Our journey through Chile resulted in many crossings into Argentina then back into Chile and vice-versa; when we headed north we repeated the process - each time doing all the paperwork (passports, car, pets). We visited Valparaiso area in early February (to check out vehicle shipping options) and we returned at the beginning of April to ship. Both trips allowed us to taste the great food and wine.
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| Laguna Verde © Spaswinefood |
During each visit to the Valparaiso area we visited the Casablanca Valley wine region of Chile. It is less than an hour's drive west of Santiago.The Casablanca Valley is relatively new to the wine industry. Wine production started in mid-1980's and it has quickly gained recognition for its Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Carménere and Sauvignon Blanc.
Viña Casas del Bosque
During our February visit we did a quick stop at Viña Casas del Bosque. During our April trip we tried to visit a second time but it was closed. We just happened to hit a Chilean holiday. Viña Mar was on our list to visit but it was also closed for the holiday.
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| Viña Casas Del Bosque © Spaswinefood |
Viña Veramonte
We were fortunate however, to visit Viña Veramonte where we enjoyed the wine tasting and bought some wines. We had an enjoyable lunch at Viña Morandé.
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| Viña Veramonte © Spaswinefood |
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| Entrance to Viña Veramonte © Spaswinefood |
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| Viña Morandé © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch, Viña Morandé © Spaswinefood |
Viña del Mar & Valparaiso
During our second visit we stayed in Viña del Mar, just north of Valparaiso while we waited to ship our SUV.
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| Viña del Mar © Spaswinefood |
We visited Valparaiso harbor a number of times. One day we took the funicular to climb the hills of Valparaiso. It is a rather Bohemian area of Valparaiso where many artists try to make it. Also, there are restaurants and some have great views, such as Restaurant Turri.
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| View of Valparaiso Harbor from Restaurant Turri © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch at Restaurant Turri with wine © Spaswinefood |
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| Great salad © Spaswinefood |
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| Sharon's lunch © Spaswinefood |
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| John's lunch © Spaswinefood |
Viña Indómita
During our March trip we visited Viña Indómita. Viña Indómita is perched upon a hill overlooking the beautiful Casablanca Valley.
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| Vineyards in Casablanca Valley from Viña Indómita © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch Viña Indómita, John had Pulpo (octopus) © Spaswinefood |
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| Tasting Pinot Noir, Viña Indómita © Spaswinefood |
We had the most wonderful lunch and we loved the wine tasting; so we bought two cases to ship back. How could we leave this great wine behind?
We are hoping to revisit the Casablanca Valley wine region soon. If you happen to be in Santiago or Valparaiso we recommend that you put a visit to the Casablanca Valley wineries on your list. It could easily be done as a day trip.
Sharon and Jack,
Tasting Memories from the Las Américas Trip
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