Just a short drive from Santiago, is the Maipo Valley, regarded as one of the best wine making regions in the country. Some of the oldest and most historic wineries can be found in this valley and can be easily visited whilst staying in Santiago. The valley is best known for its well-balanced red wines, and Alto Maipo in the shadows of the Andes produces some of Chile’s leading Cabernets. It is here that Latin America’s premier wine exporter, Concha y Toro can be found.

Travelling a little further south, nestled in the southernmost part of the Rapel Valley, is the Colchagua Valley. One of Chile’s foremost wine regions it has gained acclaim for its full bodied Cabernet, Carménère, Syrah and Malbec, and its wines regularly appear high on the world’s leading wine lists. Just a two hour drive, or half an hour by plane, from Santiago, many of the wineries provide stunning accommodation for guests to fully immerse themselves, observing production processes and ancient cellars, and most importantly tasting the end product accompanied by gourmet cuisine. Considered the home of the Chilean ‘huaso’ or cowboy; the area has a distinctly traditional and rustic feel and is definitely worth a visit.

Other wine regions in the Central Valley include the Aconcagua, Casablanca, and San Antonio valleys all of which produce top quality wine. The Central Valley can be all encompassing experience.