If you can name wine and travel as two of your greatest passions, you should consider combing the two and traveling to South America for a wine tour. Once a trip solely for the jet setters of the world, wine and culinary tours have grown in popularity side by side as people discover that one of the best ways to experience another culture is through its food and spirits.
As wine enthusiasts know, South America is quickly emerging as one of the most important wine centers in the world. Argentina and Chile in particular are gaining international recognition as viticulturists continue to produce award winning wines. The two best grape regions in South America are Mendoza in Argentina, and the Colchagua Valley in Chile.
Both of these areas are blessed with stunning scenery and climates that naturally produce delicious grapes. High altitudes, steep hillsides, a wide range of temperatures, plenty of water, and an above average amount of annual sunshine make the grapes grown here especially complex and perfect for making high quality wines.
Mendoza is one of the most beautiful cities in Argentina with dramatic views of snow capped Andes Mountains dominating the horizon, and verdant rolling vineyards surrounding the small city. Mendoza is known primarily for its Malbec wine, but the Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay are also remarkable. Wine tasting in this picturesque Argentina countryside is a great way to spend the day and wineries here often have unique bed and breakfasts where guests can stay the night. Horseback and bike tours are popular alternative ways to travel between wineries.
The Colchagua Valley is known for its amazing robust red wines like Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, and Carmenere. Named the wine region of the year in 2005 by Wine Enthusiast, the Colchagua Valley is a great place for an introduction to Chilean wines. Besides the amazing wines travelers can taste, the location of this valley makes it a perfect destination for combining a wine tour with a vibrant city experience. Santiago is only two hours from this wine producing valley, and the ski resorts of Chile are only three hours away.
The two countries' regions are separated by the Andes, but flights are only 50 minutes. Many travelers are discovering that combining the wine regions of both countries into one trip is a great, unique way to explore South America while tasting some of the best wines in the world.
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