Argentina & Chile Gourmet Adventure

Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires and city tour

Meeting upon arrival and transfer to the Alvear Palace Hotel. Afternoon introductory sightseeing tour of the city covering the key points of interest including Avenida 9 de Julio, considered the widest in the world; the Plaza de Mayo, and the Italian district of La Boca; famous for its colorful tin houses. Following this tour we head to the visit a cellar where the chief sommelier will introduce you to the Argentine wine tradition. Evening return to the hotel and dinner at a distinctive “wine lovers” restaurant, serving the finest French and international food in the city. (D)

Day 2 Buenos Aires

Sunday is the famous San Telmo Antique (flea) market day, a favorite pastime of the Portenos, as the residents of the city are known, and tourists alike. This morning we visit this colorful, picturesque historical section of Buenos Aires. We visit traditional bars and antique shops. This is the bohemian side of the city with its mimes, impersonators, musicians and the ubiquitous tango dancers offering free lessons. Free time for lunch, some shopping or relaxation in the “Paris of South America”. This evening we visit a famous local chef in the residential neighborhood of San Isidro. Here you will learn about key influences of the local cuisine with an interactive cooking lesson where you will have an opportunity to prepare some traditional dishes. When dinner is ready, the table will be set to enjoy a delicious meal enhanced by Escorihuela Gascón’s reds. (B,D)

Day 3 Buenos Aires / Estancia (Argentine Ranch)

Early morning we visit to the Mercado Central (central market) of Buenos Aires, the main produce market in Argentina and one of the largest in South America, serving 11 million consumers. You will learn how this “monster” works, and visit the main stands and pavilions, as well as the retail market – where you will be able to do some shopping. After the market we make our way across the Argentine Pampas (range) towards the estancia (ranch). The main house is a fine example of 19th century colonial architecture, surrounded by immaculate, well-groomed gardens, a swimming pool and a fine collection of period carriages. In addition to agriculture, the farm breeds horses and cattle. At the Estancia, we learn how to prepare fabulous ‘asado criollo’ (typical barbecue). Later enjoy some outdoor activities at the Estancia, such as walks across the beautiful gardens, horse riding, bird-watching, or participating in the different stock rearing activities of the estancia: milking, cattle driving, ear-tagging, de-horning, branding, etc.) Evening at leisure. Overnight at the guest house. (B)

Day 4 Estancia / Buenos Aires / Mendoza

Morning transfer to Buenos Aires and the airport for the flight to Mendoza. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to Cavas Wine Lodge. Later, we drive to the nearby wine country for a visit to a winery for lunch, followed by a tour and wine tasting. Afternoon orientation city tour and afternoon coffee or tea. Evening dinner at one of Mendoza’s best restaurants where you can sample a variety of wines with the various courses of your meal. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Mendoza

This morning a beautiful drive to Terrazas de los Andes Winery situated in the district of Pedriel, a region considered to be one of the best pedigrees for wine growing quality. Terrazas is the fine wines division of Moet & Chandon. You will be greeted by the Terrazas winemakers who will give you a tour of the winery, followed by wine tasting. Next a short drive to the Chandon Winery where after an orientation presentation and sparkling wine tasting we are treated to a sumptuous private lunch. Afternoon drive to the thermal baths of Cachueta where we dine at the well known restaurant, owned by a renowned international chef. Overnight at the lodge. (B,L)

Day 6 Mendoza / Santiago

This morning a most dramatic crossing to Chile as we drive across the Andean mountain range taking the international route to Chile. Along our way we will visit the Potrerillos and Uspallata Valleys and Penitentes Winter Sports Center. The road from the summit to Uspallata is a breathtaking 17-mile drive. We continue Aconcagua National Park with breathtaking views created by occasional clouds painting shadows on some mountains and allowing sun to pour light on others. These curious rock formations were filmed for the dramatic setting of Seven Years in Tibet, starring Brad Pitt. Lunch will be served at a local Hostería. After crossing to Chile a brief stop at Los Andes, a town in Chile, where we will take a rest and visit the facilities of a local winery and taste their wines. Continue on our way to Santiago de Chile and check in at the Hotel Ritz Carlton Santiago for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Santiago

