Colchagua Valley, Chile – The Next Napa Valley?

Beautiful Colchagua Valley is located approximately 80 miles southwest of Santiago; it is 75 miles long and 22 miles wide. The climate is a akin to the Mediterranean and the average annual rainfall is about 24 inches. Along with exceptionally long growing season, clean (smog free) air and nutrient rich soil (The Andes mountains are to the east of the valley), make for the near perfect conditions for the vineyards.

Colchagua wines were #3 in the world in 2003, and #2 in 2004 on the Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 list. Furthermore, Colchagua Valley was named 2005 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

There are over 30 wineries in this valley, including Emiliana Orgánico – which gives lessons on biodynamic wine making. Viña Viu Manent offers hot-air balloon rides and is home to the chic Andean handicrafts boutique. La Finca de Apalta Estate is home to the voluptuous “Montes Alpha M,” a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It also offers a private deck with breathtaking views of the vineyards.

The most stunning of all is Clos Apalta, a new winery in the micro-valley of Apalta. French owner, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle (heiress to the Grand Marnier fortune), produces Clos Apalta, the premium line of Casa Lapostolle. This must see state of the art winery is carved six stories deep into solid granite. With its rounded wood exterior and spiraling staircase, the structure resembles a deconstructed wine barrel. There are four luxurious bungalows that have rustic French and Spanish furniture, rich Cambodian silks and alfresco style bathrooms.

The Museum of Colchagua is also worth visiting. The museum hosts a variety of pieces including prehistoric pieces of insects conserved in amber, remains of large animals, utensils from primitive local towns, prehispanic and prehistoric sceneries of life, cloths, carriages, old farming machinery and a steam engine train with locomotive and passenger cars.