Argentina & Chile Wine Adventure

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HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

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Day 1: ARRIVAL TO SANTIAGO & CASABLANCA VALLEY

Welcome to Santiago! Upon arrival in Santiago airport we drive west for about an hour into Casablanca Valley. The valley receives a cool oceanic breeze that makes this terroir a perfect one for some of the best Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays produced in the country. We make our way to Matetic Vineyards where we check in at Hacienda Matetic*, enjoy lunch and visit the winery. The rest of the day is yours to leisure away.

Lodging: La Casonaat Hacienda Matetic* – Casablanca Valley, Chile (L,D)
Meals: L,D

Day 2: COASTAL VALPARAISO

This morning we drive to the coastal City of Valparaiso. Historically the main port of Chile and built almost entirely on steep hills, the city holds a well-deserved reputation among foodies. Our first stop is at Pablo Neruda´s house (Nobel Prize, Literature). We walk from the upper hills, board the funicular railways and wander through town admiring some stunning graffiti & street art works.

Half way down the hills, time for lunch on own at one of the elegant terraces offering a heaven of Pisco Sours and fish recipes. Afternoon walk through the town´s historic landmarks, and return to the Hacienda.

Lodging: La Casonaat Hacienda Matetic – Casablanca Valley, Chile B, D

Meals: B, D

Day 3: CARMENERES & CAVS OF THE MAIPO VALLEY

After breakfast, we leave the city and transfer towards the Maipo Valley, the landlocked cradle of Chilean wine-making traditions. Just west of the main Cordillera we enter Viña Santa Rita. We first visit its historic Hacienda, with its lavish gardens and learn about the property which had an important role on the Independence war that liberated the country.

Then it is time for tasting some of their premium wines. Lunch is a flight of typical dishes at the lively local venue, before making our way to Haras de Pirque Winery, whose founders have excelled in blending two national passions: Horses & Wines…a unique place where thoroughbred breeding and fine wines elaboration comes together.

Afternoon transfer to Santiago. Check in at The Singular, the elegant boutique property. Evening leisure or explore on own the city´s top culinary options.

Lodging: The Singular Boutique Hotel, Barrio Lastarria, Santiago

Meals: B, L

Day 4: SANTIAGO de CHILE

“There is no better way to get to the heart of any city than through its cuisine. And that means not just eating, but shopping for it, and cooking it.” -Taylor Holliday, New York Times.

We start the day briefing on the country´s main historic and cultural landmarks: Santiago’s colonial Plaza de Armas, the impressive Cathedral, and The Mint, Chile’s current government house.

Then it is time to start savouring the morning! We meet our Chef-Guide at the gates of Mercado Central, Santiago’s celebrated fresh fish market (listed by National Geographic among Top 10 Food Markets in the world) and walk nearby La Vega, the popular fruit and vegetable market and the perfect place to discover new flavours. Then, it is on to the kitchen, where our instructor will guide you throughout the preparation of simple but delicious Chilean recipes. We relax over lunch and a glass of wine before returning to your hotel. Evening at leisure, or explore on own nearby Bocanariz, the city’s unparalleled wine bar, to taste top wines produced “from the Sea to the mountains”.

Lodging: The Singular Boutique Hotel: Barrio Lastarria -Santiago

Meals: B, L

Day 5: MENDOZA

Late morning flight to Mendoza, the cradle of Argentine wine making at the foothills of the Andes. Upon arrival, quick transfer to the downtown area, and time for lunch on own followed by an overview of the city, its history, monuments and elegant parks.

Check in at Entre Cielos Boutique Hotel, rest until dinner or relax at the fabulous Spa. This evening we experience “1884”, where Chef Francis Mallmann blends the finest culinary traditions of France and South America. The first non-European to win the Grand Prix de la Science de la Cuisine, Mr. Mallmann describes his restaurant as “a tribute to the wine and the regional cuisine”.

Lodging: Lares de Chacras

Meals: B, D

Day 6: MENDOZA’S CRAFTSMEN – OLIVE OIL & WINE

Olives and wines…
This morning our cultural and tasting experiences continue at the old fashioned producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, where we learn about the secrets of pressing & decanting. Our sensorial adventure continues at one of the pinnacles among Argentine wine makers: Mendel Wines, the small estate conducted by Roberto de La Mota (*), and known for the exceptional quality of its reds. We get acquainted with its production processes, both at the vineyards and the cellars.

Just a couple of miles away we find Chef Lucas Bustos´ restaurant at Ruca Malen Winery (**) where we enjoy a five-course pairing menu in sight of Cordon del Plata snowed peaks (19574 ft). Lucas´ approach is about enjoying wine in a non- technical way…“with food, as you would at home”.

Lodging: Lares de Chacras
Meals: B, L

* Robert M. Parker, Jr.’s The Wine Advocate named Mendel “The Best of the Best — for Roberto de la Mota’s brilliant talent and spirit”

(**) Ruca Malén: Great Wine Capitals, 2014 Gold Medal- “Global Best Of Wine Tourism “ > Category: “Wine Tourism Restaurants”

Day 7: MENDOZA’S WINES

If you are a wine lover, chances are that the mention of Catena Zapata rings a bell. Certainly one of the truly iconic names of the region, Nicolas Catena´s (*) state of the art winery, has helped to establish Mendoza as one of the world´s newest wine-meccas. Acknowledged as the pioneers of quality wine making in Argentina, we taste their superb production and learn about the immigrants from Spain & Italy who first brought the wine making traditions into this region.

