Colchagua Valley Private Tour: Montes + Clos Apalta

Experience the Heart of Chile’s Wine Country with the Colchagua Valley Private Tour: Montes + Clos Apalta

If you’re looking to explore some of Chile’s most acclaimed wineries with a touch of personalized attention, this private tour through the Colchagua Valley might be just what you need. For around $400 per person, you get a full day of visits to Montes, Clos Apalta, and the option for a culinary pause at Viu Manent. The tour lasts roughly 10 to 12 hours—a hefty but thoroughly rewarding day that combines stunning vineyard scenery with some of Chile’s top wines.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are its customizable nature—you can tailor it for a 2-day stay with hotel accommodations—and the quality of the wineries visited. The fact that all visits include admission tickets and tastings makes it feel like excellent value. The only potential downside? It’s a full-day commitment, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace and a lot of wine.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers who want to see award-winning vineyards, travelers who enjoy personalized experiences, and those eager for an authentic glimpse into Chile’s wine-making heritage. It’s also suitable for visitors comfortable with a long day on the road, especially since it’s a private experience—meaning you won’t be stuck in a large group.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Tour: Only your group participates, ensuring flexibility and a tailored experience.
• Premium Vineyards: Visits include Montes, Clos Apalta, and potentially Viu Manent for lunch.
• Quality Tastings: The tour offers two tastings at two vineyards, plus an optional lunch with Chilean flavors.
• Expert Guidance: Guides like Kenny receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Convenient: Includes pickup and air-conditioned transportation, making logistics easier.
• Flexible: Can be customized into a 2-day experience with hotel inclusion.

A Deep Dive into the Colchagua Valley Private Tour

Starting the Day: Pickup and Overview

Your day begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Santiago, setting the tone for a hassle-free adventure. The comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and the private nature of the tour mean you won’t be sharing your experience with strangers, just your group and your guide. You’ll head south into the beautiful Colchagua Valley, renowned for its award-winning wineries and scenic vistas.

First Stop: Clos Apalta

The first vineyard on the itinerary is Clos Apalta, famous for its stunning architecture and innovative gravity-fed wine cellar. The house and cellar are designed to minimize movement of wine, preserving its quality—an engineering feat worth noting. The visit lasts around an hour and a half, during which you’ll tour the cellar and learn how the winery’s unique design impacts the wine.

We loved the way the guide explained the sustainable, gravity-based system—it truly sets Clos Apalta apart. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a premium tasting of three wines: Le Petit Clos 2016 and 2019, as well as the flagship Clos Apalta 2019. From reviews, it’s clear that this tasting is a highlight—“a great experience,” as one traveler put it, especially when they get to enjoy some of the best Chile has to offer.

Second Stop: Vina Montes

Next, you’ll visit Vina Montes, a winery that embraces Feng Shui principles to harmonize the environment and wine production. The gravitational winery is another marvel of design, and your guide will take you through the barrel room, where the best wines rest and mature, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Gregorian chants—an experience that adds a touch of serenity to your tasting.

This winery produces notable wines like Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly, and Purple Angel. The tour here typically lasts around two hours, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the wine-making process and savor the tastings. One reviewer loved the technical nature of the tasting and the exciting barrel room experience, indicating that wine enthusiasts will find this stop particularly rewarding.

Lunch at Viu Manent

After the winery visits, there’s the option to enjoy lunch at Viu Manent’s restaurant—a highly acclaimed spot called Rayuela. It’s not included in the tour price, but travelers mention it’s worth the extra expense for authentic, regionally inspired Chilean cuisine. Expect to indulge in local flavors with a leisurely meal, giving you a break before heading to your final stop.

Optional Final Visit or Return

If you’d like, the tour can be customized to include more time at Viu Manent or other wineries, or you can head straight back to Santiago. This flexibility makes it suitable whether you want a relaxed day or a more in-depth exploration of the region.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The attention to detail and personalized service are evident from the reviews. Guides like Kenny are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner—they don’t just pour wine; they educate and entertain. The quality of the wineries—Montes, Clos Apalta, and Viu Manent—are all award-winning and known for their exceptional wines and innovative architecture.

The scenic drives through the valley, combined with visits to architectural marvels and traditional wine cellars, create an experience that’s both visual and sensory. Travelers consistently highlight the stunning views, the calm ambiance of the barrel rooms, and the delicious tastings as the main highlights.

In terms of value, the inclusion of all fees and beverages, plus the private nature of the tour, makes it a great deal—especially considering the quality of the wineries visited and the customizable options.

Practical Details That Matter

Transportation is comfortable and air-conditioned, crucial for a long day of travel. The tour operates Monday through Friday, with flexible start times between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm. The booking window is typically around 76 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among wine connoisseurs and travelers seeking a curated experience.

Pricing at $400 per person includes admission tickets, tastings, water, and alcoholic beverages, ensuring there’s no surprise cost. Keep in mind that lunch is not included, but the option at Viu Manent is widely recommended.

Cancellation policies are flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing peace of mind when planning your trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to taste some of Chile’s best wines in a luxurious yet authentic setting. It suits travelers who appreciate architectural innovation, environmentally conscious wineries, and personalized service.

Because of its length and full-day itinerary, it’s best for those who are comfortable with a long, relaxed day and want the convenience of private transport and guided visits. If you’re after a cultural experience with a focus on wine, rather than just sightseeing, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

For anyone wanting a well-rounded, high-quality introduction to Chile’s wine scene, this private Colchagua Valley tour offers a perfect blend of luxury, education, and scenic beauty. The visit to Clos Apalta, with its gravity-fed cellar, will impress even seasoned wine lovers, while the Montes winery’s innovative Feng Shui approach offers a fascinating perspective on wine production. The option to enjoy a local Chilean lunch adds a flavorful touch to the day.

Travelers who value customization, expert guidance, and a small-group experience will find this tour delivers more than just wine tasting; it provides a memorable cultural and sensory journey. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to deepen your appreciation of Chilean wines, this tour stands out as a smart choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guides make complex wine-making processes accessible, and tastings are designed to be enjoyable regardless of experience.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 10 to 12 hours, making it a full-day experience with plenty of time for visits, tastings, and a leisurely lunch.

Are meals included?
No, lunch at Viu Manent is optional and not included in the price. It’s highly recommended, though, for a true taste of local Chilean cuisine.

What’s the benefit of a private tour?
A private tour offers flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to customize stops—a big advantage over group tours.

Are the wines tasted at each winery included?
Yes, the admission tickets include tastings at each vineyard, with premium wines to sample.

Can I customize this tour?
Yes, you can extend it to 2 days with hotel accommodations, or customize the itinerary to include more wineries or stops.

What is the pickup location?
Most pickups are from your hotel in Santiago, with convenient, air-conditioned transportation provided.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Primarily for adults, especially those of legal drinking age, due to tastings and wine-related activities.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and a day outdoors, plus sun protection if sunny.

If you’re after an authentic, engaging, and tailored tour of Chile’s premier wine region, this Colchagua Valley private experience offers a fantastic way to indulge your senses and deepen your understanding of Chilean wine craftsmanship.