This morning, we went to the Chile Informacion Turisitica [Information Center] for two reasons. First, was to thank Mauricicio for the great advice about how easy it was to get to Valparaiso by subway then bus. It was very easy and saved us a great deal of money. We were able to spend a longer time there and take our time which would not have been the case if we had taken the tour.
Secondly, we wanted to book a wine tour today. He offered many suggestions, and we booked an afternoon half day wine-tasting tour. We went back to our apartment and researched it online to discover that the bike tour, at the same winery, had an extremely high rating and where it was unique we opted to change our tour to this. So glad we did as this was so much better.
We had to hop on the red-line at the subway and go to the purple line. At the purple line, we made our way to Quilin subway stop and exited the station. We got here early so we decided instead of taking a taxi we would take the D-17 bus. We explained to the bus driver where we were going. We asked him how much it was and he asked us if we had a Bip! Card and we indicated we had not. He told us no problem, to just have a seat and he would drive us there. I cannot believe the hospitality of the people … such a joy!
We arrived a few minutes early, but that is what they prefer. We went in and paid our $57.00USD, put on some lotion and then adjusted our bike seats. After a few minutes, we were underway. We biked a little ways into the orchard and stopped under a shady tree.
The guide brought out a bottle of wine for our first wine tasting and explained a few stories to us about the old section of the vineyard, that this winery has been in the family for over 7 generations, how Chile wine became very popular and famous because of a type of grape that is grown here which was originally grown in France over 100 years ago, but had eventually disappeared. They thought this type of grape was gone until it was discovered to still be in existence in Chile.
The tour was very interesting and explained how the soil, minimal humidity and climate have created a perfect environment for growing grapes in this region. Chile has only recently become a world contender in selling their wine products.
After the tour, we had three more wine tastings. The wine was very good, and I must admit I learned a fair bit about doing proper wine tasting; after all I am not a wine connoisseur. For example, while tasting the wine hold your breath and when you swallow, breathe out at that time … the taste sensation will last longer and more predominant.
This winery is the only one in the Santiago city limits and once inside the grounds you would not know that you are near the city. At one time this winery owned land from Quilin all the way to the city centre. Talk about a huge property! This was a great tour.
Tomorrow we head to Puerto Montt, Chile.