Santa Rita Vineyard

Viña Santa Rita

One of Chile's most celebrated wineries located in the Maipo Valley, offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and a museum showcasing Chilean winemaking history. It's an excellent introduction to Chilean wine culture and the country's viticultural heritage.

Things to do

• Wine Tasting in the Barrel Room — Sample Santa Rita's signature wines including their renowned Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon directly in the historic barrel cellar where wines age.
• Vineyard Tour on Horseback — Ride through the Maipo Valley vineyards on horseback to experience the estate's sprawling wine-growing terroir and landscape like early Chilean settlers did.
• Casa Patronal Museum Visit — Explore the restored 19th-century colonial mansion that showcases Chilean winemaking history, traditional wine production methods, and the vineyard's heritage dating back to 1880.
• Traditional Wine and Cheese Pairing — Enjoy curated tastings of Santa Rita wines paired with artisanal Chilean cheeses and local charcuterie in the estate's tasting room.
• Sunset Picnic in the Vineyards — Book a gourmet picnic experience among the vines at golden hour with wine, cheese, and local produce while overlooking the Andes Mountains.
• Reserve Wine Selection Experience — Access Santa Rita's premium reserve collection in a private tasting session featuring their limited-edition and high-end varietal selections.

Food to try

• Empanadas de Queso y Pasas — Baked pastry pockets filled with melted cheese and raisins, a traditional Chilean snack often served at the vineyard's café alongside wine tastings.
• Pastel de Choclo — A savory corn pie layered with ground beef, olives, and hard-boiled egg, representing classic Chilean comfort food available at Santa Rita's restaurant.
• Cazuela de Vacuno — A hearty Chilean beef stew with potatoes, corn, and pumpkin, traditionally paired with Santa Rita's robust red wines.
• Ceviche with Local White Wine — Fresh fish marinated in citrus and served with Santa Rita's Sauvignon Blanc, showcasing the pairing of coastal and wine country traditions.
• Completo Chileno — A traditional Chilean hot dog topped with avocado, sauerkraut, tomato, and mayonnaise, available at casual dining areas within the estate.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Tours in Advance — Santa Rita requires advance reservations for guided vineyard tours and tastings, especially during peak season from September to March.
• Respect Wine Tasting Protocol — Chileans take wine appreciation seriously; listen attentively during tastings and use proper terminology when discussing flavors and aromas to show respect for the craft.
• Spanish Language Helps — While some staff speak English, learning basic Spanish phrases enhances the experience and is appreciated by guides and local workers throughout the vineyard.
• Dress Appropriately for Season — The Maipo Valley can be very hot in summer (December-February) or cool in winter; wear layers and sun protection, and closed-toe shoes for vineyard walks.