I’m headed to Mendoza in a few weeks. After reading through all this and watching video above, I’m already starting to plan a trip to Chile!
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Just in case anyone is in need of a private driver while in Chile, Santiago Lizama in Santiago Chile is fantastic. Of note, I had already selected the wineries to visit. He took us to many places and did a fabulous job of shepherding us during frustrating situations (largely bc we don’t speak Spanish) His WhatsApp number is +56 984 715 818. He was a lifesaver in so many ways! Also of note, he recommended a couple places I had overlooked in my planning, and each place Santiago picked was a GREAT add. Squeezed Chile in prior to heading over to Mendoza, so at the time, I thought the lunch at Santa Rita was certainly the most extravagant lunch ever. IOW, GO to Santa Rita!! It’s really quite spectacular in food, wine and landscape.
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Exactly. I got into a little “trouble” in this little room. There was a super hot guy describing the tasting options and before I knew it, I had purchased a $60 glass of wine, foregoing all the small tastings 
Oh well, lesson learned. Next time, we’ll understand conversions to US dollars in advance and will beware the super guapo fellas sent out to flummox the English speaking women.
All good, but probably would skip Concha y Toro next time.
First of all, I hear you loud and clear on the hot guys. Chile is awash with them which I find to be quite lovely, quite frankly.
Anywho, I focused on smaller producers recommended by Louis-Antoine Luyt, the kind Frenchman doing great work with multiple locations in Bio/Bio, Itata, and beyond.
Notably: Coteaux de Trumao, Leo Erazo, Pedro Parra, Ernesto Soto (an iconic farmer), and Alcohuaz up in Pisco (insane), as well as the very adventurous Ayllu - because, why not make wine in the driest place on earth outside of Antarctica?
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I’m thinking to go on a short trip over new years, how many days is ideal in Colchagua? Is it a day in and out stay? Any other suggestions that is achievable from a stay in Santiago? It’ll be a week to 10 days altogether so we want to minimize travel time.
We had a nice visit at Emiliana and Casa Marin (female run) (Lo Abarca) in the Casablanca area.
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Kingston Family Vineyards in Casablanca
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Sorry for the latent response - busy w holiday season events! I did not visit Colchagua so I unfortunately don’t have any advice on that area!
No worries. What was your cannot miss experience? I might do a Buenos Aires to Santiago trio and then either stay a night in Mendoza OR Colchagua
Take a flight to Pisco Elqui and go to Alcohuaz. The stars are epic at night. It’s worth the trip.
Thanks - wife is demanding Atacama as a stop - did you have a good time there as well? Thanks
Yes. The daytrips from San Pedro up to the geysers, seeing flamingos, valley of the moon, etc. are all amazing. A lot of trips - be prepared for the dry altitude conditions kicking your butt. But worth it!
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What do you mean dry i plan to be drunk all the time
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yes you will be
Fabulous - the day trips from Atacama are truly incredible!
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Piling on to the Atacama recs. And if you have even more time, the journey to Uyuni from San Pedro is highly recommended. Photo: Volcano Licancabur/Laguna Verde
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Plus one. Uyuni plus Atacama was our trip as well.
I second this reco. Kingston was an unexpected treat.