Luxury Wine Tour Showcases Chile’s Pre-Phylloxera Vines
Chile’s wine heritage is now taking centre stage in a newly launched Luxury Wine Tour by Andes Wines, offering oenophiles a rare glimpse of some of the world’s oldest pre-phylloxera vineyards.
Organised by Max Morales and his dedicated team at Andes Wines, this bespoke tour traverses over 4,000 kilometres of Chilean wine country, unearthing vinestock brought to the region by settlers from France, Spain, Portugal and Argentina, as well as religious congregations, dating back to 1551.
Curated by Morales, an agricultural engineer, this experience is the culmination of 23 years of exploration. He previously served as the Wine Specialist aboard National Geographic’s Chilean Fjord expeditions, brings his wealth of expertise to guide travellers through hidden vineyards, many of which produce wines that remain undiscovered beyond Chilean borders.
The tour covers an impressive array of historical terroirs, from the northern Patagonia region’s 70-year-old Bonarda vines to secret vineyards over a century old, all discovered in collaboration with local guides.
Additionally, for those unable to venture to Patagonia, private tastings of small-producer wines can be arranged in Santiago, where Morales himself leads these intimate tasting sessions.Tour lengths range from a single day to 10-day immersive journeys, allowing visitors to explore regions such as Cochamó in the Puelo Valley, Osorno and Chiloé. Each valley offers a distinct terroir and features grape varieties shaped by centuries of tradition and local winemaking expertise.
**Climate Change and Centuries-Old Vines**
Beyond the renowned valleys, this tour also delves into Chile’s more isolated and extreme terroirs, many of which are integral to the *Climate Change Wine Tour*.
Highlights include:
– **150-year-old Pintatani vines** in the Arica-Parinacota region
– ** 150 year-old Grapes to produce Pisco – Spirits in Atacama and Coquimbo Region
– **140+ year-old Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc** in San Rosendo, Bio Bío Valley
– **150-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon and País vines** in Cauquenes, San Javier at Maule Valley
– **100-year-old Torrontés vines** in the Marga Marga Valley, Valparaíso region
– **Mountain Vineyard 1.600 meters over the sea level at Rio Colorado, Aconcagua Valley
– ** Bonarda Vine in Puelo Valley
– ** Among other hidden gems
**About Max Morales**
Max Morales, a seasoned agricultural engineer and founder of *AndesWines.com*, has an extensive background in the Chilean wine industry. A guest writer for *JancisRobinson.com*, Morales has spent over a decade as a wine specialist aboard National Geographic Explorer expeditions and is also a former strategic wine consultant for the Chilean government.
To book this once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Chile’s vinous history, contact *AndesWines.com* at andes@andeswines.com or call +569 3251 7848.
