Chile culture can mean a world of different things, but one thing every visitor knows is that this country that exists in the shadow of the Andes is
amazing. From desert to ice fields to beaches and cowboys or wine country, there's so much to discover and do. If you like fine wine, then visit
one of the new hilights of Chile culture, the wine country of Colchagua. If you like a thrill, then do some trekking in Torres del Paine
National Park. In fact, one of the newest discoveries about Chile is the vineyards and the small guest accommodations popping up all over Chile's
newly-reknowned wine region. In 2005, the Colchagua area was named Best Wine Region in the World by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Chilean Wine Country
The best time to visit the wine region called Colchagua is during their summer time. That is, during winter of North American, since Chile lies
in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are flipped. The weather is balmy and pleasant at this time. The wine region lies in a valley reachable
via Route 5 from Santiago. If you keep driving past that, you'll reach the Lake District. The valley, called the Colchagua Valley, is fertile with
pure clean air. The region begins at the base of the Andes Mountains and goes to the Pacific Ocean. Its 2200 plus acres are watered by the
Tinguiririca River. It's been farmed for almost six hundred years, when the Incas started out with irrigation in the valley. These days grapes
grow by the ton and some of the world's best wine is vinted right here.
Wine Tours
Take the Wine Train from Santiago to Colchagua for about $170. It's also available from Santa Cruz if that's where you are staying. The train
itself is one hundred years old and lovingly refurbished so the ride is a step back into time.
If you are staying in the region for a few days, take the Colchagua Valley Wine Route, on which you take tours of the wine country for less than
twenty dollars. You can choose from plenty of options, those which include lunch, or not, include transportation, or do not, visit two wineries or
more in one day, it's fully customizable and flexible for your vacation.
Chilean Cuisine
The food of Chile is invigorated with robust spices, fresh fish, local fruit, artisanal cheeses and of course chile powder in all flavors and
strengths. Like many pockets of fine cuisine and wine regions, there's an emphasis on local markets and upscale ingredients. Fine seared salmon
cooked infused with a Chardonnay, or panna cotta, Chilean salsa, seared lamb chops and more delicious plates. Ingredients like avocado, basil and
beans are common in Chilean cuisine, but you'll also be surprised at dishes made from zapallo, a fruit similar to the pumpkin, or shrimp and lamb
chops cooked countless mouth-watering ways.
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