Santa Cruz & the Colchagua Valley (Wine Country), Chile

Central Square - Santa Cruz, Chile

Hacienda in Viu Manent Winery
- Colchagua Valley, Chile

"Like the Wine Because the Wine is Good"
- Colchagua Valley, Chile

Santa Cruz & the Colchagua Valley (Wine Country), Chile (1/16-17/2010)

Welcome to the Chile’s premier wine region!

Chile has many quality wine regions and the Colchagua Valley is considered the one of the best and has some the best infrastructure (i.e. hotels, winery tours, tastings). It is often compared with the Napa Valley of California. 

On the afternoon we arrived we did have a chance to visit one of Chile’s best wineries (Viu Manent), had a private tasting, and great learning experience. 

The Viu Manent winery is built like a hacienda and inspired us on how to design our future home for outdoor living (see photo).

Pat at Private Tasting at Viu Manent Winery 
- Colchagua Valley, Chile

Restaurant - Santa Cruz, Chile

Our Hostel (Hostel D'Vid) - Santa Cruz, Chile

With expert help coming in from Australia and New Zealand, Chile’s wines are very good, especially considering the price.

Chile’s Chardonnays are not over-oaked and many of their red wines (i.e. malbec, syrah, cabernet sauvignon) have improved to the fine wine level winning international awards. 

We stayed in the quaint and unspoiled town of Santa Cruz and spent time in their pretty and calming central square (see photo).

We cut our time short in the Colchagua Valley because it was Chile’s national election day and they closed down all alcohol sales (sadly, including wineries). They are pretty passionate about their politics in Chile and have had fights break out in the past. 

Before we left the Colchagua Valley, we had dinner at the Santa Cruz Grand Hotel that overflowed with Latin American charm, hospitality, and beauty.

Please also see our 7 other blog posts for beautiful Chile:

Chile - Pucon Lake District

Chile - Puerto Montt Patagonia

Chile - Punta Arenas & Strait of Magellan

Chile - Santiago (Capital)

Chile - Strait of Magellan, Cape Horn, Chilean Fjords, & Darwin & Beagel Channels

Chile - Valparaiso

Chile - Vina del Mar

 

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