, with visitors feeling like they are part of a family, not just another tourist group.
• The quality of wines consistently receives high praise; many say they are comparable to wines from the region’s top wineries.
• The scenic views and peaceful setting add a layer of enjoyment, making this more than just a wine tasting—it’s a complete sensory experience.
• Several reviewers mention that this experience is value-packed for the price, especially considering the private setting, personal attention, and quality of wines.

Practical Considerations: What You Should Know

• Duration: The tour lasts about 1 hour, perfect for those with tight schedules or looking for a quick yet meaningful experience.
• Cost: At $40 per person, the tour offers genuine value—combining education, tasting, and scenery in a single package.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and is marketed as private, so your group will have exclusive attention.
• Booking and Cancellation: You can reserve easily with a mobile ticket, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance—great for flexible planning.
• Timing: Open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, providing ample options for scheduling.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a personal, behind-the-scenes look at Chilean wine-making without the crowds. If you enjoy authentic stories told by passionate owners, high-quality wines, and scenic vineyard walks, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small-scale, boutique wineries—where every bottle and story feels special.

The Sum Up

The Moment Tour Tasting Icon at Viña Encierra offers more than just a wine tasting; it’s a chance to connect with a family’s heritage, learn about the art and science of winemaking, and enjoy top-quality wines in a beautiful setting. At just $40, you’re getting an educational, authentic experience that emphasizes quality, personal attention, and natural beauty.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who value storytelling, a relaxed atmosphere, and a taste of true Chilean craftsmanship. If you’re looking for an intimate, memorable vineyard visit that won’t feel commercialized, Encierra delivers in every way.

FAQs

• How long does the tour last?
  The experience takes about 1 hour, making it a perfect short outing that still offers depth and insight.

• What wines will I taste?
  You will sample three wines: Encierra Vineyard Reserve, Encierra Carmenere, and Rosé.

• Is this a private tour?
  Yes, the experience is marketed as a private tour, so only your group will participate.

• What is included in the price?
  The $40 fee covers the guided visit, grape analysis from the vines, the winery tour, and the wine tastings.

• Are children or non-drinkers allowed?
  While most travelers can participate, the focus is on wine tasting; non-drinkers can still enjoy the vineyard walk and the educational parts.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

• What is the best time to visit?
  The tours operate Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and are suitable year-round, depending on weather.

• Is there transportation involved?
  The tour starts at the vineyard itself; details about transportation are not specified, but it’s best to plan accordingly.

In sum, if you’re seeking a warm welcome, authentic stories, and excellent wines in a beautifully scenic setting, this private Encierra tour offers a genuinely rewarding peek into Chile’s boutique wine scene—at a price that’s hard to beat.