What follows is a scenic drive to Uco Valley´s heights, with its dry Terroir of nearly perfect conditions at the Mendocino Pedemonte. Relax over lunch at funky Finca La Azul garage size winery. Ezequiel &friends make us feel at home as we pair Gran Reservas with the house´s Bondiola, a to die for roasted pork shoulder. Check in at The Vines of Mendoza, memorable food, world–renowned wine, and some of Mendoza’s most gorgeous views to keep you entertained and engaged. For less sedentary pleasures, a lengthy list of activity options ranges from intensely relaxing to highly adventurous.

Please see below (**) for optional lodging at Finca La Azul boutique property

Lodging: Finca La Azul Wine Lodge

(*) Nicolas Catena: Decanter Magazine’s Man of the Year, 2009 award.

(**) Finca La Azul Wine Lodge: A cozy, private retreat of only six rooms, among hundreds of acres of vines and fruit plantations.

Meals: B, L

Day 8: UCO VALLEY

Due to its unparalleled soil and climate conditions, Uco Valley earned world recognition during recent years, as the Gem of Argentina´s Wine Regions. At Clos de los Siete, the 1600-acre joint wine adventure initiated a few years back by French winemaker Michel Rolland (*), we visit two wineries, tasting full body Malbecs at Cuvelier de los Andes and crispy Viogniers at Diamandes.

Afterwards we head for a traditional Asado (Barbecue) at the hidden local venue specialized in pork meats. Afternoon return to your lodge at the vineyards. Leisure the afternoon away by the pool, or walk among extensive fruit plantations.

Lodging: Finca La Azul Wine Lodge

(*)- Top Gun:Winemaker/Consulting Oenologist Michel Rolland has influenced the way wine is made in more than a dozen countries.

Meals: B, L

Day 9: BUENOS AIRES

Morning flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina´s cosmopolitan capital. Transfer to the hotel in the lively Palermo district.

Later in the afternoon, we gather back to explore by foot some of the traditional neighbourhoods in the city. At Plaza de Mayo square we learn about the country’s recent history and Evita´s favourite balcony before walking the few blocks that separate us from San Telmo art district and its popular street fair ( Sundays only !). Porteños are passionate about their part Italian heritage, so of course, Gelatos to go and stops at historic Cafés are mandatory. Our urban scouting comes to an end during the early evening, with a knock- knock at a flower- shop and a few steps down…just to find one of the best hidden (Speakeasy) bars in the city!

Return to your hotel and the evening is yours to rest or continue exploring on own (*)

Lodging: Legado Mitico Boutique Hotel, Palermo, Buenos Aires

(*) …Perhaps trying yourself a few Tango steps at local Milongas? (Venues where both locals and visitors attend to learn/ dance Tango).

Meals: B, D

Day 10: BUENOS AIRES – FREE DAY

Evening: Tonight is our farewell dinner in true South American Style at I Latina. Since its opening, the project (by appointment only) created by three Colombian siblingshas quickly taken over the spotlight of Buenos Aires food scene.
“Behind the grand doors of a white villa, the Macías siblings — Santiago, Camilo and Laura — introduce their native Colombian flavors to local palates. The inventive menu (white-corn arepas with anise and Colombian hogao; caramelized prawns with coconut sauce on a bed of pineapple and fennel) has made the nearly two-year-old restaurant a hot reservation “(“In a Buenos Aires Barrio, a Quiet Metamorphosis” -by Sarah Kahn – New York Times- Travel).

Lodging: Legado Mitico Boutique Hotel, Palermo, Buenos Aires

Meals: B, D

Day 11: DEPARTURE DAY

The Morning is yours to leisure or to wander through the city. Early Afternoon luggage pickup by your hotel and transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport to board flights back home.

Meals: B

OR

EXTEND YOUR STAY IN ARGENTINA! Ask for details

3 days/2 nights in IGUAZU FALLS

AND/OR

5 days/4 nights in SALTA

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Accommodation” tab_id=”1449289426670-de1f94c1-4595″][vc_column_text]IMPORTANT:
PREFERRED LODGES, BOUTIQUE LUXURY BLEND

Days 1 & 2
La Casona at Matetic Vineyards
Web: www.mateticvineyards.com

Days 3 & 4
The Singular Hotel
Web: www.thesingular.com

Days 5 & 6
Lares de Chacras
Web: www.laresdechacras.com

Days 7 & 8
Finca La Azul Wine Lodge
Web: www.fincalaazul.com.ar

Days 9 & 10
Legado Mitico Hotel(Superior Room)
Web: www.legadomitico.com

*Please note that hotels are subject to change 30 days prior to departure.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Important Info” tab_id=”1449289392103-be095264-cb20″][vc_column_text]PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever changing nature in CHILE & ARGENTINA, activities, restaurants, hotels, and sites are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.

PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Inclusion & Exclusion” tab_id=”1449208780765-5fd2d40a-5e8d”][vc_column_text]TOUR INCLUSIONS:
Accommodation 10 days / 9 nights luxury boutique hotel based on double occupancy
Transportation and private transfers
Guides Local guides for sightseeing
Activities Private cooking classes, chef-led tours, private tours of exclusive vineyards
Sightseeing All entrances as per itinerary are included
Meals as per itinerary
All applicable taxes

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
International flights (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
Mandatory travel medical insurance and optional cancellation insurance (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
Services not specified, meals not specified
Alcoholic beverages, other beverages
Items of a personal nature
Tips for guides, drivers, housekeeping staff, servers at meals on own, tour leader
Departure taxes (domestic and international if applicable)
Passport or vaccination fees

*IMPORTANT NOTES:
– Though we will do our best to follow this itinerary as closely as possible, it is subject to change due to factors beyond our control[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Pricing & DATES” tab_id=”1449223591510-29ce0fb2-4171″][vc_column_text]Date: THIS TOUR IS AVAILABLE FOR 2-14 PARTICIPANTS ON A CUSTOM BASIS.

Final Payment

Full payment is due 60 prior to departure.

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