THE METROPOLITAN REGION

This beautiful city is located in a valley at the foot of the Andes Mountains and is divided into two by the Mapocho River.  Within the city are several low laying mountains that offer spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Almost 6 million people live in the capital city of Santiago, which was founded on February 12, 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia.  The city has a temperate climate with important temperature variations between the summer and winter months.  The city receives rain in the fall and winter months (March to September). 

Santiago is a city full of contrasts – where history and modernity live side by side.  Walking through the city you can visit a church dating from 1586 and then take a ride in the most modern subway in South America.  The oldest buildings, as well as banks, office buildings, and the presidential palace (The Moneda), are all found in the downtown area.

The tremendous growth the city has experienced - especially over the last decade- has changed the city’s appearance.  This is especially true for the ‘high’ neighborhoods - as they are called due to their proximity to the mountains - such as Providencia and Las Condes. 

The city has an excellent hotel and gastronomic infrastructure able to satisfy visitors’ varied tastes.  In recent years, large malls have been built where you can find internationally known brand name products.   If you prefer something more original, you will find beautiful and fine Chilean works at handicraft markets.Thanks to Santiago’s central location, you can visit important tourist areas at a maximum distance of 200 km.  These tourist locations include: ski centers such as Valle Nevado and Portillo, vineyards and wine routes, and the coastal cities of Vina and Valparaiso (the entry port to Chile).

THE WINE REGION

According to some historians, Chile’s wine production was started by missionaries around the year 1548 to be able to drink wine at communion.  Chile turned out to be an ecologically prime location for wine production, especially in the Central and surrounding valleys.  Over the years, Chilean wine production has experienced numerous changes and is currently the country’s number one manufactured export product.  It is now possible to see how wine is produced as winery owners have opened their doors to the public.  Wineries also offer tasting tours, and some even have restaurants.  Since the climate and soil conditions vary greatly from the north to south and east to west, the country is divided into nine wine valley regions. 

These regions determine the wine’s denomination of origin.  The vine calendar begins in May with the lethargy of the plant.  Pruning begins in July, then the vine buds in September, and flowers in November.  The grape ripens in January, and harvesting begins in March.  The most important vineyard regions are shown below.