With their juicy, fertile landscapes, picture-perfect vines and tendency to elicit relaxed afternoons in the sunshine, South America’s wine regions have ‘holiday’ written all over them. But where are the best places to go? Where can you learn your Caménère from your Cabernet, and which area has the best views? Read on for our guide to the best wine regions in South America…
1. Mendoza, Argentina
There aren’t many places in the world that are more synonymous with wine than Mendoza. Dubbed by many as “the next Napa,” the region is most well-known for its Malbec grapes that produce a rich, full-bodied red wine which, coincidentally, goes very well with the country’s renowned steak. In Mendoza, the bucolic vineyards are smooth and sleek and with over 1,500 of them, it’s a great place to dig a little deeper and learn more about the viticultural process. Making it even more special is the stunning backdrop of the Andes glimmering in the distance and the smattering of uber-stylish hotels and restaurants that have popped up in the last few years, all designed to offer an immersive vineyard experience.
Where to stay
Cavas Wine Lodge
Enveloped by the foothills of the Andes on one of the best vineyards in the area, Cavas is a real find for oenophiles. The team are always on hand to book a vineyard visit, showcase the joys of Argentinian wine, and help you book any excursions into the superb surroundings – and if you’d rather do nothing at all, then head straight for the Wine Lodge spa.
2. The Maipo Valley, Santiago, Chile
A trip to Chile wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the world-class wine growing regions – and a tasting or two or three… – and, if you’re short on time, the Maipo Valley is a mere 90-minute drive from capital, Santiago. The area might be the second-oldest wine growing region in Chile but it’s probably its most famous, especially if Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are your calling. Some of the biggest wine brands in Chile (the world!) are based here, including award-winning Perez Cruz, who invite visitors for sophisticated grape-samplings in its three-million capacity bodega.
Where to stay
Casa Real at Santa Rita Vineyard
Surrounded by 45-acres of blooming, Renaissance-styled gardens, statues and ornamental hedges, hotel stays don’t get much prettier than this. Once the summerhouse of Domingo Concha, owner and founder of Santa Rita estate, the casa now offers classically-styled accommodation in 16 rooms and an outstanding restaurant where of course, the Santa Rita wines feature heavily.
3. Elqui Valley, Chile
Usually referred to as the home of pisco, Chile’s trademark classic, Elqui is a relative newcomer to the wine-making game. The valley is a streak of fertile green between the Pacific Ocean and the harsh desertscapes of the Atacama and the bright, dry days and clear skies offers a unique climate for Syrah grapes as well as other cool climate wines. There are several wineries offering tastings dotted amongst the traditional pisqueras as well as plenty of quaint eateries to sample everything from roasted goat to organic cuisine. Then, once you’re wine-d out, turn your attention skywards; the area has some of the clearest skies in the world and watching the stars come out at dusk, glass of wine in hand, is magical.
Where to stay
Casa Molle
Sink into life in Elqui at laidback Casa Molle. Trips to local wineries are offered in abundance but there’s also lots to do close by, from swimming in hot springs to horse riding on the flats. Back at base, the gardens are sprawling and beautiful, there’s an excellent restaurant, and the swimming pool has drool-worthy views of the surroundings.
4. The Wine Valleys, Chile
If you’ve got a penchant for fine wine and even better views, Chile’s iconic wine region, spread across the juicy, sunlit valleys of the central part of the country, is your sort of place. Together, Santa Cruz, the Maule Valley and the famous Colchagua Valleys are the largest collective area for wine production in the country and the place to sample some of the finest red wines in the business. The gentle ocean breezes and clay soils also create near-perfect conditions for carménère, a wine characterised by its deep burgundy colour and rich berry notes that is thought to have arrived from Bordeaux in the 19th century. Sadly, it’s now extinct in France but has become iconic to the Chilean wine scene.
Where to stay
The Vik Chile
Turning every vineyard cliché on its head, the Vik is bold, daring and dramatic. Inside, it’s all sharp corners, bronze sculptures and Dali artworks, but the outside is still the star of the show and panoramic windows show off the mountains and patchwork wineries to their very best. Add a spa and restaurant and there’s nowhere better to return to after an intoxicating day of wine tasting…
5. Cafayate, Argentina
Mendoza might be the big daddy of Argentinian wine, but lesser-known Cafayate is an excellent, untapped alternative. Your first reason to visit is the journey to get there. A two-hour drive from Salta, the nearest town, you’ll wind past the mind-boggling rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas (or the Gorge of Shells), spotting weird and wonderful cacti and looking out for 10-million year old fossils. A glass of wine awaits when you reach Cafayate, which is now garnering a reputation for excellent Torrontés varietals and robust reds. Alongside stellar wines, the ethos here is all about traditional hospitality and chilled-out afternoons and there are plenty of cosy bodegas to go around. Heaven.
Where to stay
Patios De Cafayate Hotel & Spa
Indulge in a little R&R in this carefully-restored 19th century estancia surrounded by the vines of the grape-filled El Esteco winery and amazing views of the Calchaquí Valley. The on-site restaurant is a must, cleverly fusing the best of Argentinian wine with local ingredients and at the end, all you need to do is roll back to your exquisite suite…
6. Rosario Valley, The Wine Valleys, Chile
You’ll find Rosario Valley on the central coast of Chile, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the gentle slopes of the Coastal Mountains. The valley is part of Chile’s wider wine-making region but, thanks to its cooler climate and oceanic influences, has ideal conditions to produce both red and whites. It’s also home to one of Chile’s few organic vineyards, Matetic. Pay a visit to learn about their fascinating, biodynamic wine-making process, wander around the acres of farmland and uber-modern winery, and then enjoy lunch under the trees with a glass of the signature white, the Sauvignon Blanc Coastal. It’s so good, it’s hard to believe the winery has only been in existence since the 90s…
Where to stay
La Casona at Matetic
Set within Matetic’s organic vines, stay at gorgeous La Casona and you won’t have to go far after a tasting. The hotel is an intimate casa with just 10 rooms, a pool set in a private garden, and two delectable restaurants, El Emporio for informal tapas and elegant Equilibrio for the full works.
