A savvy traveler’s guide to wine tasting in Santiago, Chile

Almost anyone can swirl a glass and take a sip of vino (at least if you’re over 18), but the Chilean wine-tasting experience offers so much more. No longer just a stop-over city, Santiago is a destination brimming with stunning vistas, eclectic cultural venues and, of course, lots of opportunities to taste wine. From the thrill-seeker to the hipster, here’s a few must-dos for the savviest of travelers:

Also: 20 epic sunrises and sunsets

Sign us up for a helicopter ride | Photo courtesy of Loma Larga Vineyards

Soar above the Casablanca Valley via helicopter
The adventure starts at Loma Larga Vineyards, a winery that sets the bar for quality cool-climate reds, including exceptional Malbec and Syrah. Climb into a helicopter with the vineyard owner and prepare for aerial views that will take your breath away.

Explore this winery on bicycle | Photo courtesy of James Florio for Upscape

Take a leisurely bike tour to the Matetic Vineyards
Pedal through the quaint village of Lagunillas and gently climb through the foothills and farmlands of the Rosario Valley. Explore the Matetic Vineyards then escape for a romantic meal for two at El Sauce.

Admire the architecture, and the view | Photo courtesy of James Florio for Upscape

Explore the stunning architecture at the Clos Apalta Winery
An impressively engineered structure, the six-story (four of which are buried into the granite of the Apalta hillside) winery showcases a rare vertical design, allowing the iconic Lapostolle wine to flow naturally downward during each stage of its production. Even the elliptic-shaped fermentation room and two-barrel cellars feature unique design elements.

Tour a family-owned, independent winery off the beaten path
Break free from the traditional wine-tasting experience and explore a MOVI (Movimiento de Viñateros Independientes) winery like Kingston Family Vineyards in the Casablanca Valley. This family-owned, independent winery only uses 10 percent of the grapes planted, concentrating completely on quality over quantity.

Photo courtesy of Boragó Restaurant

Dine at one of the highest-rated restaurants in Chile
Nosh on a 15-course meal paired with boutique and organic wines at Boragó Restaurant. Not only is Chef Rodolfo Guzman a Chilean native with a strong dedication to natural Chilean cooking techniques, and indigenous ingredients like shellfish, mushrooms and highland flowers, but he also ranks as the #1 chef in the entire country,

Trek and picnic | Photo courtesy of Upscape

Trek along the San Francisco Glacier
Start the journey with wine tasting at Viña Haras de Pirque in the Maipo Valley, before settling in for the night at Lodge Andino. You’ll want your beauty rest because the next day, you’ll be hiking up a trail through the dramatic peaks of El Morado National Park. Finish the journey with a picnic, followed by a soak in the natural hot springs of Baños Colina.

Wine and dine like the locals | Photo courtesy of Bocanariz

Visit a trendy wine bar in Santiago
One of the capital city’s most famous places to enjoy the best Chilean wines, Bocanariz is located in the charming Lastarria neighborhood. Kick back in a comfortable urban setting and taste your way through seasonal varieties — either individually or in flights.

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