Planning a wine tour through South America can be overwhelming with so many exceptional regions to explore. At Borravino Wine Tours, we’ve spent over a decade crafting the perfect balance of wine experiences, cultural immersion, and luxury accommodations across Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share our expertise on creating the ultimate South American wine itinerary that showcases the best these countries have to offer, from Mendoza’s high-altitude Malbecs to Uruguay’s robust Tannats and Chile’s coastal treasures.
When to Visit: Timing Your South American Wine Adventure
The ideal time to visit South America’s wine regions depends on your preferences for weather, winery activities, and crowd levels:
Harvest Season (February-April)
- Pros: Witness the excitement of harvest, participate in picking activities, and experience the energy of wineries in full production
- Cons: Winemakers have limited time for visitors, some facilities may be restricted during production
- Best for: Wine enthusiasts who want to see the winemaking process firsthand
Post-Harvest (April-June)
- Pros: Pleasant autumn weather, beautiful vineyard colors, relaxed atmosphere as harvest pressure subsides
- Cons: Some smaller wineries may reduce hours as tourism slows
- Best for: Photographers and those seeking tranquil vineyard experiences
Winter Season (June-August)
- Pros: Fewer tourists, better availability at top restaurants and accommodations, often lower prices
- Cons: Cooler temperatures, dormant vines without leaves, some mountain passes between Argentina and Chile may close
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and those who prefer quiet tasting rooms
Spring Season (September-November)
- Pros: Witness vineyard rebirth with budbreak and flowering, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds than summer
- Cons: Some new vintage wines may not yet be released
- Best for: Those who want to see vineyards coming to life while avoiding peak season crowds
Summer Season (December-February)
- Pros: Vibrant green vineyards, numerous wine festivals, extended winery hours
- Cons: Peak tourist season with higher prices, hot temperatures in some regions
- Best for: Social travelers who enjoy festivals and lively atmospheres
The Ultimate 14-Day South American Wine Itinerary
Based on our experience guiding thousands of wine lovers through South America, we’ve crafted this comprehensive 14-day itinerary that balances wine experiences with cultural immersion:
Days 1-2: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Begin your journey in Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital:
- Arrive and settle into a boutique hotel in Palermo or Recoleta
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional parrilla with Argentine wine pairings
- Experience a private tango show at a historic milonga
- Take a guided city tour of key neighborhoods and cultural sites
Days 3-6: Mendoza, Argentina
Fly to Mendoza, the heart of Argentine wine country:
- Day 3: Explore Luján de Cuyo, the traditional home of Malbec, visiting established producers like Catena Zapata and Achaval-Ferrer
- Day 4: Journey to the Uco Valley for high-altitude wines at visionary estates like Zuccardi Valle de Uco and Bodega Jean Busquet
- Day 5: Experience our exclusive “Altitude Effect” tasting tour, comparing the same varietals grown at different elevations
- Day 6: Enjoy a hands-on cooking class focusing on traditional Argentine cuisine paired with local wines
Days 7-8: Santiago & Casablanca Valley, Chile
Cross the Andes to Chile (flight or scenic mountain drive depending on season):
- Arrive in Santiago and enjoy a panoramic city tour
- Spend a full day exploring the coastal Casablanca Valley, known for exceptional cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
- Experience lunch at a winery restaurant overlooking the vineyards
Days 9-10: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Journey south to Chile’s premier red wine region:
- Visit iconic wineries like Montes, Lapostolle, and smaller boutique producers
- Experience a comparative tasting of Chilean Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Enjoy dinner at a traditional Chilean countryside restaurant
Days 11-13: Carmelo & Colonia, Uruguay
Fly to Montevideo and transfer to Uruguay’s wine regions:
- Day 11: Explore the Canelones wine region near Montevideo, visiting family-owned wineries specializing in Tannat
- Day 12: Journey to Carmelo to experience boutique wineries and luxury vineyard accommodations
- Day 13: Visit historic Colonia del Sacramento (UNESCO World Heritage site) with a farewell lunch featuring Uruguayan wines and cuisine
Day 14: Departure
Return to Buenos Aires or Montevideo for international departures, with optional extension to Iguazu Falls or Patagonia.
