The Hidden Wineries of Maipo

Tucked away in the picturesque Maipo Valley, Chile’s hidden wineries offer a unique opportunity to explore the nation’s renowned wine country. Beyond the well-trodden paths, discerning oenophiles can discover a diverse range of experimental and traditional winemaking styles, each reflecting the distinct terroir of the region. From boutique producers like LOF, Los 3, and Rukumilla, visitors can indulge in personalized tours and tastings, pairing exceptional wines with the flavors of local cuisine. What secrets lie within these hidden sanctuaries of viticulture? The journey to uncover them promises a rewarding experience for the senses and the soul.

Key Points

• This private, tailored tour offers an 8-hour exploration of hidden wineries in the Maipo Valley, featuring experimental, family-owned, and boutique winemaking styles.
• The tour includes visits to three wineries – LOF, Los 3, and Rukumilla – each offering a 1.5-hour wine tasting experience with Merlot, Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
• The winemaking philosophies at these wineries highlight diverse approaches, including minimal intervention, innovative techniques, and biodynamic practices, showcasing the region’s viticulture diversity.
• The tour provides traditional local cuisine, such as oven-baked Empanada de Pino, and offers the opportunity to purchase supplementary wines during the experience.
• The bilingual tour guide, specialized in winemaking and regional history, enhances the tour with insights into the winemaking processes and the cultural significance of the Maipo Valley.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private, tailored tour of hidden wineries in Maipo Valley offers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts.

It lasts 8 hours and costs from €224.84 per person. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at select locations in the Santiago area, as well as transportation in a company van.

Over the course of the day, visitors will explore 3 experimental, familiar, and boutique wineries, enjoying 1.5 hours of wine tasting at each.

Pickup and Transportation

Guests are picked up from various locations across the Santiago area, including Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura, and Av. Sta. Isabel 360.

The tour utilizes a van service with the company’s logo, ensuring a comfortable and convenient transportation experience.

The itinerary includes a 1-hour drive to the Maipo Valley, where the winery visits take place. In between the three winery stops, guests will have approximately 20 minutes of travel time.

At the end of the tour, guests are dropped off at the same locations as the pickup points – Vitacura, Av. Sta. Isabel 360, Las Condes, and Providencia.

Winery Visits and Tastings

The tour visits three experimental, familiar, and boutique wineries in the Maipo Valley. Guests will experience new winemaking processes and philosophies at LOF, Los 3, and Rukumilla. These wineries offer a range of wines, including Merlot, Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

Winery	Winery Type	Wines Offered
LOF	Experimental	Merlot, Carmenere
Los 3	Familiar	Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Rukumilla	Boutique	Merlot, Carmenere

Each winery visit includes a 1.5-hour wine tasting, allowing guests to explore the unique character of the region’s terroir and winemaking approaches.

Featured Wineries

LOF is an experimental winery known for its innovative winemaking techniques. The winery’s focus on pushing the boundaries of traditional methods has earned it a reputation as a trailblazer in the Maipo Valley.

Alongside LOF, the tour also features:

1. Los 3, a family-owned winery that blends old-world charm with modern expertise to craft exceptional Carmenere and Merlot varietals.

2. Rukumilla, a boutique winery that specializes in small-batch Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the unique terroir of the region.

3. These wineries offer visitors a chance to explore the diversity of the Maipo Valley’s winemaking landscape, from bold experimental blends to time-honored classics.

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Winemaking Philosophies

The winemaking philosophies of the featured wineries on this tour showcase the Maipo Valley’s diverse approaches to viticulture. LOF, for instance, prioritizes minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express their terroir. In contrast, Los 3 employs innovative techniques like extended maceration to craft bold, structured wines. Rukumilla, on the other hand, focuses on biodynamic practices, creating harmonious blends that capture the essence of the Andes. These varying philosophies result in a captivating tasting experience that delves into the nuances of Maipo’s winemaking traditions.

Winery	Winemaking Philosophy
LOF	Minimal intervention, terroir expression
Los 3	Innovative techniques, bold, structured wines
Rukumilla	Biodynamic practices, harmonious blends

Local Cuisine and Drinks

Along With the captivating winemaking philosophies, this tour also offers visitors a chance to savor traditional local cuisine.

The highlight is the oven-baked Empanada de Pino, a savory pastry filled with ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled egg.

Plus, guests can purchase supplementary wines for personal enjoyment during the tour. These may include:

1. Merlot
2. Carmenere
3. Cabernet Sauvignon

The local bilingual guide, specialized in winemaking and history, ensures an immersive experience that combines the region’s renowned wines with its distinct culinary delights.

Tour Guide Expertise

A dedicated, bilingual tour guide specialized in winemaking and regional history accompanies guests throughout the Hidden Wineries of Maipo tour.

Their expertise ensures a rich, immersive experience as visitors explore experimental, family-owned, and boutique wineries.

The guide provides insights into the unique winemaking processes and philosophies of each hotel, as well as the historical and cultural significance of the Maipo Valley.

With a focus on personalized attention and exceptional service, the guide tailors the tour to the interests and preferences of each group, creating a truly memorable wine tasting adventure.

Important Policies and Arrangements

Wineries operate on a 2-guest minimum policy, so solo travelers should contact the tour provider to make special arrangements.

Plus, the tours and activities are subject to winery availability and opening times, so it’s important for guests to be flexible with their schedules.

The tour includes a local bilingual guide specialized in winemaking and history, ensuring a rich and informative experience:

1. The guide will provide insights into the unique winemaking processes and philosophies of the featured wineries.
2. Guests can expect to taste traditional oven-baked empanadas along with the wines.
3. An additional wine selection will be available for personal consumption during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements or Preferences Accommodated?

While no specific dietary requirements are mentioned, the tour includes a traditional oven-baked empanada, and extra wine can be purchased for personal consumption during the tastings. Vegetarian and other dietary needs may be accommodated upon request.

What Is the Dress Code for the Winery Tour?

The winery tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking between wineries. No formal attire is required for this relaxed, exploratory experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. Children are welcome, but parents are responsible for supervising them. There’s a 2-guest minimum policy, so solo travelers should reach out for special arrangements.

Can I Purchase Wine Directly From the Wineries During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase wine directly from the wineries during the tour. The tour includes opportunities to taste a variety of wines, and additional purchases can be made at the wineries’ on-site shops.

Is Gratuity for the Tour Guide Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t include gratuity for the guide. Clients are expected to tip the guide at their discretion based on the quality of service provided during the winery tour.

The Sum Up

The Hidden Wineries of Maipo offer a unique opportunity to discover Chile’s renowned wine country. Visitors can explore boutique wineries, savor exceptional wines, and enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage. With personalized tours, local cuisine, and expert guidance, this experience provides an unforgettable exploration of Maipo’s hidden gems and innovative winemaking practices.

You can check if your dates are available here: