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Hosted by Peter Blattmann
Led by Liz Caskey, Gourmet Chef & Wine Expert
Participants to arrive one day ahead because of Internation flight schedule. Transfer will be provided, hotel reservation will be made at a special rate upon request.
- Itinerary -
In the last 10 years South America’s wineries have catapulted from the last century into the new millennium. New vines are sprouting from
hills and valleys, and the Ultra-Chileans and modern-styles Malbecs from Argentina now stand proudly alongside the top wines of the world. Separated only by the 22.000-ft Andes
Mountains, Chile and Argentina offer spectacular scenery with fascinating similarities and contrasts in both geography and culture. We sample the best of each country’s food and
wine, and enjoy the delightful hospitality of their top wine-makers and chefs. We end our journey with a flourish of Tango.
Your Gastronomy and Wine Guide: Liz Caskey is an American chef residing in Santiago, Chile. Her focus is gastronomic tourism and wine, bringing
the two together to help us better appreciate Chilean and Argentina cuisine, both old and new.
Day 1: Culinary Tour - L
This morning we are off as we are off to discover the city’s colorful fresh markets. First, we will visit a typical daily barrio (neighborhood) vegetable and
fruit market in the historical Brasil neighborhood where we will pick out seasonal produce for the day’s lunch. Our second stop will be the Central Market where our caseros (fish
mongers) offer us the freshest catch of the day: fish, seafood, free range poultry, tangy goat cheese, local olives, and even spices for lunch. Lunch is at Liz’s private remodeled
1940s spacious apartment overlooking Santiago’s Parque Forestal where the group will participate in the preparation of a delicious three-course gourmet lunch with selecting wine
pairings. Transfer back to your hotel and the rest of the day free. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Lodging: Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Day 2: Casablanca and San Antonio Wine Valleys – B, L, D
Departure from the hotel in Santiago and we head towards the Pacific coast and its chilly coastal valleys: Casablanca and the new appellation of San Antonio. In
particular, San Antonio, the smallest wine valley in Chile is, in our opinion, one of the most exciting. Located only kilometers from the coast, this “wild west” of rugged,
natural beauty is home to a handful of first-rate boutique wineries producing Pinot Noir, cold-weather Syrah, aromatic whites and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Our first visit, Matetic Vineyards
is a modern boutique winery planted on slope-planted hills nestled among eucalyptus and pine forests in their own private valley. Our lunch rendezvous is in the Casablanca wine valley at
the Indomita Winery, renowned for its delicious “Chilean Nouveau” cuisine. Before digging in, the talented Chef Oscar Tapia (ex sous chef of Santiago’s acclaimed Agua
restaurant) who is adept at refining classic Chilean dishes and ingredients into a gourmet adventure, will show us some tips in a private cooking lesson. We will get to sample the fruits
of his labor in the restaurant served alongside their wines and an encompassing view of the valley below. Return to Santiago in afternoon. Tonight we will dine at Santiago’s most
historical restaurant where many of Chile’s renowned Presidents and diplomats have celebrated campaigns and victories. Full course dinner focusing on Chile’s traditional
dishes and local wines.
Lodging: Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Viñedo Chadwick is one of Chile’s top icon wines |
Day 3: “High” Maipo Wine Valley – B, L
Depart from the hotel this morning and we head towards the foothills of the Andes to the wine appellation closest to Santiago, the Maipo valley. Named after the Maipo
River, the valley is renowned worldwide for its excellent soil and climate for Cabernet Sauvignon. Divided into the Alto Maipo, or “High” Maipo, which closely parallels the
Andes Mountains and the Isla de Maipo, which lies farther to the west wedged between the coastal mountains, today the focus is on the Alto Maipo where many of Chile’s top wineries
that produce excellent Cabernets and blends are located. Our first visit is one of Chile’s finest wines and an exclusive joint venture between Mouton Rothschild and Viña
Concha y Toro, Almaviva. We will tour the unforgettable vineyards, grounds, and facilities and a tasting of the fantastic 2003 vintage, rated 95 points in wine spectator. Our next visit
is just next door at Errazuriz’s top wine, Viñedo Chadwick, located in the Tocornal vineyard in Puente Alto; considered by many to be some of the finest terroir for Cabernet
Sauvignon in Chile. We will have a private visit of the family home, vineyards, and ground followed by an exclusive vertical tasting of the 2002 and 2003 vintages. For lunch, we head to
the country town of Pirque to an organic farm, ecological school, and 19th century villa. After lunch, we will take a tour of the farm to see how their delicious goat cheese is made,
visit the organic vegetable garden and their honey hives.
