Pedaling in the Maipo Valley.
Chile is internationally known for their excellent wine production throughout the country.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Merlot are some of the better varieties offered from our valleys; and, close to the city, the Maipo Valley is a great option if your trying to get some fresh air and enjoy a good wine.
As far as organized tours are concerned, there are many, however, we will take this opportunity to talk about the famous Bicicleta Verde (Green Bike) wine tours.
Wherever you are, a truck will come by and pick you up around 8:30 a.m. with a guide, water, bicycles and other adventurers. Your destination: The Maipo Valley, which is a little over an hour´s drive.
The itinerary includes a visit to the three main types of vineyards: family-owned, specialty and organic. So, the moment has arrived to prepare the bikes (sized for each passenger) and start pedaling.
The first vineyard produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. Being family-owned, their production isn´t massive, nor the vineyard huge, which makes for a much more intimate visit, especially when in the company of an animated tour-guide who tells the stories behind the vines.
After pedaling a stretch that makes one remember the benefits of a bicycle (exercise, feeling the wind in your face and knowing its your body who´s in control), we arrive to the warehouses of a boutique vineyard specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah and Cot (a Chilean Malbec) productions. Made completely of wood, the Viña Pérez Cruz winery in its grandeur and elegance, with the Andes in the background, recalls the nobility and the passion with which grapes turn into wine.
Finally, after strolling through a long stretch in the valley, trying grapes, encountering horses, admiring the Andes throughout the entire trip and listening to the guide´s interesting stories, the bikes park at the entrance to a small organic vineyard. Received by owner Mario Ravenna, one can truly appreciate the wine process and the care that is put into their work at the Huelquén Vineyard. Located in the middle of the valley, if you climb the small hill near the facility, from the heights you are able to distinguish nature´s power, generosity and beauty. Here they have a very well-prepared tasting of red wines—bottles from the same lines are very reasonably priced.
And as if that´s not enough, after those appetizers, the tour ends with a delicious lunch in a rustic-style restaurant with a variety of traditional Chilean dishes, and where they uncork two bottles of wine from the first vineyards visited. Perfection.
Without a doubt, it is a worthwhile experience, especially if you´re a lover of nature and good food (which should never be without wine).
Note: The cost of the tour could be a bit hard on some pockets, however, the more who go, the cheaper they make it, and it truly is worthwhile.
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