Wine tasting in Maipo Valley, Chile

Many of the famous vineyards in Chile are located in Maipo Valley, an area celebrated for its fertile soil and rich wine heritage. A full-day wine tour through three of the country’s most iconic wineries—Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, and Undurraga—is a wonderful activity to consider if you have time while in Santiago, Chile, as these very good vineyards are all an hour’s drive from the city. 

My first wine tasting in Chile was at Concha y Toro. I booked a tour with a sommelier and an extra tasting with MTO Tours through Viator for US$70.

Discovering Concha y Toro

Our day started with a pick-up by van from the home we were staying. They said I could bring my 3-year-old, so I put her on my lap, and we were driven for over an hour to an amazing villa in the beautiful countryside. The centuries-old Concha y Toro Winery is a beautiful spot. Upon arrival, we explored the vineyard’s sprawling grounds, where my daughter played outside while I sipped a range of beautiful wines with the other guests. We were outside in the sun, resting our wine glasses on old wine casks that had been converted into tables. 

After our initial tasting of some of Concha y Toro’s legendary wines, such as Casillero del Diablo, which is sold worldwide, we were led down stone steps into the dark, cool cellars known as the “Devil’s Locker.” The guide explained to me that this cellar is called Casillero del Diablo (devil’s locker) because, over 100 years ago, Don Melchor de Concha y Toro reserved an exclusive batch of his finest wines for himself. To keep strangers away from his private reserve, he spread the rumour that the Devil lived in that place. Hence the name: The DEVIL’S CELLAR. 

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I was enjoying the tour when my daughter began singing “Old Macdonald Had a Farm” quite loudly, and it echoed throughout the vast cellar, drowning out the guide. I was embarrassed, but everyone, thankfully, even the guide, started laughing. I took her outside because she kept on singing. I missed some of the cellar’s history but enjoyed a bit of sunlight before the next phase of the tour. 

The normal tour includes two guided wine tastings and a complimentary glass. Still, I was glad to get the sommelier’s tour as it included fine cheeses and crackers from the region and extra fine wines from the collection, allowing me to savor even more of the essence of Maipo Valley’s terroir. We sat at a formal table with ten glasses each, and my daughter played with the breadsticks as I sipped each amazing glass at the formal dining table with the other guests. I was very merry by the time we arrived back in Santiago in the late afternoon.  

We had such a lovely day at Concha y Toro that I was determined to find another vineyard to visit nearby Santiago. I discovered there are many day tours to vineyards nearby. I booked a day trip for a price of US$80 to Santa Rita Winery and booked on Get My Guide.

Next stop Santa Rita Winery

This winery is in the foothills of Alto Jahuel, not far from Concha y Toro.  I was very pleased we booked a whole afternoon at this winery because it has so much more than just wine tasting.  On arrival, we got a tour around the beautiful vineyards, which are over 100 years old. The guide explained where the grapes come from and how Santa Rita exports massive amounts of wine to Brazil, its biggest customer, by overland truck. 

After wandering the outdoor gardens, we were taken to a downstairs basement in the large stately home on the estate. The guide explained that in 1814, 120 patriots took refuge in this basement, which belonged to Doña Paula Jaraquemada. She protected the brave men, one of whom became the future president of Chile, marking her place in history. 

We sat in the cellar, drinking wine while being given a talk on the home’s history. Again, my daughter became part of the tour by knocking over one of the glasses at the bar while she sat on my lap. I smelt of wine afterward, but overall, she was super well-behaved considering she was being dragged on an adult activity!

Not only did I get to try the most delicious wines and see the stately home but I also got to buy wine at nice discount from the lovely shop within the stately home. 

Outside and built opposite is the Museo Andino, which houses one of the world’s finest collections of pre-Hispanic art. The air conditioning in the museum was most welcome, and I was shocked by what an amazing collection they had. There were beautiful gold Inca statues right there on display. I have since learnt they were stolen from the museum, which didn’t surprise me considering there wasn’t much visible security and the gold would be extremely valuable. 

After seeing the museum, my daughter and I wandered through the grounds, surrounded by lush hillsides and landscapes. I discovered a cafe selling picnic baskets for a decent price so that one could eat outside and enjoy the breathtaking views. Right next door is a five-star hotel on the vineyard called The Hotel Casa Real. It used to be the summerhouse of the winery’s founder and was converted into a hotel in the mid-1990s. It is surrounded by gardens designed by French landscape gardener Guillaume Renner. If I could afford US$1600 a night I would have loved to stay the night. 

We returned several times during our months in Santiago to enjoy the grounds. It is around US$50 one way in an Uber. When we returned, we took an Uber from Santiago and enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Doña Paula Restaurant. This renowned restaurant, considered by many to be the best outside of Santiago, offers a delicious a la carte lunch. The finest local dishes are paired with wines that perfectly complement each bite of the fantastic food.

Undurraga Winery

There are so many nice vineyards in the area. A visit to Undurraga Winery, founded in 1885 by the visionary Don Francisco Undurraga, is also worth it. With over 130 years of winemaking experience, this vineyard is one of the oldest in Chile, producing unique wines that reflect the country’s diverse terroirs. The tour includes a grand tasting of three reserve wines, giving you a taste of the history and craftsmanship that has made Undurraga a name to remember.

But the experience doesn’t stop with wine alone. Each of these wineries offers a slice of Chile’s unique culture, from the legend of Casillero del Diablo at Concha y Toro to the historic Doña Paula Restaurant at Santa Rita. 

Maipo Valley is one of the most diverse wine regions in the world. As you travel from one iconic winery to the next, you’ll experience the heart and soul of Chilean winemaking. Each stop reveals something new—whether it’s the innovative design of the wineries, the historic buildings, or the breathtaking vineyards that stretch out before you.

By the time you have visited the wineries, you’ll have not only tasted some of the finest wines in the world but also learned about the legacy that has shaped Chile’s winemaking industry. The story of Maipo Valley, its legendary wines, and the land that nurtures them will stay with you long after the tour ends, making this an experience that’s as enriching as it is unforgettable. Ever since these experiences in the Maipo vineyards, I have only ordered Chilean wine when I can.  I know I shouldn’t pick favourites, but for me, Santa Rita was the most special. And who says you can’t have fun with your kids on excursions?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Maipo Valley Wine Region in Chile

Also check out our day trip from Santiago to Valparaíso