This morning a walk through the center of Santiago, visit to the Government Palace, Plaza de Armas (main square), Cathedral, later a visit to the neighborhood of the Central Market to purchase produce to be used for tonight’s dinner. Assisted by a local you will choose fish, sea foods, fruits and vegetables. Tour through the historical building of the central market. Around midday continue to the Museum of Casa Colorada, tour and later lunch at a gourmet restaurant. Afternoon visit to top cellars, for wine tasting. Return to the hotel. This evening we visit the house of a local chef in the residential neighborhood of Las Condes, where he prepared our meal of the produce we selected this morning at the Central Market, which will be explained while serving them, accompanied by a selected wine. Return to the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Santiago / Santa Cruz (wine route)

Early in the morning transfer from the hotel to the Colchagua Valley, in the city of San Fernando were we board the Wine Train (Tren del Vino), to travel for approximately 1½ hours through the valley surrounded by vineyards, tasting cheese and wine on board. The steam locomotive was built in Chile in 1912 and 04 of its cars were built in Germany in 1923, all recently restored. Arrival at to Santa Cruz, traditional greeting with music and typical dance. Afternoon transfer to the Santa Cruz vineyard, visit and wine tasting, ascending ride to see the valley and later have lunch at the Gastronomic Center surrounded by vineyards. Later afternoon arrive at the Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza. Time at leisure to rest or visit the Colchagua Museum on your own, which posses an interesting display of collections such as: vehicles, insects in amber, weapons, pre-Columbian jewelry, carriages, etc. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, menu based on traditional Chilean meals.

Day 9 Santa Cruz / Santiago

Early in the morning, visit the vineyard Montes, boutique vineyard that stands out for its Premium wines “Montes Alfa, Montes M and Folie”. Visit the Valley and its cellars, wine tasting. Transfer to the vineyard Viu Manent, boasting a long family tradition and veterans of the valley of Colchagua. A carriage trip through the vineyards and a new wine tasting experience of wine midway of its aging process. Viu Manent’s new restaurant is located within an old Colonial construction called “La Llaveria.” This restaurant opened in order to offer the visitor a menu that reflects the exceptional gourmet tradition of the Colchagua Valley, as interpreted by our consultant chef, Claudio Marras “Toque Blanche,” alongside our resident chef, Andrés Hadweth. In creating the menu, these masters of fine cuisine were inspired to find the best food pairings for the Viu Manent wines. Continue back to Santiago for overnight at the Hotel Ritz Carlton in Santiago. Evening on your own. (B,L)

Day 10 Santiago (Casablanca Valley)

Early in the morning drive to the Valley of Casablanca, comprising more than four thousand planted hectares, it is considered one of the best new wine producing regions in Chile, and is known throughout the world as one of the premium areas for the production of white wines. Today, in addition to our traditional grapes, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the interesting varieties of Merlot and Pinot Noir have been added. First we visit a boutique vineyard for wine tasting. Later we travel to a small neighborhood valley of San Antonio, where the Matetic vineyard is situated. Lunch at the restaurant of the Matetic vineyard, located in the gardens of a colonial house next to a small lagoon. The kitchen stands out for its healthy meals, close to nature and its aromas and its virginal flavors. In the afternoon we visit the cellar of the Matetic vineyard, which is quite impressive due to its refined architecture and its technological details which allow them to produce one of the best wines. Tasting accompanied by sheep cheese produced in the region. Return to the Hotel Ritz Carlton in Santiago. Dinner at a famous gourmet restaurant. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Santiago (Maipo Valley)

Early in the morning transfer for a cooking lesson with a famous Chef, master of the new Chilean gourmet. Next, you will be guided for wine tasting by a Sommelier with technical and expert appreciations of Chilean wine. Visit after lunch to a vineyard, located in the privileged Maipo Valley. This vineyard combines the passion for horses with wine; this trip will allow you to enjoy both passions. Tasting of two premium wines before returning to the hotel for overnight. (B,L)

Day 12 Depart Santiago

Today we end the joint Gourmet and Wine Tasting Adventure with transfer to the airport.

Remarks

Special Terms & Conditions apply to this program. Please inquire.