The Beginning of the "Ruta del Vino."

After a few days of exploring the beautiful and busy capital city of Santiago, it's time to explore the central region of Chile. Ruta 5, is Chile's longest highway and also forms part of the Panamericana Highway that goes through North, Central, and South America.

Santa Rita is one of the largest exporters and leading producers of wine in Chile. It was in this vineyard where the Carmenere variety of wine was rediscovered in the 90s. Thanks to this discovery, Chile is now one of the largest producers of Carmenere wine in the world.
The vineyard also has a free museum, beautiful gardens, and a café if you want to walk around without booking a tour, you are free to do that. However, the tours they offer give you an in-depth understanding of the production of wine on such a large scale, and the history behind the vineyard is quite interesting, especially the one about The 120 Patriots. There is a tour that is focused only on the Carmenere variety, which is quite different than other tours you’ll find on this road trip. Whichever tour you do, via horseback, bike, or the traditional way on foot, you’ll get close and personal with the grapes and try several samples of their bestsellers.
The best way to make reservations is via email: reservastour@santarita.cl just a couple of days before you want to arrive. Most tours require a minimum of two people for the tour to happen. You can also call +562 2362 2520 to make reservations.
Opening Hours: CLOSED MONDAY.
Wine Tours start at 10:00 AM Tuesday-Sunday and are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Free Museum and gardens are open 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday – Sunday.
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This classic and traditional restaurant was originally only found along the Panamerican highway 5. Juan y Medio is a family-run business that opened its doors in 1947 and was initially meant to provide traditional Chilean meals to those traveling on the road. Now the chain can be found all over the country but still has the same welcoming feeling whenever you walk through the doors.
The menu changes depending on the season, but if you're visiting during the summer months, make sure you try the humitas or pastel de choclo. If you want to make your visit short and sweet, any of their sandwiches will fill you up as they are huge. It’s something new to try, especially if you're an avocado lover. As you wait for your meals, You’ll be served pebre, like a pico de gallo sauce, with bread.
Reservations are not necessary, and there is plenty of room for parking.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Use the parking lot here to leave your car and visit the Cerro Chaman Observatory. The ticket office and base of the cable cars are located just a few steps away

The first thing to do in the Colchagua valley is visit Cerro Chamán for a panoramic view of the valley. Take the Chaman cable car from the the Santa Cruz winery to the top. Grab a cup of coffee at the Indiginous Mapuche Ruca and head straight to the viewpoint puerto del sol to catch the sunset. As you explore the top, the observatory has several telescopes and a collection of Astronomic objects.
Booking the evening wine tour from the Viña Santa Cruz is fun because you’ll get an introduction to the history of the Aymara, Mapuche y Rapa Nui indigenous cultures and importance of this valley and you’ll sample some of their best sellers. The last tour leaves at 6:00 PM and lasts 1 hour.
Reservations are encouraged but not required. Book here
Opening Hours: Tours are available between 10:00 AM – 6:00 AM and start every 30 minutes Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sunday & Monday

Walk back to your continue to continue your trip

A fan favorite location for those coming to the region and looking for simple yet delicious food. Ristorante Vino Bello was created inside an old traditional farm home and overlooks the Laura Hartwig Vinyard, which you will visit tomorrow morning.
They offer traditional Italian and Chilean dishes and have an incredible wine list. The staff knows how to best pair your meal with the perfect glass of wine, so ask for their suggestions. Ask to sit out on the patio if the weather is welcoming so that you enjoy the fresh air with your meal.
Reservations are not required but are encouraged.
Reserve here
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Closed Monday & Tuesdays

If you're visiting the wine country, wouldn’t it be appropriate to sleep inside a wine barrel? This unique hotel offers just that. Each room was created from an old oak wooden barrel of 40,000 liters and comes with a private bathroom underground. This beautiful boutique hotel is welcoming and has everything you need several amenities, such as a pool, restaurant, and a spa that offers a hot tub(also a wine barrel) and massages to relax after a long day of wine drinking.