How to visit Maipo Valley: Best Wineries and Tours

Maipo Valley is one of the closest wine regions to Santiago, Chile. It’s also one of the best!

I had a free day in Santiago, and after feeling a bit underwhelmed by the city, I decided to join a wine tour to Maipo Valley.

Considering just how close it is to Santiago, I didn’t expect the wineries to be as good as they were.

And if you enjoy your red wine as much as I do, you’ll love it here.

This post includes the best Maipo Valley wineries, wine tours, and how to plan your trip to Maipo Valley, Chile.

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Where is Maipo Valley, Chile

The Maipo Valley wine region sits at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

It’s a 40-minute drive south of Santiago, making it the perfect day trip from the capital city.

When to visit Maipo Valley wineries

The grape harvest season starts in late February and continues until April.

This is an ideal time to go wine tasting in Maipo Valley, as you’ll have the opportunity to witness the entire winemaking process, from grape picking to processing.

I explored the region in winter (July) and had a fantastic experience.

Yes, it was cold, and the vineyards were not as vibrant as in other months. But on the positive side, there were no crowds!

How to visit the wineries

The best way to experience Maipo Valley is on a day trip from Santiago.

I joined this Maipo Valley wine tour and highly recommend it! I traveled solo, and everyone on the tour, from the guide to the driver and the other guests, were super friendly.

Because the Maipo Valley wineries are so close to Santiago, I don’t recommend staying here (unless you want to spend a few days wine tasting).

Best Maipo Valley wineries

Here are a few wineries worth visiting.

Vina Santa Ema

Vina Santa Ema has the best wines in Maipo Valley (in my opinion). The estate primarily focuses on classic grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère.

I did a tasting of 3 of their wines, and they were all spectacular.

I particularly enjoyed their Rose, which is generally not my favorite, and even went home with a few bottles of their Catalina.

The tastings are done in a modern tasting room led by one of the most passionate winemakers I’ve met.

Campo La Quirinca

Campo La Quirinca is one of the most underrated wineries in Maipo.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Maipo River, it’s a striking contrast to the more established Vina Santa Ema.

Campo La Quirinca is on a small farm home to chickens, turkeys, llamas, and horses. And, of course, vineyards!

During our wine tour, the guide took us through their entire winemaking process. He was fun and charismatic and entertained us while walking around the property.

We were then treated to a wonderful tasting that included two red varietals and their pisco. This, paired with cheeses and olives, was the best introduction to our wine tour.

Vina Undurraga

Vina Undurraga is one of the most well-known Maipo Valley wineries. It’s also one of the oldest and has a rich history that dates back to 1885.

The grounds are very impressive, with beautiful vineyards and rose gardens. The highlight was walking through their magnificent cellar.

We ended the tour by tasting 5 of their wines, and we were given a glass as a souvenir.

Vina Terra Mater

Vina Terra Mater is a quaint winery that offers a relaxed and informative wine-tasting experience.

I highly recommend visiting their on-site restaurant, Zinfandel.

This is the best winery lunch in Maipo if you’re looking for a casual setting with delicious food and wine.

Maipo Valley wines

If there’s one thing that makes Maipo Valley famous, it’s red wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a flagship grape, and sipping on an endless supply on a cold winter’s day was exactly what I needed in my life!

But the most iconic wine from the region is Carménère. It’s a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Bordeaux, France. Today, you’ll almost only find this grape grown in Chile.

The best Maipo Valley wine tour

Here’s what to expect when doing a wine tasting tour to Maipo Valley.

I was picked up from my hotel in Santiago at 9 am, and had our first wine tasting by 10 am.

During the tour, we visited 3 Maipo Valley wineries and had the most delicious lunch at Zinfandel.

The costs included transport, a guide, and all wine tastings. The only thing not included was the lunch, as you settle that bill individually.

You can book the same wine tour that I did here. I paid for the tour myself, and they did not know I was a travel blogger, so my views are totally unbiased.

Is Maipo Valley worth it?

After spending weeks in the Mendoza wine region of Argentina, I wasn’t sure if Maipo Valley would live up to my high expectations.

But it did!

The wines were some of the best I’ve ever had.

As for the people, Chileans are the most incredible and hospitable people, and they made this experience such a memorable one.

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Are you planning on visiting the wineries in Maipo Valley, Chile? Do you have any questions about the tour I went on or the wineries I visited? Drop me a message in the comments section below.