A Journey Through Time in La Serena

As I embarked on the Chilean Wine and Pisco Tour from La Serena to the Elqui Valley, I was immediately enveloped by the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines this region. La Serena, the oldest city on the Chilean coast, welcomed me with its charming colonial architecture and the promise of a journey that would unravel the secrets of Chilean viticulture.

Our first stop was Algarrobito, a place where the echoes of indigenous cultures and Spanish conquerors still linger. The landscape was a vibrant blend of tropical and Andean agriculture, a testament to the region’s strategic resources that have made it a world capital of wine. As we wandered through the towns, churches, and hacienda houses, I could almost taste the history in the air, a prelude to the flavors that awaited us.

In La Marquesa, I stood in awe at the house and winery of Francisco de Aguirre, the father of Chilean and Argentine wine. The air was thick with the legacy of his pioneering spirit, and as I sipped on the wines that have shaped the Chilean wine scene, I felt a deep connection to the land and its storied past.

The Heart of Chilean Wine

Our journey continued to Viña Falernia, where the landscape opened up to reveal a store brimming with typical products and wines that have redefined the Chilean wine map. The tasting here was a symphony of flavors, each sip a note in the melody of Chile’s viticultural evolution.

At the Centro Turistico Cooperativa Capel, I was introduced to the world of pisco, Chile’s national spirit. The largest cooperative in Chile, it offered a tasting that was both educational and indulgent. The Pisco Museum was a treasure trove of history, each exhibit a testament to the craft and dedication that goes into every bottle.

Lunch at the Solar Kitchens of Villaseca was a feast for the senses. The typical Chilean food, paired with local wines, was a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage. Each dish was a reflection of the land, a harmonious blend of flavors that spoke of tradition and innovation.

The Pinnacle of Viticulture

As we ventured further into the Elqui Valley, the landscape transformed into a breathtaking panorama of vineyards. In Paihuano, I paused to capture the beauty of one of the oldest and most stunning wine landscapes in Andean America. The view was a reminder of the region’s enduring allure, a place where nature and viticulture coexist in perfect harmony.

Cavas Del Valle, an organic and boutique vineyard, was a revelation. Here, classic wines and advanced nectar wines with ancestral varieties were crafted with precision and passion. The tasting was an exploration of flavors, each wine a testament to the vineyard’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Our final stop was the Alcohuaz Vineyards, one of the highest altitude vineyards in the world. The red varieties produced here, using both ancestral and advanced methods, were a fitting conclusion to our journey. As I savored the wines, I marveled at the avant-garde approach that has positioned this vineyard at the forefront of the wine world.

The Chilean Wine and Pisco Tour was more than just a tasting experience; it was a journey through the heart and soul of Chile’s wine country. Each stop was a chapter in the story of Chilean viticulture, a narrative that continues to evolve and inspire.