Private Wine Tour Casa Marin and Villard Wines

A Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Santiago: Casa Marin, Villard Wines, and Casas del Bosque

If you’re seeking an authentic Chilean wine experience, this private tour through Casablanca Valley offers a carefully curated glimpse into some of the region’s best wineries. For $230 per person, with a duration of around 11 hours, you’ll visit three top producers—Villard Wines, Casa Marin, and Casas del Bosque—each with their unique stories and wines. The day includes guided tours, tastings of premium wines, and an optional lunch at Casa Marin’s newly opened Bianco Restaurant.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the intimate, personalized atmosphere—since it’s a private tour, you won’t be sharing your guides or tastings with strangers—and the focus on both tradition and innovation. Casa Marin, founded by Chile’s first woman winemaker, highlights how gender and grit shape Chilean wine. Villard Wines offers a family-run boutique experience, rich with history and award-winning wines. Our only consideration? It’s a long day, so this tour best suits those ready for a full-day exploration and tasting.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers who want a deep dive into Casablanca’s top vineyards, those interested in learning about Chilean wine-making traditions, and travelers who appreciate personalized, behind-the-scenes experiences. If you value quality over quantity and enjoy stories as much as the wines, this experience is worth every peso.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: As a private tour, you enjoy tailored attention and flexibility.
• Diverse Wineries: Visit three top wineries—Villard, Casa Marin, and Casas del Bosque—each offering unique stories and wines.
• Wine & Food Pairing: Tastings include premium wines, with optional lunch designed to complement Casa Marin wines.
• Rich History & Innovation: Learn how Chile’s first woman winemaker built Casa Marin and how family traditions shape Villard Wines.
• Breathtaking Settings: Wineries are set in stunning countryside, perfect for those who love scenic views.
• Full-Day Exploration: Prepare for an 11-hour day that balances education, tasting, and cultural discovery.

Exploring the Casablanca Valley Wine Experience

Comfortably Private, Yet Fully Engaging

This tour’s private nature means we could customize our experience, ask plenty of questions, and relax without the constraints of a large group. From early morning, the pickup was smooth, and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, ready to share insights about the wineries and the region. For wine enthusiasts, this level of personalized attention makes a noticeable difference—you’re not just another face in the crowd, but a guest with a chance to really connect with the stories behind each label.

Visiting Villard Wines: A Family-Run Legend

Our first stop was Villard Wines, established in 1989 by Thierry Villard, making it Chile’s first family boutique winery. The setting was charming—small but beautifully maintained, with a focus on quality. We learned about the winery’s commitment to award-winning wines, and the guide explained how the family’s passion for the land and tradition influences their production.

We especially enjoyed the tasting of three premium wines, including TANAGRA Syrah, which was described as bursting with flavor and balanced acidity. The guide’s insights about the terroir—the unique soil and climate of Casablanca Valley—helped us appreciate what makes these wines special. A reviewer called Villard “small but very nice,” noting the friendly atmosphere and lovely surroundings, which adds to the overall experience.

Casa Marin: Breaking Boundaries in Chilean Winemaking

Next was Casa Marin, founded by María Luz Marín, the first woman in Chile to create her own vineyard. Her story of perseverance in the face of challenges—harsh climate, geographical difficulties, skepticism—resonates throughout her wines. Visiting Casa Marin was like walking into a story of resilience and innovation.

The tour included a walk through the vineyard, observing the meticulous care given to each vine, and a tasting of three premium wines plus an icon wine. The guide explained how each bottle reflects the cool-climate conditions of the Lo Abarca area, contributing to the wines’ elegance and freshness. We loved how the tasting was accompanied by a selection of breads and nuts, highlighting the wines’ versatility.

Our review quoted a visitor praising Casa Marin as “one of the best vineyards in the country,” and another describing it as “fighting against adversity to produce award-winning wines.” The story of María Luz Marín exemplifies the pioneering spirit that Chilean wine embodies.

A Gourmet Lunch at Bianco Restaurant

In 2023, Casa Marin launched Bianco Restaurant, created by three women—Pamela, Lina, and Giovanna—each bringing their unique culinary background. The Mediterranean-style menu emphasizes local ingredients and is designed to complement Casa Marin wines perfectly. Although lunch isn’t included in the tour price, many opt for this delicious pause in their day, savoring dishes that elevate the tasting experience.

The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, and the focus on seasonal, local ingredients makes every bite memorable. It’s a rare chance to enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal with wines that amplify each flavor.

Casas del Bosque: Cool-Climate Excellence

Our final winery was Casas del Bosque, situated in the coolest part of Casablanca Valley, very close to the Pacific Ocean. This proximity to the sea imparts a refreshing quality to their wines, which are consistently ranked among the best worldwide.

The “La Trampa Premium Wine Tasting” featured five exclusive wines, showcasing their finesse and freshness. The guide emphasized Casas del Bosque’s reputation for producing premium wines with a distinctive cool-climate character, perfect for those who prefer crisp whites or elegant reds.

A reviewer highlighted Casas del Bosque’s status as one of the best vineyards for wine tourism, praising its food and wine experiences. We could see why—laid-back yet polished, with an emphasis on quality and exclusivity.

Practical Details & Tips for Your Tour

The entire day is structured to maximize your enjoyment without feeling rushed. The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, beginning at 9 am, with plenty of time at each stop for tasting, questions, and sightseeing. Transportation is comfortable, and since it’s private, you can potentially tailor the stops if you wish.

While lunch is not included in the quoted price, many guests find it a worthwhile addition at Casa Marin’s Bianco Restaurant, as it perfectly complements the wines tasted earlier. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as vineyard tours involve some walking, and bring a jacket—especially in cooler months or at Casa Marin, where the climate can be brisk.

Total cost ($230) reflects excellent value considering the personalized attention, multiple high-quality tastings, and scenic private visits. Tips for guides and driver are not included but appreciated, and free cancellation makes this an accessible, risk-free choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits travelers eager to understand the nuances of Chilean wine in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s especially good for those who want to go beyond tasting—learning about vineyard stories, winemaking techniques, and regional differences. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates storytelling and scenery as much as wine, this will be a highlight.

It’s also perfect for those interested in supporting women-led wineries, as Casa Marin’s story exemplifies pioneering spirit. But be prepared for a full day: the experience is immersive and educational, making it ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely pace and in-depth insights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The tastings are educational, and guides explain everything clearly—no prior wine knowledge needed.

How long is the total drive between wineries?
It’s a full-day tour with visits spread out over several hours, but transportation is comfortable and designed to keep your journey smooth.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included in the price but can be added at Casa Marin’s Bianco Restaurant, which is highly recommended for pairing with the wines.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
Since this is a private tour, you might be able to discuss specific interests with your guide beforehand, but the current itinerary covers the top choices.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample three premium wines at Villard, three at Casa Marin (including an icon), and five exclusive wines at Casas del Bosque, giving you a broad taste of the region.

Is there any age restriction?
This tour is designed for adults of legal drinking age; minors are not permitted.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking through vineyards and wineries.

Final Thoughts

This private wine tour in Casablanca Valley offers a well-rounded experience that combines history, innovation, and delicious wine. With carefully curated visits to Villard Wines, Casa Marin, and Casas del Bosque, you get a chance to learn stories, taste exceptional wines, and enjoy scenic landscapes, all in a relaxed setting.

The personalized nature of the tour makes it a great choice for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Chile’s premier wine region. While a full day, the experience’s depth and quality are a compelling reason to set aside the time.

If you’re passionate about wine or simply want to enjoy a leisurely, educational day exploring Chile’s celebrated Casablanca Valley, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments—well worth the investment.