About this tour
When Finn from the Global Hobo crew did this private Maipo Valley wine tour, it delivered exactly what it promised—two solid wineries, decent tastings, and a proper lunch without the tour-bus crowds. You're picked up from your Santiago digs and spend the day tasting reds and whites in the Maipo region, Chile's heavyweight wine zone, with a bilingual guide who actually knows their stuff (European wine tourism degree and all). It's seven to eight hours of vineyard walks, cellar time, and local food, finishing back at your hotel. If you like wine and want to skip the group-tour theatre, this scratches that itch.
Highlights
- Two private winery visits with four tastings each—no queuing with coach parties.
- Vineyard walks through proper Maipo landscapes, vines stretching toward the Andes.
- Guide with formal wine credentials explains the mechanics, not just the romance.
- Traditional Chilean lunch with vegan options and actual effort on the menu.
- Private transport door-to-door from your Santiago accommodation.
- Bilingual guide means no squinting at menus or missing the winemaker's stories.
- Small-group setup keeps the pace human and questions don't get swallowed.
What to expect
You'll be collected from your Santiago hotel in the morning—they handle the logistics, you just show up. The drive to Maipo takes about 45 minutes, then you're into the first winery for a proper sit-down tasting of four wines with context from your guide. The cellar visit is real; you're actually down there, not watching through glass. Second winery follows a similar structure but branded as their 'premium' tour—the difference is more positioning than drama, but the wines are solid.
Lunch happens at a local spot (not at a winery), and the menu's got meat, soups, corn pastries, and proper salads. Vegan options aren't an afterthought. You're back in Santiago by late afternoon. The whole day feels structured but not rushed—there's breathing room between stops. The guide's actually qualified to answer questions beyond 'how many bottles do you think you'll buy?'
What travellers say
- Expert guide—actual wine qualifications, not just enthusiasm.
- Two wineries in one day without industrial tour-group logistics.
- Private transport means flexibility and no coach-park waits.
- Lunch included with real dietary flexibility, not an afterthought.
- All fees transparent upfront—no hidden costs or tips pressure.
- No onboard toilet—plan water and bladder strategy accordingly.
- Seven to eight hours is a long haul for some travellers.
- Not suitable if pregnant; verify fitness level beforehand.
- Peak-season wineries can still get busy despite private booking.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works for genuine wine nerds and casual drinkers alike. The private transport and small-group feel mean no herding, and the guide's credentials (WSET Level 2, European wine tourism master) mean you're not paying for someone's gap year. You get lunch included, with real options, and all fees and taxes are upfront—no surprise bills. Infant seats are available if you're travelling with tiny humans.
No onboard toilet, so pace your water intake. It's not recommended for pregnant travellers (probably the long day and climbing). The tour's seven to eight hours, so it's a solid morning-to-late-afternoon commitment. Bring sunscreen and a hat—Maipo in summer is hot and bright. Tips aren't mandatory but are standard practice. The 'empanada or typical candies' listed in inclusions sounds modest; don't expect a snack feast. Peak times (December–March, harvest season) mean busier wineries.
Private tour means it's pricier than group alternatives but worth it if you value peace. Bring cash for any extra purchases. Comfortable walking shoes essential—vineyards aren't flat. Driver picks you up; coordinate timing the night before.
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.