Dinner is on your own tonight. Lodging: Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Olive Plantantion |
Day 4: Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys – B, L, D
This morning before check-out, we will join the head chef of San Francisco’s Hotel Restaurant Bristol and the President of Les Toques Blanches (Chile Chapter)
for a personalized cooking lesson. Our wine and food journeys take us south of Santiago to the wine valley known as Cachapaol, one of the newer wine appellations in Chile. Today we will
specifically be visiting a winery located close to the Andes known as the “Alto” (High) Cachapoal; whose stony piedmont produces fresh, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with soft
tannins. Leaving the Pan-American highway behind, we snake towards road’s end (the Andes Mountains) arriving at our first visit, one of Chile’s premium fine wines, Altair, a
joint venture between the gigantic San Pedro winery and Chateau Dassault in Saint Emilion, France. We will be enjoying the wines from their outdoor quincho (room), where we will have an
elegant but laid back catered luncheon. Salud! After lunch (and a nap in the van), we continue southeast to the kinship of Pelequén, passing its peculiar copper-domed pink church
to reach our final appointment with a premium olive oil producer. Here we will see the fascinating process of growing the olives and extracting their oil, tasting the different varieties
such as Arbequina and Frantoio in a guided, professional-style tasting. Chile is producing extremely high-quality low-acid extra virgin olive oils for export so this is a great
opportunity to learn about this growing industry and, of course, taste its fruits! A short ride to the quaint colonial town of Santa Cruz and check-in to our colonial-style hotel on the
town square. Before dinner, we have one special visit down the street to visit some friends at their restored 19th century home. They will walk us through the age-old process of making
artesian liquors with natural fruits, herbs, and spices from the surrounding countryside. Tonight we will dine at a restored historic restaurant in the kinship of Cunaco (10 minutes from
Santa Cruz), once an 18th-century bakery baking all the bread for the local hacienda and its workers. We will enjoy local favorites like grilled marinated quail or braised beef short ribs
with more of Colchagua’s great wines.
Lodging: Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza
Aurelio Montes inspecting his vineyards |
Day 5: Colchagua Valley and Santa Cruz – B, L
Aurelio Montes among his vines |
Our first stop is in the Apalta valley, a special microclimate within the Colchagua valley in the shape of a horseshoe
where many of Chile’s top reds are born. Here we visit one of the best known Chilean wineries and a classic success story: Montes Winery. We will take a tour of their new
multi-million dollar winery followed by a tour of their vineyards in tractor to the look out point of the hillside slopes. After the tour, we will have an exclusive tasting of their icon
and premium wines looking out over the vineyards. Our next stop is another Chilean-French investment, Casa Lapostolle, whose premium Bordeaux-blend Clos Apalta recently inaugurated its
own new winery in Apalta—a breathtaking, world class facility with not only a full view of the entire valley and Andes but also innovative architecture that is as outstanding as its
wine. We will take a private tour of the facilities followed by a private catered gourmet lunch from their hill top villa with more Clos Apalta wine. Our final visit in the afternoon is
at one of the valley’s recent newcomers, both in Colchagua and the Chilean wine scene: Neyén. Although they have only two bottled vintages the estate’s 100+ year old
vines produce one wine; a Bordeaux-style blend with remarkable finesse, balance, and structure. Tour of its gorgeous 19th century colonial-style estate and modern winery, painstakingly
restored with great taste, with owner or French winemaker followed by a private tasting. Return to the hotel and rest of afternoon free. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Lodging: Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza
The Torres Dynasty |
Day 6: Colchagua Valley and Santa Cruz – B, L, D
Award winning Torres Winery & Restaurant |
The morning is free for you to explore the excellent Colchagua Museum adjacent to the hotel. At lunch time, we will
head for lunch to the traditional winery, Viu Manent, for an al fresco lunch in their hacienda garden trying local specialties such as the grilled meats and delicious homemade empanadas
accompanied by their wines. After lunch, we will visit the vineyards via horse-drawn carriage, try some of their young, fruit-forward wines from the tanks, and keep on sampling back in
the tasting room! Return to the hotel and the rest of the day is yours to lounge by the pool, explore the town, hit the gym or have a massage. Tonight we will be heading down to the
Curicó valley (45-60 minutes drive each way) for a gourmet dining adventure at the winery restaurant of the Spanish Miguel Torres. A pioneer and leader in winemaking technology in
Chile, we will embark on a sensational evening of clever, refined dishes paired with their outstanding wines like the Sparkling Pinot Noir Brut, Manso de Velasco, and 100-year-old
Carginan vines. Cheers to another outstanding meal and company!
Lodging: Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza
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Day 7: Colchagua Valley and Departure to Mendoza, Argentina – B, L
Check-out this morning from the hotel and we follow the green coastal mountains until arriving at our first visit, one
of Chile’s premier organic and biodynamic wines, VOE, Viñedos Orgánicos Emiliana. Our guide will guide us through the vineyards, winery, and a tasting of their premium
wines. Heading north towards Santiago, our lunch venue is at Casa Silva, a traditional Chilean-owned winery whose vineyards and cellar date back to the mid 1800s (now a historical
monument) whose charming architecture of whitewashed walls, long corridors, and red-tiled roof (in pristine condition) have been carefully restored. The restaurant overlooks their top
barrel cellar where we will dig in to some refined local dishes paired with their outstanding wines such as Quinta Generación. Return to Santiago for a late afternoon drop-off at
the international airport for our brief flight to Mendoza, Argentina. Transfer to the Park Hyatt Mendoza upon arrival. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Lodging: Park Hyatt Mendoza
Bodega Catena Zapata |
Day 8: Luján de Cuyo and Mendoza’s Terroir Wines – B, L, D
Nicolas Catena & head winemaker blending wine |
We will start our exploration of Mendoza’s top wineries in the area known as Luján de Cuyo, directly
south of Mendoza city. Our first visit is an unassuming winery located beside the Mendoza River that has become one of Wine Spectator’s darlings with 95+ points for its single
vineyard expression wines: Achaval Ferrer. Our next visit is the project of the Italian-Argentine Zuccardi family in Eastern Mendoza. Leaders in the Argentinean and international markets,
winemaking for the Zuccardi’s is not only a business and a profession; it is a lifestyle. We will join with them to celebrate the dolce vita with a tasting of their most exciting
wines followed by a lovely al fresco luncheon in the garden of their traditional parrillada restaurant specializing in local grilled meats, cheeses, and pastas. Our afternoon visit is
dedicated to visiting the spectacular Catena Zapata winery. Founded by Dr. Nicolas Catena, they are the pioneers in exporting premium Malbec abroad. We will visit the winery with its
unique Mayan-pyramid architecture and sample some of their fine wines by the barrel room. Return to hotel in late afternoon for free time. Our dinner date tonight is at the chic
restaurant, La Bourgogne, a world-class gourmet restaurant that is part of the Carlos Pulenta winery. The menu highlights the local ingredients in dressed up flavor combinations with
flawless French technique and the winery’s delicious wines.
