About this tour
When Finn from the crew did this full-day private wine tour from Santiago, we rolled into Colchagua Valley — a landscape of vineyard-striped hills about two hours south of the city that's transformed from quiet farmland into Chile's serious wine playground over the past two decades. The tour hits four different wineries, including Los Maquis, Montes (where lunch happens), Clos Apalta, and the prestigious Neyen estate. It's a leisurely, unhurried day of tasting and touring through colonial estates and modern operations, with the Pacific breeze keeping the valley cool and the vines happy. Perfect for wine nerds and casual drinkers alike.
Highlights
- Four distinct wineries, from heritage estates to high-tech operations
- Lunch at Viña Montes with vineyard views built in
- Colonial manor houses mixed with contemporary wine architecture
- Pacific and Andean winds create distinct Colchagua terroir
- Private transport means no coach-load crowds or rushed stops
- Hundred-year-old vines you can actually walk past and touch
- Boutique winery Neyen — the kind of place locals know
What to expect
The day starts early with a pick-up from Santiago and a scenic drive into wine country. Finn found the pace genuinely relaxed — each winery gets proper time, and you're moving through genuinely different operations rather than cookie-cutter tourist traps. Los Maquis kicks things off, then you drift into Viña Montes for a proper sit-down lunch with decent views. Afternoon takes you to Clos Apalta (note: wine by the glass isn't included here, so budget extra if you want to taste) and finishes at Neyen, a smaller, more intimate operation that feels like a real working estate rather than a show-off venue.
The valley itself is strikingly beautiful — rolling hills completely carpeted in vines, old colonial architecture dotted through, and you genuinely feel the geography working. The microclimate chat makes sense when you're standing in it. Bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes; there's moderate wandering between tastings but nothing punishing.
What travellers say
- Private tour avoids tour-bus crowds and fixed itineraries
- Four distinct wineries span heritage estates and modern producers
- Lunch at Montes breaks up the day meaningfully
- Colchagua Valley scenery genuinely rewards the camera
- Guides have time to answer real questions
- Clos Apalta wine-by-glass isn't included — budget extra
- Dinner not included; plan your return-to-Santiago timing
- Long full-day commitment: 11+ hours door-to-door
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Private transport means you avoid the standard tour-bus crowds and can actually ask questions without shouting over twenty other people. The four-winery mix suits both serious oenophiles and casual tasters — you're not locked into snobby wine-speak. Lunch at Montes is solid and included. The valley's genuinely photogenic, especially if you go during harvest season.
Lunch is included but dinner isn't, so budget for a meal back in Santiago or a town stop on the way home. Wine tastings are included but — and this matters — wine by the glass at Clos Apalta costs extra, so you might want to skip that one or bring extra cash. It's an 11-hour day start to finish, so it's not a half-arsed venture. You'll do proper walking in the vineyards, so trainers are non-negotiable. Tips for driver and guide aren't included — factor that in. Peak season (harvest, September–April) books out quickly.
Bottled water and most alcoholic beverages are included. Bring sunscreen, hat, and sturdy shoes. Groups are private, so it's you and whoever you book with. Best to book ahead, especially December–March.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.