Private Full Day Tour of Viñas Tarapacá and Santa Ema Isla de Maipo

A Practical and Authentic Wine Adventure in Santiago: Private Full Day Tour of Viñas Tarapacá and Santa Ema

If you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for Chilean wines without the crowds or cookie-cutter tours, this private full-day experience hits the mark. For $180 per person, you’ll enjoy a personalized exploration of two top vineyards—Viña Tarapacá and Santa Ema—plus a scenic stop for lunch in the heart of Isla de Maipo. The tour lasts around 6 to 7 hours, making it a well-paced way to combine education, tasting, and cultural atmosphere.

What really makes this tour shine is the attention to detail and flexibility that private services allow. We love how you get private transportation, which means no rushing to keep up with a group and the chance to customize your experience somewhat. Plus, visits include multiple tastings—not just a quick sip, but carefully curated tastings of some of Chile’s best wines, including organic options and reserva lines.

One potential consideration? Since lunch isn’t included in the price, you’ll want to plan for that, although the tour makes a reservation at a highly-rated restaurant, Zinfandel, in Isla de Maipo. It’s a thoughtful touch, especially for those wanting a quality meal paired with local wines.

This tour suits wine lovers eager for a deeper dive into Chile’s premium wine regions. If you appreciate authentic vineyard visits, guided tastings, and scenic views, this private trip offers solid value and memorable experiences.

Key Points

• Private, personalized service ensures a flexible and intimate tour experience.
• Multiple vineyard visits provide diverse wine tastings, including organic wines and reserve lines.
• Scenic landscapes and vineyard grounds create a picturesque backdrop for your wine journey.
• Quality food experience during your stop at Zinfandel restaurant enhances the day.
• Excellent reviews highlight well-organized, punctual, and responsible service.
• Cost-effective considering private transportation, guided tours, and tastings.

Exploring Santiago’s Wine Country: An In-Depth Look

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Start at Viña Tarapacá—a name that echoes through Chile’s wine history. You’ll be welcomed at their historic Casona, which sets a charming tone for the day. The guided tour of their native species park is a delightful surprise; walking through the trail and learning about local flora adds a touch of nature to your wine adventure. The highlight here is the tasting of 4 Gran Reserva Tarapacá wines—Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenere, Cabernet, and Organic. These selections showcase the vineyard’s commitment to quality and variety, giving you a well-rounded sense of Chile’s wine profile.

Next, the scenic drive to TerraMater—a vineyard that’s highly regarded. Here, you’ll visit Zinfandel, a top restaurant located within the vineyard grounds. The focus on excellent cuisine paired with local wines makes this a true highlight. Expect around two hours for this stop, giving you ample time to savor a delicious meal and soak in the vineyard atmosphere.

Finally, a visit to Santa Ema rounds out the day. Their estate offers a guided tour of their vines and winery, including a look at their stainless steel vat room from above—an interesting detail for wine enthusiasts. The tasting here features 4 wines across their Select Terroir Reserva, Gran Reserva, and Amplus lines, accompanied by a cheese platter. The combination of wine and cheese makes for a classic Chilean pairing.

The Experience: What You Will Love

One aspect that stands out is the personalized service. With only your group participating, the guides can tailor explanations and focus on your interests. According to reviews, the transport is “very differentiated,” and the whole day is “well organized and punctual,” which is essential in making sure you maximize your time.

The wine tastings are comprehensive—not just quick sips, but insightful experiences that help you understand each wine’s unique qualities. Reviewers point out that the visits and tastings “exceeded expectations,” with many noting the variety and quality of wines as a major plus.

Another favorite is the lunch experience at Zinfandel. The restaurant’s service is described as “impeccable,” and the food is tasty, complementing the wines perfectly. This is an ideal spot to relax, reflect on the morning’s tastings, and enjoy local flavors in a beautiful vineyard setting.

A Few Considerations

While this tour offers excellent value considering the private service, the cost does not include lunch, which is reserved separately. Planning ahead for a meal or snack afterward will round out your day nicely. Also, since the tour is weather-dependent, poor weather might impact the vineyard visit, but the company offers full refunds or rescheduling options.

Who Should Book?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups who want a tailored, relaxed day exploring Chile’s renowned wine regions. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate authentic vineyard environments and enjoy learning about wine-making processes in a more intimate setting. If your goal is to avoid crowded tours and get more personalized attention, this private tour is an excellent choice.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Considering the private transportation, guided vineyard visits, multiple tastings, and a meal reservation, the $180 per person fee is quite reasonable. You’re paying for a curated, stress-free experience that combines education, relaxation, and scenery—all in one package.

The fact that it’s booked on average 41 days in advance indicates strong demand, underscoring its popularity among travelers seeking quality over quantity. The reviews consistently praise the professionalism, punctuality, and the “excellency” of the service, which adds peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

If your trip to Santiago includes a day for wine exploration, this private tour of Viñas Tarapacá and Santa Ema offers an authentic, comfortable, and highly-rated experience. It’s a chance to taste some of Chile’s best wines, learn about local wine-making traditions, and enjoy beautiful vineyard scenery—without the crowds or rushed schedules.

This experience is especially suited for those who value personalized service, delicious food paired with wines, and well-organized tours that respect your time. It’s a smart choice for those wanting an immersive, yet relaxing day in Chile’s wine country, with the added benefit of highly praised guides and scenic vineyard grounds.

FAQ

Is this a private tour? Yes, it is exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized experience.

How long does the tour last? The total duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours, including visits, tastings, and lunch.

Are tastings included? Yes, tastings at Viña Tarapacá and Santa Ema are included in the price.

Does the tour include lunch? No, lunch is not included but is reserved at a highly-rated vineyard restaurant—Zinfandel in Isla de Maipo.

What should I wear? Comfortable casual clothes suitable for walking in vineyard grounds are recommended; check the weather forecast.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is transportation provided? Yes, private transportation is included, making the day comfortable and stress-free.

What ages can participate? Most travelers can join, and service animals are allowed.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’re offered a full refund or rescheduling.

To sum it up, this private full-day tour of Viñas Tarapacá and Santa Ema offers a well-rounded, enjoyable, and authentic Chilean wine experience. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious to learn more, you’ll appreciate the careful organization, high-quality tastings, and scenic vineyard environments that make it worth every peso.