Santiago: Full day visiting Santa Rita & Undurraga vineyards. Entraces included

If you’re looking to experience the best of Chilean wine without venturing too far from Santiago, this full-day tour to Santa Rita and Undurraga wineries offers a solid introduction. For $172 per person, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring two of the region’s most historic vineyards, complete with hotel pickup, round-trip transport, and included wine tastings. The tour is designed for those who want a balanced mix of learning about wine, enjoying beautiful scenery, and having a relaxed day out of the city.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it combines historic charm with modern winemaking—both wineries have incredible stories and eye-catching architecture. Plus, the small group setting promises a more personal touch, making it easier to ask questions and soak up the atmosphere. On the downside, the transportation quality has received mixed reviews, and some travelers found the driver unprepared or unprofessional. Still, if you value authentic vineyard visits and are flexible about some logistical quirks, this trip could be a great fit for you.

This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers wanting an overview of the Chilean wine scene, and those who appreciate historic sites and scenic drives. Keep in mind, the tour runs from early morning and involves some walking, so comfortable shoes are advised. If you’re comfortable with a bit of unpredictability in transportation, you’ll find this an enriching and enjoyable day.

Key Points

• Historic Wineries: Visit two of Chile’s oldest vineyards with centuries of tradition.
• Taste & Learn: Enjoy guided tastings of multiple wine varieties, including signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmem Gold.
• Scenic Drive: Experience the beautiful Maipo Valley landscape during the approximately 34 km drive from Santiago.
• Personal Experience: Small group sizes foster more direct engagement and tailored interactions.
• Cultural Insight: Discover the stories behind Chile’s legendary wineries, with some sites declared National Monuments.
• Logistics: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off (for select hotels), but transportation quality varies according to reviews.

Comprehensive Review of the Santiago Winery Tour

Overview and What to Expect

This full-day tour offers a window into Chile’s renowned wine industry by visiting two historic vineyards: Undurraga and Santa Rita. For about $172, you receive not only guided tours of the production facilities and cellars but also comprehensive tastings—an excellent way to understand the diversity of Chilean wines. The tour starts early, with pickup around 7:30 am, making it a good choice if you’re eager to pack a lot into your day.

The experience emphasizes learning and tasting, with highlights like walking through mature vineyards, peeking into barrel rooms, and discovering the stories of these iconic estates. The scenery of the Maipo Valley provides a peaceful backdrop, perfect for a relaxed yet enriching escape from urban Santiago.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Vina Undurraga

Located 34 kilometers from Santiago, in Talagante, Undurraga is a winery with over 130 years of history. Founded in 1885 by Don Francisco Undurraga Vicuña, it has hosted royalty and celebrities, adding a touch of prestige. When we visited, the architecture of the estate was quite striking, combining old charm with modern facilities.

The visit lasts approximately 90 minutes, during which you’ll tour the production rooms, see the barrel-aged wines, and taste three different strains of wine. As one reviewer put it, the tasting includes a souvenir glass, which is a nice keepsake. Be prepared for some walking and standing, as the setting is quite picturesque and meant to be appreciated at a relaxed pace.

Authentic tip: We loved the way Undurraga balances tradition with innovation, giving visitors a sense of Chile’s pioneering spirit in winemaking.

Stop 2: Vina Santa Rita

About 30 minutes from Undurraga, in Alto Jahuel, Santa Rita is a national monument with a history dating back to 1880. The winery’s French-style architecture and underground cellars are quite impressive, reflecting a luxurious, historic ambiance. The estate’s cellars are famous for aging some of Chile’s finest wines, including the Royal Family and Royal Medal Cabernet Sauvignon.

The tour of Santa Rita lasts another 90 minutes, where you’ll peek into barrel rooms, learn about the winemaking process, and taste wines that have been aged in French and American oak. Many travelers enjoy the storytelling aspect—learning how the estate was built by French architects and their material is tightly packed and well-preserved.

We loved the atmosphere—the sense of history and craftsmanship evident in every corner. The opportunity to taste premium wines while soaking in the scenery and architecture makes this stop quite memorable.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour includes all the necessary transportation, a guided experience, and the wine tastings. The Santa Rita Museum is also part of the visit, offering a bit of extra insight into Chile’s wine heritage.

However, some reviews highlight transportation issues, with instances of pickups in older vehicles and drivers unfamiliar with winery operational hours. If you’re someone who values smooth logistics, be aware that this might be a point of frustration. Also, as Santa Rita is closed on Mondays and several holidays, check the schedule beforehand.

The Value Proposition

Given the price, you’re paying for access to two legendary wineries, guided explanations, tastings, and hotel pickup—a convenient package. For wine lovers, this offers a solid introduction to Chilean wines and the Maipo Valley’s beauty. The small-group format helps ensure that you get the most out of the experience, though some travelers have noted uneven driver knowledge.

Authentic Experiences and Tips

• We recommend having some lunch at Santa Rita, especially their special menu and wine pairing options. It’s a great way to extend the experience.
• Comfortable shoes are advised, given the walking involved.
• If you’re a wine enthusiast, ask your guide about specific varieties or pairing suggestions—the guides are generally knowledgeable and eager to share.
• Be prepared for early mornings and some unpredictability—this is a tour that emphasizes experience over rigid scheduling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers eager to see historic wineries and sample top Chilean wines without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It suits those who appreciate guided insights and beautiful vineyard scenery. If you’re interested in learning about Chile’s wine culture and enjoy small-group intimacy, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

However, if you’re particularly concerned about transportation quality, or if you prefer more personalized wine tastings with gourmet food, you might want to explore other options. This tour offers value for its price, but some reviews suggest room for improvement in logistical details.

FAQ

• What are the main wineries visited?
  Santa Rita and Undurraga, both historic vineyards with centuries of tradition.

• Does the tour include wine tastings?
  Yes, you get tastings at both wineries, including a souvenir tasting glass at Undurraga.

• How long does the tour last?
  About 8 hours, starting early in the morning around 7:30 am.

• Is hotel pickup available?
  Yes, for selected hotels only; confirm your pickup location when booking.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; dress in layers as winery interiors can vary in temperature.

• Are children allowed?
  Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

• Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
  Yes, non-drinkers can enjoy the scenery and learn about wine production, but tastings are part of the experience.

• Are the wineries accessible on Mondays?
  No, Santa Rita is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

• Can I cancel this tour?
  Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

• Will I learn about the wine-making process?
  Absolutely, guides walk you through the production rooms and aging process, making the visit educational.

Final Thoughts

This full-day vineyard tour from Santiago offers a well-rounded introduction to Chile’s famous Maipo Valley wines. The historic charm of Santa Rita combined with the traditional and modern techniques at Undurraga make for an engaging experience. If you value guided explanations, beautiful vineyard scenery, and access to iconic wineries, this tour is a good choice.

While the transport logistics might leave some travelers wanting more, the quality of the tastings and storytelling often compensate. It’s particularly suited for those who want to combine culture, scenery, and wine in a single day, without the fuss of organizing their own trip. If you’re passionate about wine, enjoy learning about history, and appreciate scenic drives, this tour will likely satisfy your curiosity and palate alike.

Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a budding connoisseur, this experience offers a taste of Chile’s long-standing wine excellence in a relaxed, accessible setting.