Wine Chile Tours — Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How far in advance should I book a wine tour?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (November–March). For private tours or custom itineraries, 4–6 weeks is ideal to ensure your preferred dates and wineries are available. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible — contact us and we'll do our best.

Question 2

What is the best time of year to visit Chile's wine valleys?

Accepted Answer

Chile's wine country is beautiful year-round, but the most popular time is harvest season (February–April), when you can see grapes being picked and participate in the winemaking process. Spring (September–November) offers lush green vineyards and mild temperatures. Summer (December–February) is warm and sunny. Winter (June–August) is quieter with fewer crowds and some wineries offer special barrel-tasting experiences.

Question 3

How many valleys can I visit in one trip?

Accepted Answer

Most guests visit 2–3 valleys over a week-long trip. Colchagua, Casablanca, and Maipo are the most popular combination as they're all within 2 hours of Santiago. If you have 10–14 days, you can comfortably add Aconcagua, Cachapoal, or even extend into Mendoza, Argentina via the Andes crossing.

Question 4

Do you offer custom itineraries?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — custom itineraries are our specialty. Tell us your interests (red wines, white wines, sparkling, natural wines, architecture, food pairings), your travel dates, group size, and budget, and we'll design a bespoke experience. Use our contact form or WhatsApp to start the conversation.

Question 5

Can I combine a Chile wine tour with the Mendoza extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's one of our most popular combinations. After exploring Chile's valleys, we cross the Andes via the spectacular Los Libertadores pass — passing Portillo's Inca Lake, Aconcagua mountain, and the Inca Bridge — and arrive in Mendoza for 2–3 days of Malbec tastings. The crossing takes 6–8 hours and is an experience in itself.

Question 6

What is included in a wine tour?

Accepted Answer

All tours include private transportation in a comfortable vehicle, a bilingual (English/Spanish) driver-guide, winery entrance fees, guided tastings at each estate, and a curated food pairing where available. Accommodation and flights are not included unless specified in a package.

Question 7

How many people are in a typical tour group?

Accepted Answer

We specialise in small-group and private tours. Most of our tours have a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring personalised attention and access to smaller, boutique wineries that don't accept large groups. Private tours for 1–4 people are also available.

Question 8

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. All our guides are fluent in English and Spanish, and we handle all communication with wineries on your behalf. Most premium wineries in Chile also have English-speaking staff.

Question 9

Where do tours depart from?

Accepted Answer

All tours depart from Santiago. We offer hotel pick-up from most central Santiago hotels and Airbnbs. If you're staying outside the city centre, please mention your address when booking and we'll confirm the pick-up arrangement.

Question 10

Is transportation between wineries included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All inter-winery transportation throughout the day is included. You'll travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with your guide. You never need to worry about driving after wine tastings.

Question 11

How many wines will I taste on a typical tour day?

Accepted Answer

At each winery you'll typically taste 4–6 wines, guided by the estate's sommelier or winemaker. Over a full-day tour visiting 2–3 wineries, you can expect to taste 10–18 wines in total. Pours are measured and spitting is always an option — we want you to enjoy the experience, not just the alcohol.

Question 12

Which Chilean wine valleys are best for red wine lovers?

Accepted Answer

Colchagua Valley is Chile's premier red wine region, famous for Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Maipo Valley, just south of Santiago, is the historic home of Chilean Cabernet. Cachapoal and Maule also produce excellent reds. For something more adventurous, Itata and Bío-Bío in the south are producing exciting natural and old-vine reds.

Question 13

Which valleys are best for white wine and Sauvignon Blanc?

Accepted Answer

Casablanca Valley is Chile's most celebrated white wine region, known for crisp Sauvignon Blanc and elegant Chardonnay. San Antonio and Leyda (near Casablanca) are also excellent for whites. Aconcagua Costa, closer to the Pacific, produces some of Chile's most mineral-driven whites.

Question 14

Can I buy wine at the wineries and take it home?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most wineries have a shop where you can purchase bottles, including library releases and limited editions not available elsewhere. We can arrange for wine to be shipped internationally, or help you pack bottles safely for carry-on or checked luggage. Chilean customs allows you to export wine freely.

Question 15

Are food pairings available on tours?

Accepted Answer

Many of Chile's top wineries have excellent on-site restaurants. We can build food-and-wine pairing lunches into your itinerary at estates like Viña VIK, Casa Silva, and Montes. Please mention your interest in dining experiences when enquiring and we'll incorporate them into your day.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We offer a full refund for cancellations made 7 or more days before the tour date. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable, but we're happy to reschedule to a future date at no extra charge, subject to availability. In the event of extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances, we'll always work with you to find a solution.

Question 17

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. This is especially important if you're adding the Mendoza extension, as the Andes crossing occasionally closes in winter due to snow.

Question 18

Are tours suitable for non-drinkers or designated drivers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Non-drinkers are very welcome on all our tours. Wineries offer grape juice, water, and soft drinks, and the scenery, architecture, and winemaking stories are fascinating regardless of whether you're tasting. We never pressure anyone to drink.

Question 19

What should I wear and bring?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable walking shoes are essential — vineyard paths can be uneven. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary between the coast and inland valleys. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. In winter, a warm jacket is necessary, especially in the Andes.

Question 20

How do I pay for a tour?

Accepted Answer

We accept bank transfer, credit card (Visa, Mastercard), and PayPal. A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 7 days before the tour. For last-minute bookings, full payment is required upfront. All prices are quoted in USD.

Question 21

How long does the Andes crossing take?

Accepted Answer

The drive from Santiago to Mendoza via the Los Libertadores pass takes approximately 6–8 hours, including stops at Portillo's Inca Lake, Aconcagua viewpoint, and the Inca Bridge, plus border formalities. We recommend departing Santiago by 8am to arrive in Mendoza in the early afternoon.

Question 22

Is the Andes crossing safe in winter?

Accepted Answer

The Los Libertadores pass is open year-round but occasionally closes temporarily due to heavy snowfall (typically June–August). We monitor conditions closely and will notify you immediately if a closure affects your itinerary. We always have a contingency plan, including alternative dates or a flight option.

Question 23

Do I need a visa to enter Argentina from Chile?

Accepted Answer

Citizens of most Western countries (USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not need a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist. You'll need a valid passport. We handle all the border crossing paperwork and guide you through the process. Check with your country's embassy if you're unsure about your specific nationality.

Question 24

What is Mendoza's signature grape variety?

Accepted Answer

Malbec is Mendoza's signature variety and Argentina's most celebrated wine. Originally from France, Malbec found its true home in Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards, producing wines of extraordinary depth, colour, and fruit. Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco are the two most prestigious sub-regions for premium Malbec.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Planning Your Tour

Tour Logistics

Wine & Tastings

Practical Information

The Mendoza & Andes Extension

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Frequently AskedQuestions