Lodging: Park Hyatt Mendoza
Day 9: Uco Valley – B, L
This morning we will visit one of Argentina’s newest and best boutique wineries for the quality of its wines, its stunning location at the foot of the Andes
(3,000 feet about sea level) and swish futuristic architecture. Founded in the new millennium by a Spanish family, O. Fournier’s house specialty is Tempranillo and Malbec. Our next
stop is the famous consortia of vineyards headed by prestigious French partners, including winemaker Michel Rolland: Clos de los Siete. We will stop at the original winery, Monteviejo,
built on the seven properties at the feet of the Andes, located in the district of Vista Flores. This terroir produces show-stopping Malbec and Chardonnay with tingling acidity due to the
soil and relatively cool temperatures. Brief tour and selected tasting of their wines. Lunch is a scenic 20 minutes away at one of the area’s gastronomic gems where the specialty is
home-cured prosciutto and pork dishes. With entire hams hanging from the ceiling and rustic wood tables, it is simple and delicious traditional Argentinean food accompanied by fine Uco
wines. Drive (nap optional) back to the hotel with rest of the afternoon free. Tonight before dinner, we will meet at a hip local wine shop for a special wine flight to try some great
boutique wines and local beauties that we didn’t have time to visit. Dinner is on your own tonight after the tasting.
Lodging: Park Hyatt Mendoza
Cellar of Terrazas de los Andes |
Day 10: Champagne, Gourmet Delicatessen, and Adios! – B, L
Bodegas Terrazas’ Gran Malbec is made in small quatities in the best vintages |
We get off our last day together to a fittingly perfect start--sparkling wine—cheers! We will have a tour at
Chandon and private tasting of their best sparkling wines. For our next visit and lunch venue, we head to eastern Mendoza to an organic vegetable farm and early 20th century mansion. This
upscale 100% organic vegetable farm and fruit orchard, producing gourmet delicatessen treats like homemade roasted Piquillo peppers, Green Tomato Chutney, Rose Confit, Malbec jam, hand
grows, harvests, and makes everything on the property. We will take a fascinating tour to see the process and then sit down to a 5-course guided tasting lunch in the private home to try
these Mediterranean-accented specialties paired with Mendoza area wines chosen especially to accompany the food. Exquisite! Drop-off at international airport in the late afternoon for
returning flight to Chile or Buenos Aires for those continuing the (optional) add-on tour.
Tour Program includes:
--10 nights accomodation in 4 & 5-star hotels (arrival day not included, special room rate available upon request)
--2 private cooking classes and demonstrations; personalized diploma awarded for Hand’s-On lesson
--1 private culinary tour to markets with hands-on group cooking lesson (included in lunch totals also)
--All admission fees, guided visits, and tastings as per itinerary (olive oil, wineries, museums, etc.)
--10 Gourmet lunches with selected wines & 4 Gourmet dinners with selected wines
--First-class air-conditioned bus with professional driver & bilingual chef/sommelier Liz Caskey will accompany tour
--Flight from Santiago-Mendoza-Santiago in LAN airlines
Program is subject to availability of wineries, restaurants, etc. and may change without notice
| Price per person, based on a minimum of 12 guests: |
(double occupancy) C$ 6,495 |
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(single occupancy) C$ 7,295 |
BUENOS AIRES EXTENSION: SOUTH AMERICAN CHIC
MARCH 11 – March 2009 (3rd or 4th week TBA)
Transfer in the morning to Mendoza airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Jorge Newbury airport and
“¡Bienvenidos a mi Buenos Aires querido!” Welcome officially to “beloved” Buenos Aires, as the locals call it; those charming porteños who adore
their vibrant, sprawling, cosmopolitan, and seductive capital. Private transport to our designer B&B hotel (on Conde Nast’s hot list) in the heart of the ultra chic Palermo
Viejo where we will drop off our luggage. We will then depart on a brief walking tour through the elegant and historic area of Buenos Aires known as Barrio Norte, part of Recoleta. This
neighborhood, home of many grand belle époque buildings, majestic avenues, grand Cemeteries fit for a king and beautiful people transport you for a minute to Europe. It is a
testament to Argentina’s one-time wealth and status in the early 20th century. Our lunch destination is a Recoleta neighborhood icon restaurant. This old-school bistro serves up
refined traditional fare like steak tartar and carpaccio in addition to more artful dishes such as stuffed trout with shrimp and almonds, all accompanied by a stellar wine list. Raise
our glasses and say salud to your first day in Buenos Aires! The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city and shop on your own. Tonight, we will dine at one of BA’s (BA,
or Buenos Aires, as the locals call it) hottest restaurants.
