Morning:  The tour begins in Santiago, located at the base of the stunning Andes and only 70 miles from the sea.  Chile's steady economic growth from mining has transformed Santiago into one of Latin America’s most robust cities.  We’ll leave mid-morning and head west to the stunning Casablanca area, a rather recent wine district that produces some show-stopping wines.  Like California’s Sonoma, Casablanca is close to the Pacific Ocean and is best known for its cool climate grape varietals, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.

Afternoon:  Private tour & tasting at drop-dead-gorgeous winery that is owned by a native Chilean--- best known for his wines in Napa Valley at Franciscan Oakville Estate & Quintessa.  Then, a private lunch prepared by the winery’s innovative chef.   Next, we’ll head back to Santiago for a tasting at a benchmark winery founded in 1856---it’s the only winery in Chile, among many that were established in the 19^th century, that is still run by the original founding family.

Morning:  We’re off to Santiago’s central market where we’ll be bombarded with a mind-boggling array of fish & seafood from Chile’s 3,000 mile coastline.  An abundance of fresh products such as fresh hearts of palm and luscious tropical fruits (some of which we do not have in the U.S.), along with a mesmerizing rainbow of vegetables from the nearby fertile valleys will delight.  Then say goodbye to the capital city as we’re head south to the country’s most famous wine region, the Colchagua Valley.

Afternoon:  We’ll check into a historical wine estate---we have taken over their entire antique-filled hacienda.  The remainder of the day will be free to unpack, take a walk in the vineyards, or relax poolside.

Morning:  Today we have the pleasure of meeting with one of the young movers-and-shakers in the Chilean wine scene whose wines have received high accolades from international wine critics.  We’ll have a private tour and tasting at his dramatic state-of-the-art winery.

Afternoon:  Private tour & tasting at a winery that is owned by the esteemed Rothschild family from Bordeaux.   Located on the west side of the valley we’ll visit Rothchild’s mountain-top lookout with panoramic vistas of the valley and Andes.

Late Morning:  We’ll start a little later today to provide extra time for walking in the vineyard, or just relaxing at the hacienda.   Then, we’re off to one of the premier producers of olive oil in South America whose products have won international acclaim.

Afternoon:  Lunch will be at on iconic restaurant in the area….but this one is famous for its comfort food.  Opened in 1947 in a small building along the country’s major truck route, the greatly expanded restaurant has become a major institution and now even has an outpost in Santiago.  Known for its home-style cooking, it’s one of the few places that still make the laborious dishes from generations past.  Then, we’ll head to another of the region’s top producers for a private tour and tasting of their high quality wines.  Founded by a prominent French winemaking family (i.e. Piper Heidseick Champagne and two chateaux in Bordeaux), this is one of the few wineries in Chile that only makes their wines in the best years.

Morning:  Free morning to sleep in, swim, or just chill.  Or, you can begin to organize your suitcase for tomorrow’s flight to Argentina.

Afternoon:  Lunch in the gardens of a famous estate that raises polo horses.  Then, a visit to the Colchagua Museum, the largest nonpublic museum in the country.  Focusing on the history of the region, it includes an extensive pre-Columbian collection, the world’s largest silver exhibit by the indigenous Mapuche & the only known original copy of Chile’s proclamation of Independence.   Last, a private tour & tasting at another of the country’s well known wineries.  Owned by the famous French family who make Gran Marnier liquor, this winery produces show-stopping wines that have been highly praised by the world’s illustrious wine critics.

Late morning:  Transfer to the Santiago airport.

Afternoon:  Say adios to Chile as we have a spectacular flight across the snow-capped Andes to Argentina, the birthplace of tango.  The next six days we’ll be in Mendoza, the epicenter of Argentina’s premium wine country.

Morning:  Free.  Our hotel is located on the impressive central square so it’s convenient to many of the town’s major sites.  There are several churches downtown for those wish to attend services.

Afternoon:  Argentina is famous for many things:  wine, tango, polo, and a cornucopia of grilled meats so famous that they actually have a name for it: “parrilla.”   Today, we’ll have our first parrilla at a renown winery.  Owned by one of the most charismatic winemakers in the country, this iconic family firm is known for quality & innovation.  Lunch includes the best emapanadas we’ve ever tasted---made in a large outdoor wood-fired oven, as well as a cornucopia of meats & free-range chicken grilled over grapevines.   Luscious salads from the winery’s organic garden and breads from the outdoor oven accompany the feast, along with the winery’s full lineup of wines.   Then, to complete our first full day in Argentina’s wine country, we’ll have a private tour of the city of Mendoza.

Morning:  Today we head to Mendoza’s bustling central market with an insider to the local culinary scene.  We’ll meet several interesting vendors and learn all about the spices, fruits and vegetables we don’t have in the USA.

Afternoon:  Free

Morning: Free

Afternoon:  Visit to a local supermarket, followed by a private tour and tasting at one of la crema de la crema producers whose winemaker and wines have achieved super-star status among the world’s wine connoisseurs.

Morning:  Free.  There’s one street in downtown Mendoza that we suggest you visit today.  It’s lined with leather stores where you’ll find everything in the clothing line from gorgeous coats, jackets, shoes, belts and purses, to briefcases, golf bags, suitcases….and, of course, some handsome wine totes.  And, they are all a fraction of the cost of the same item in the USA.

Afternoon:  Cooking class lunch at Mendoza’s culinary school where we’ll learn innovative interpretations of some of the country’s gastronomic specialties.   Then, a private tour and tasting at a winery Robert Parker has rated as “outstanding.”  More than that, we love it and think that you will, too.

Morning:  Free.  Those wishing to relax before the long flight back home tomorrow can enjoy the morning at the pool, or arrange for a massage or sauna at the hotel’s spa.

Afternoon:  Argentina is also famous for its dulce de leche.   A national culinary treasure, this heavenly caramel-like spread, is a staple in most Argentine households.  Dulce de leche flavors many of Argentina’s sweet dishes ranging from morning pastries, to ice cream, or the most complex desserts.  Today we’ll visit a factory that makes this decadent edible.  Then, we’ll head to celebrate our last afternoon at one of the hallmark producers of award-winning malbec.