Set out on a captivating journey through Peru’s winemaking heritage with a 3-hour Wine and Pisco tour. Explore the historic Tacama and El Catador wineries, uncover traditional techniques, and savor around 10 exquisite wines and renowned pisco. With knowledgeable guides offering insights, this intimate experience promises a rich exploration of the region’s century-old production methods. Priced affordably starting at $44, this tour offers a chance to learn about the flavors and traditions that have defined Peru’s esteemed winemaking legacy. Discover why this tour has captivated visitors, and prepare to unlock a world of flavors and cultural insights.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 3-hour tour exploring Tacama, the oldest vineyard in South America, and El Catador, a family-run winery preserving traditional winemaking techniques.
- Opportunity to sample around 10 different wines and pisco, the renowned Peruvian brandy, with insights into their production processes.
- Guided tours provide in-depth explanations of traditional and modern winemaking methods, including fermentation in clay jars at El Catador.
- Private transportation, all fees, and taxes included in the tour package, with pickup available from Huacachina or Ica center.
- Overall rating of 4.0 from 11 reviews, offering an immersive and educational experience in the rich winemaking heritage of Peru’s South Coast.
Tour Overview
The 3-hour Wine and Pisco tour in South Coast, Peru, offers wine aficionados and those seeking a relaxing experience the opportunity to visit two acclaimed wineries – Tacama and El Catador.
With an overall rating of 4.0 from 11 reviews, the tour provides an ideal way to sample various wines and piscos (Peruvian brandy).
Private transportation is included, along with around 10 samples and all fees and taxes covered.
Pickup is available from Huacachina or Ica center, with an additional fee for locations more than 30 minutes away.
The tour starts at 11:45 am and can accommodate a maximum of 12 travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Huacachina.
Tacama Winery
Tacama is the oldest vineyard in South America, dating back centuries.
Visitors can sample various wines and pisco, a Peruvian brandy, during a guided tour that explains the production processes. The tour also provides an opportunity to learn about the winery’s rich history.
Guests can opt for lunch at the vineyard’s restaurant, offering a chance to savor the flavors of the region.
Tacama’s commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and its picturesque setting make it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing, immersive experience in Peru’s vibrant wine country.
Pisco and Wine Sampling
During the tour, visitors are invited to sample an array of wines and the renowned Peruvian brandy, pisco.
At Tacama, the oldest vineyard in South America, guests can taste various wines and piscos while learning about their production processes.
At El Catador, the family-run winery, visitors observe the traditional fermentation in clay jars and learn about the historic techniques used since the Spanish Conquerors’ era.
Around 10 samples of these local delights are included, allowing travelers to explore the region’s rich winemaking and distilling heritage.
The tastings provide a relaxing and immersive experience for wine aficionados and those seeking a glimpse into Peru’s vibrant drink culture.
Guided Production Processes
Skilled guides lead visitors through the wineries, providing an in-depth look at the production processes.
At Tacama, the oldest vineyard in South America, the tour explains the wine and pisco (Peruvian brandy) making methods. Guests sample the various offerings while learning about the history and techniques.
Over at El Catador, the family-run winery, the guide shares the traditional practices dating back to the Spanish Conquerors. Visitors witness the fermentation in clay jars, known as "botijas", during the harvest season in March.
The tour delves into the century-old production methods still employed at this historic hotel. These behind-the-scenes experiences provide valuable insight into the region’s winemaking heritage.
El Catador Winery
Although a family-run operation, El Catador winery follows historic techniques dating back to the Spanish Conquerors.
During the harvest season in March, visitors can observe the traditional fermentation process in clay jars called "botijas." A tour guide provides insights into the century-old production methods used at the winery.
El Catador specializes in crafting traditional red wines and pisco, the signature Peruvian brandy. Guests have the opportunity to sample these authentic offerings and learn about the winery’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
With its focus on time-honored practices, El Catador provides a unique glimpse into Peru’s winemaking history.
Historic Techniques
The El Catador winery honors its rich heritage by preserving historic winemaking techniques passed down for generations. During the grape harvest in March, visitors can observe the traditional fermentation process in clay jars called "botijas." These ancient vessels were used by the Spanish Conquerors centuries ago and impart unique flavors to the resulting pisco and red wine.
| Traditional Techniques | Modern Techniques |
|---|---|
| Fermentation in clay "botijas" | Stainless steel tanks |
| Grape pressing by foot | Mechanical press |
| Aging in oak barrels | Aging in stainless steel |
| Manual bottling | Automated bottling line |
| Handwritten labels | Printed labels |
The tour guide at El Catador explains these time-honored methods, offering visitors a glimpse into the winery’s proud past and its commitment to preserving the legacy of Peruvian winemaking.
Inclusions and Logistics
The tour package includes private transportation to and from the wineries, along with around 10 samples of wine and pisco that are covered in the overall price.
All fees and taxes are also included, making it a convenient and comprehensive experience.
Pickup is available from Huacachina or Ica center, though an additional fee may apply for pickups more than 30 minutes away.
The tour starts at 11:45 am and is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers per group.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins.
Tour Pickup and Booking
Originating from either Huacachina or Ica center, the tour provides pickup for participants. An additional fee is charged for pickups 30 minutes away or more from these locations.
The tour starts at 11:45 am. Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers per group and is operated by Travel Adventures Peru.
Pricing for the 3-hour wine and pisco tour starts at $44.00, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for children, as it includes tastings of alcoholic beverages. The maximum group size is 12 travelers, and infants must sit on laps. It’s best suited for adults interested in wine and pisco production.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. The inclusions cover around 10 samples of wine and pisco, and lunch can be purchased at the vineyard restaurant if desired.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is needed for the tour. All necessary equipment and materials for sampling the wine and pisco are provided. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen if desired, but no other special items are required.
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?
There are no specific dress code requirements for this tour. Visitors should dress comfortably in casual attire suitable for walking and visiting wineries. Comfortable shoes are recommended as some walking may be involved during the tour.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can be customized to an extent. While the core experiences at Tacama and El Catador wineries are fixed, the order of visits and optional add-ons like lunch may be tailored to the travelers’ preferences.
Recap
This captivating 3-hour tour offers a rich exploration of Peru’s winemaking heritage. Visitors will witness traditional techniques at the historic Tacama and El Catador wineries, sample exquisite wines and renowned pisco, and gain insights from knowledgeable guides – all while enjoying private transportation and picturesque vineyard settings. At an affordable price, this intimate tour promises a memorable experience for wine and pisco enthusiasts.