Day 2
Pick up at the hotel this morning and we set off on a cultural city and café tour. We will see the Plaza de Mayo and the President of Argentina’s Casa
Rosada (the “pink” house); the spacious, grand Avenida de Mayo dotted with plane trees that resemble Madrid’s Gran Vía; the Greco-Roman Palacio del Congreso with
its green-dome and columns; the microcenter of the city with its busy Pedestrian malls and the shady San Martín Plaza; and rolling parks of Palermo and Retiro. We also will stop
to experience the café culture in Buenos Aires during the tour as the city seems to run on caffeine and media lunas (Argentinean “croissants”)! The city’s cafes
are true classics, integral to the capital’s culture and social life and we will explore a few of the diverse variety of styles and ambiences that all constitute this. Other tour
highlights are the Colón Opera Theater and an in-depth visit to the MALBA (Modern Art Museum of Buenos Aires); essential for anyone interested in art. At lunch time, we head to a
charming airy Mediterranean restaurant with a French-accent. Its comfortable lounge sofas, high ceilings and simple but delicate cuisine make it the perfect spot. After lunch, we will
explore this hipster neighborhood which was once one of the city’s old barrios. Full of independent fashion designers and cutting-edge design furniture stores.This evening, we are
off to tango the night away--it IS tango town after all! But first, we head to Palermo for some authentic Italian food. Our dinner address is a pea-sized trattoria (a neighborhood
landmark) where the charismatic owners will serenade us with their rotating daily menu of antipasti and homemade pasta. The night is still young (at least in Buenos Aires!) so we off to
tango at a serious milonga with the locals. You can watch respected artists dance—or join in with the group lessons and then give it a go with a good looking porteño/a!
Day 3
This morning we explore the older sector of the city known as San Telmo (on Sunday there is an antiques market on the Plaza Dorrego). Old San Telmo has a lot of
character with its pleasant cobblestone streets, dusty antique shops, and crumbling mansions that give it its unmistakable appearance, most occupied by grand families in the 19th century
(historical note: when yellow fever and cholera took over and they moved to Recoleta. Our lunch venue is around the corner at an authentic parrillada, steak house where we will experience
primo cuts of Argentinean sirloin. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city after say our good-byes. Airport transfer for departing evening flight (international). We
hope you have relished BA and its culture!!
Tour includes:
--Flight Mendoza-Buenos Aires on LAN airlines (economy class)
--All transportation and transfer in first-class transport with professional driver
--English-speaking wine-specialized host throughout duration of tour
--2 nights accommodation in king room at Art Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of Recoleta’s elegant Barrio Norte
--All visits, tastings, entrances, and activities as detailed in itinerary
--Gourmet a la carte meals (gratuity included): 3 lunches with wine, 2 dinners with wine, daily breakfast at hotel
--Mineral water for van
--Sales tax where applicable
| Price per person, based on a minimum of 6 guests: |
(double occupancy) C$ 2,200 |
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(single occupancy) C$ 2,400 |
Terms and Conditions
View our terms and conditions form here.
Registration Form :  Download registration form here.
For a preliminary program e-mail info@gourmet-experience.com or phone toll free 1-888-682-9297
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