Accommodation Recommendations
At Borravino Wine Tours, we carefully select accommodations that enhance your wine experience:
Mendoza Luxury Options:
- The Vines Resort & Spa: Luxury villas set among the vineyards of the Uco Valley
- Cavas Wine Lodge: Romantic luxury property with private casitas and vineyard views
- Park Hyatt Mendoza: Historic luxury hotel in downtown Mendoza
Chile Wine Country Stays:
- Lapostolle Residence: Exclusive hillside accommodations at the renowned winery
- Hotel Casa Real at Santa Rita: Historic mansion on the grounds of Viña Santa Rita
- Clos Apalta Residence: Luxury lodging at the acclaimed Colchagua Valley winery
Uruguay Wine Retreats:
- Narbona Wine Lodge: Historic estancia with winery and restaurant in Carmelo
- Posada Campotinto: Boutique wine lodge with vineyard views
- Four Seasons Carmelo: Luxury resort near the region’s top wineries
Transportation Logistics
Navigating between South America’s wine regions requires careful planning:
Argentina-Chile Connections:
- Air: 1-hour flights connect Mendoza and Santiago year-round
- Land: The spectacular Andes crossing is available weather permitting (typically October-April)
Chile-Uruguay Connections:
- Air: Direct flights connect Santiago to Montevideo (2.5 hours)
Within Wine Regions:
- All Borravino Wine Tours include private transportation with English-speaking drivers knowledgeable about wine regions
Culinary Experiences to Complement Your Wine Journey
South American wine country offers exceptional culinary experiences:
Argentina:
- Asado Experience: Participate in a traditional Argentine barbecue with various cuts of beef
- Empanada Making Class: Learn to create these savory pastries paired with Malbec
- Winery Lunches: Multi-course meals at Francis Mallmann’s Siete Fuegos or Bodega Ruca Malen
Chile:
- Seafood Feasts: Fresh Pacific seafood paired with coastal Chilean wines
- Traditional Curanto: Underground cooking method featuring seafood, meat, and vegetables
- Chef’s Table Experiences: Private dining at winery restaurants like Fuegos de Apalta
Uruguay:
- Parrilla Uruguaya: Similar to Argentine asado but with distinctive local cuts
- Chivito Sandwiches: Uruguay’s national sandwich paired with Tannat
- Mate Tasting: Experience Uruguay’s traditional herbal tea culture
Customizing Your Wine Journey
While this 14-day itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of South America’s wine regions, at Borravino Wine Tours, we specialize in customizing experiences to match your specific interests:
Special Interest Focus Options:
- Boutique Wineries Only: Focus on small, family-owned producers with limited production
- Organic & Biodynamic Tour: Explore sustainable and natural winemaking practices
- Luxury Collectors Tour: Private tastings of icon wines and library vintages
- Blend Your Own Wine: Hands-on blending sessions with winemakers
- Architecture & Wine: Visit architecturally significant wineries across the regions
Practical Travel Tips
Based on our years of experience guiding wine lovers through South America, we recommend:
Packing Essentials:
- Layers for variable temperatures in wine regions (especially for high-altitude areas)
- Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard tours
- Sunscreen and hat (UV intensity is high, particularly in Mendoza)
- Portable wine bottle protectors if purchasing wines to bring home
Wine Shipping:
- Borravino Wine Tours can arrange consolidated shipping of your wine purchases
- We provide guidance on customs regulations for bringing wine back to your home country
Language:
- While many wineries have English-speaking staff, having a knowledgeable guide enhances the experience
- All Borravino Wine Tours include bilingual guides with wine expertise
Ready to Experience South America’s Wine Regions?
This comprehensive itinerary represents the ideal introduction to the diverse wine regions of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. At Borravino Wine Tours, we handle all the logistics, reservations, and special access arrangements, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the exceptional wines and experiences.
Whether you’re interested in following this exact itinerary or creating a customized journey focused on your specific wine interests, our team of South American wine experts is ready to craft your perfect wine adventure.
Contact us today to begin planning your South American wine journey.
Borravino Wine Tours specializes in tailor-made wine and culinary experiences across Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Spain. With over a decade of experience, we combine European sophistication with American precision to create unforgettable wine journeys.