The area south of Santiago between the Andes and the Coastal Mountain Range is divided by a number of rivers that bring water from the Andes. In most cases this water is channeled to provide irrigation for surrounding vineyards, and the rocky riverbeds carry just a trickle of water to the Pacific. The name of the river valley is often present on a wine bottle label to identify the valley in which the grapes used to produce the wine were grown.

Because we visited wineries while traveling on Chile's Ruta de la Fruia (route of the fruit) heading toward the Maule Valley further south and along the Pan American Highway (Route 5) as we headed back toward Santiago, I'll group the ones we visited by valley but first a little bit about the roads.

Heading out of the San Antonio Valley on the Ruta de la Fruta we passed through one of Chile's most productive agricultural areas. Orchards, vineyards and fields line the road. This two lane highway is the main road between southern packing plants and the ports at San Antonio and Valparaiso, hence the name. Large producers share the land with small family plots and produce stands. Twice-weekly marketplaces in most communities bring fresh produce to the local people.

The other main route through the Central Valley is the four lane Pan American Highway. This limited access highway connects industrial areas and the buildings lining it are mostly commercial, although it, too, slices through fields and orchards.

Chile's roads are well maintained and even the most industrial areas are framed by a background of snow-capped Andes or the rolling Coastal Range.

Our tour was arranged by Santiago Adventures, a ground operator based in Chile, but many wineries offer online reservations. It's very possible to book your wine tours, plot your route and travel independently by rental car.
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