Postcard from Chile: Welcome to Colchagua

My first day in Chile was spent in the capital of Santiago, but come morning we were headed for wine country. Our destination, Colchagua. Located just a few short hours outside the city, Colchagua is a sprawling expanse of mountains and hills lined with row after row of grape vines. 

Our first stop was Casa Silva, a family owned and operated winery, and it is one of the oldest and most successful cellars in Colchagua. I understand why our guide decided to use Casa Silva as our initial introduction to the wine region, because it’s wine business done right: professional, traditional, and familial.

Although  the sight of hundreds of fermenting wine barrels and massive stainless steel tanks is impressive, wine tourism (I would come to learn) here at Casa Silva and throughout the Colchagua Valley is about more than just the wine. For example, our tour that day concluded with an authentic Chilean rodeo demonstration.

And don’t forget about the food. Because what would a wine tour be without a fabulous lunch? An elegantly set table alongside the vineyard’s polo grounds, was ready to receive us. The mountains in the background and a light breeze blowing, we raised our glasses to toast the beautiful food, the beautiful wine, and beautiful Colchagua.

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Outdoor dining at Casa Silva