Full Day Private Colchagua Wine Tour from Santiago

Exploring Chile’s Wine Heartland: The Full Day Private Colchagua Wine Tour from Santiago

This private tour takes you from Santiago into the lush, wine-rich Colchagua Valley, a region famous for its stunning vineyard-covered hills and old vines. For around $360 per person, you’ll spend about 11.5 hours discovering some of Chile’s most celebrated wineries, enjoying a delicious lunch, and soaking in breathtaking scenery. Led by knowledgeable guides—like Leo or Matthias, highly praised in reviews—you’ll get an insider’s look at the region’s wine-making traditions and modern innovations.

Two things we especially love: First, the variety of wineries visited—from historic estates with vines planted in 1907 to cutting-edge, organic wineries—that offer a well-rounded perspective on Chilean wine craftsmanship. Second, the personalized experience, with private tours and tastings that feel intimate and exclusive.

A potential consideration is the long drive—about 2.5 hours each way—so this isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a more relaxed, shorter day. Also, lunch is not included in the price, but arrangements at the acclaimed Fuegos de Apalta restaurant make this a culinary highlight.

This tour suits anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Chilean wine, enjoy scenic landscapes, and appreciate expert-guided tastings. It’s perfect for those who value authentic, boutique experiences over large-group tours.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience: Only your group participates, creating an intimate atmosphere.
• Expert guides: Guides like Leo and Matthias are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Diverse wineries: From historic vineyards to modern organic estates, offering a broad view of the region’s wine-making.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect rolling vineyard hills and scenic drives through the Rapel Valley.
• Tastings of top wines: Including premium selections like Gran Reserva, Clos Apalta, Neyen, and more.
• Flexible lunch option: Choice to dine at Fuegos de Apalta, with the restaurant booking handled for you.

Discovering the Colchagua Valley: A Day in Chile’s Wine Wonderland

When we think about wine regions that offer both stunning scenery and high-quality wines, Chile’s Colchagua Valley often tops the list. This tour offers a chance to step into the heart of that landscape, just a couple of hours south of Santiago. It’s a full-day affair that combines scenic drives, historic vineyards, and excellent tastings.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect at Each Stop

First stop: Viña Los Maquis
Depart early from your Santiago hotel—around 7:45 AM—to beat the crowds and enjoy the cooler morning air. The drive takes roughly 2.5 hours, giving you a chance to admire the changing landscape from urban Santiago to lush vineyards. Once there, you’ll explore the most representative parts of the vineyard, surrounded by nature, and taste four wines, including two Gran Reserva wines and ultra-premium selections like Fotem, Calcu’s icon Lien.

As one reviewer notes, this winery’s location and landscape are just as memorable as the wines, with the experience highlighting the region’s natural beauty. The tasting here is quite generous, giving you a real sense of the vineyard’s style.

Second stop: Clos Apalta
Next, you’ll visit the historic Clos Apalta, where vines have been planted since 1907—that’s over a century of tradition. Here, you get a private walk around the estate, taking in the organic vineyard and the scenic views. This visit is about understanding the vineyard’s commitment to organic practices and learning about how they manage such an old vine estate.

The tasting includes three notable wines: Prelude 2022, Le Petit Clos 2021, and Clos Apalta 2021. Guests rave about the scenic beauty of the estate, and the hosts’ insight makes the experience both educational and delicious. One guest says, “Leo made us feel like we’ve known him forever,” emphasizing the personal touch.

Lunch at Fuegos de Apalta
After the vineyard visits, you’ll head to the acclaimed Fuegos de Apalta restaurant, led by Chef Francis Mellman. Here, you have the option to order à la carte—your guide will help with reservations. The restaurant is known for its superb meat dishes and ambiance, adding a culinary highlight to your day. Many reviews mention the lunch as “an unexpected and wonderful surprise,” proving it’s worth the extra cost if you want a memorable meal.

Final stop: Vina Neyen
The last winery is Neyen, a prestigious estate that creates wines reflecting the soils and vines of Apalta. Known for their authentic style, Neyen offers an impressive tasting experience of wines with old-world character but in a New World setting. Guests leave here feeling they’ve truly sampled some of Chile’s top offerings.

Return to Santiago
After the wine tasting, the group head back, with a drive of roughly 2.5 hours, arriving back at your hotel by the late afternoon or early evening.

The Experience and Its Highlights

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of historic and modern wineries. The vines planted in 1907 at Clos Apalta highlight how deeply rooted Chile’s winemaking is, while Neyen’s focus on authenticity and soil expression offers a taste of the country’s innovative side.

Guides like Leo receive high praise for their knowledgeability and friendliness. One reviewer shared that Leo made them feel like they were hanging out with a friend, which is exactly what you want from a private guide—informative but relaxed.

The scenic drives through the Rapel Valley, with sweeping vineyard views, are as much a part of the experience as the tastings. Many guests comment on how the landscape is picture-perfect, making this tour not just about wine, but also about enjoying nature’s beauty.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

The $360 fee covers transportation, wine tastings at four wineries, and the vineyard tours—which is quite reasonable considering the private nature of the experience. The lunch, not included in the fee, adds to the overall cost but is often described as a highlight, especially if you opt for a meal at Fuegos de Apalta.

Given the personalized service, expert guides, and access to top vineyards, many find the tour to be excellent value—a premium experience without the premium price tags of larger, less intimate tours. Plus, the reviews consistently praise the guides and mention that the tour exceeded expectations, making the cost well justified.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Chilean wines in a private setting. It’s perfect for those who appreciate scenic drives and authentic vineyard visits rather than large group tours. If you’re looking for a personalized, educational, and scenic day in Chile’s premier wine region, this tour checks all boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

If you value expert guides who can tell you about the wines and the region’s history, this tour is a winner. The diversity of wineries—from historic estates to modern organic vineyards—ensures a broad understanding of Chile’s wine culture. The scenic views and delicious tastings make it a memorable experience that combines education, relaxation, and a touch of luxury.

The tour’s value for money is reinforced by the private setting and the high praise from past guests, many of whom say they’d book again. It’s especially suited for those who want to blend wine tasting with cultural and scenic exploration, all in a comfortable, private environment.

For travelers seeking a well-organized, authentic wine adventure that emphasizes quality, expert insights, and memorable landscapes—this tour delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting time of the tour?
It begins at 8:00 AM, with pickup from your hotel in Santiago’s Las Condes area around 7:45 AM.

How long is the drive from Santiago to Colchagua Valley?
The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and relax before arriving at the vineyards.

Are the wine tastings included in the price?
Yes, all wine tastings at the four wineries—Los Maquis, Clos Apalta, Neyen, and the private vineyard—are included.

Can I have lunch at the winery or restaurant?
Lunch is not included in the $360 fee but can be arranged at Fuegos de Apalta. The restaurant booking is handled for you, and you can choose to pay for your meal there.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
The tour focuses on wine tasting; however, you can inform the guides of any special needs or restrictions beforehand. The lunch options are at a restaurant, so dietary preferences can usually be accommodated.

What makes this tour private?
Only your group participates, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed experience. This is different from larger, shared tours.

How long does the entire experience last?
From pickup in Santiago to return, expect about 11.5 hours, allowing ample time for visiting wineries, lunch, and the drive back.

Is tipping expected?
While not included in the tour price, tipping guides and drivers is customary if you feel they provided excellent service.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

To sum it up, this private Colchagua wine tour combines the best of Chile’s wine heritage, scenic beauty, and expert-guided tastings—all in one memorable day. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveler wanting to see Chile’s celebrated vineyards, this experience offers a genuine taste of what makes Chilean wine so special.