Bike & Wine: Colchagua – King of Chilean Red Wines

 

3 days/2 nights

 

The southern extreme of the large Rapel Valley is best known as the Colchagua Valley, a zone that has traditionally been highly celebrated for its ripe and juicy red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon continues to hold the lead, although Syrah and Carménère steal the show, along with relatively small quantities of excellent Malbec. Recently, vineyards have expanded toward the coast and broadened the repertoire of fine wines to include cool-climate varieties.

 

Day 1 - Eastern Colchagua Valley

Your driver and guide will be waiting to meet you at your hotel to embark on your Bike & Wine adventure. The journey begins with a three hour drive to the high eastern sector of the renowned Colchagua Valley, south of Chile’s capital city Santiago, where we will start our ride. Putting the Andes Mountains to our backs we will make a gentle downhill ride toward the town of San Fernando, ending our day with a tour and tasting at the family-run Casa Silva Winery, followed by lunch.

Hotel: Casa Silva

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Total Pedaling Distance: 20 miles, 32 km

 

Day 2 - Colchagua Valley

We will continue our journey in the morning, first passing through San Fernando before traveling over back roads winding along the Tinguiririca River. Midway through the ride, we will stop for lunch in the charming city of Nancagua. We then continue through several of the valley’s small towns before finishing just outside the quaint village of Santa Cruz. Following a visit and tasting at boutique vineyard Laura Hartwig, we will settle in for the night at a lovely hotel surrounded by vineyards.

Hotel: Terra Vina

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Total Pedaling Distance: 40 miles/ 64.5 km

 

Day 3 - Exploring the Colchagua Valley from Santa Cruz to Marchihue

Heading out of Santa Cruz this morning, we will ride west along mostly flat roads. We will make a stop for tastings at one of the region’s top wineries, Mont Gras. Founded in the mid-1990s, Mont Gras focuses almost exclusively on the production of reserve wines for export. Next, we’ll continue to Los Vascos Winery, whose special microclimate created by rich soil, proximity to the ocean, and intense sun exposure combine to nurture wines with concentration and finesse. We’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Taberna in the town of Peralillo before returning to Santiago.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Total Pedaling Distance: 25 miles / 40 km

 

​Ethaka Travel hosts groups from 2-20 people. The price varies depending on the number of people. Please contact Ethaka Travel for information on pricing. 

info@ethakatravel.com or 817-914-8601 

 

All Hotels are Premium Hotels. Contact info@ethakatravel.com for more information.

What’s Included:

All ground transportation in a private, comfortable vehicle

Professional, bilingual cycling guide

Bicycle and helmet •

Two (2) nights lodging in Colchagua Valley

Some meals, as described in itinerary

Four (4) winery visits & tastings

Bottled mineral water

Overall Pedaling Distance: 85 miles / 136.5 km Level of Difficulty: Moderate