Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is about an individual tour, email us.
Generally the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are about individual tour itineraries, however here are a few of the things that are generally asked prior to making a decision to travel to the region with us.
- Who are Robertson Wine Tours?
- Who are our customers?
- What if I do not want to focus on Wine?
- How do we price and how do you make Payment for the tours?
- What types of accommodation can we expect?
- What makes our service any different from other companies?
- Can we choose the wineries we want to visit?
- What security & financial protection is there?
- What are Robertson Wine Tours Terms and Conditions?
Who are Robertson Wine Tours?
Robertson Wine tours were a UK Ltd Company for our first 4 years of trading however we have decided to cut our European costs and run our company from Montevideo in Uruguay and Buenos Aires. We run the company from here to lower costs and keep close to the market that we are operating in. The Director and his staff have been operating successfully in Argentina for 6 years when the company started trading. Tim Robertson has extensive experience in the wine industry and began selling the finest collection of wines at that time in Hong Kong for Seibu in 1988. Although we have consulted for companies looking for wines for exportation we now only focus on Wine Touring.
Who are our customers?
Robertson Wine tours Clients tend to wine lovers from all over the World. Generally our business is split 50% from the USA and Canada with the remainder from pretty much everywhere. RWT are also starting to see a large increase in clients from Brazil and other South American Countries.
What if I do not want to focus on Wine?
We have plenty of suggestions for places to visit outside of the wine regions.Just ask for our trip extensions. After initial contact has been made, generally our clients approach us with a general idea of where they want to visit and how many days. We contact the client by prior arrangement and gradually hone in what it is that would makes a total experience as opposed to a just a holiday. We can cater for every type of client. We are a small and specialist company but in addition to that we prefer to work at a civilized pace.
How do we price and how do you make Payment for the tours?
The tours are priced in US$ but we can accept Euros transfers to our business accounts.
Prices tend to work on a daily price, inclusive of everything in the itinerary and any exclusions will be highlighted. The cheapest and easiest way to send RWT payment is to our Business Bank Accounts
Accommodation is the major cost involved in any travel overseas and it is no different here in Latin America.
As a guide one should be expecting to pay per person per day 500 US$ minimum (2010-2011) this is exclusive of accommodation. There would be very little other expenses to be incurred, normally gratuities and personal shopping, all three countries that we operate in are considerably more economical than North America and or Europe that said quality and luxury have to be paid for wherever you go. Please note we have seen a significant rise in prices across the region in the last year this has been an excessively inflationary period in the Region.
What types of accommodation can we expect?
Our clients like to switch between a range of accommodations ranging from sleeping in a bodega to a private chalet on an estancia (estate) to 5 star international city or resort hotels. Robertson vast range of contacts enables us to perfect the choice without being linked to a certain hotel group or accommodation provider therefore never compromising your options.
Clients define what type of accommodation they require but we deal at the top echelon of the market. Effort is made not to use corporate and or chains where we can help it; hotels with individual personality and superior attention are our mainstay. International chains that we do
use include:
- Relais & Chateaux (Alvear Palace,Las Balsas.)
- Cavas Wines lodge ,Lares De Charcas, Sheraton Mendoza, Posada Salentein amongst many others
- Ritz Carlton, Santiago, Chile, Lapostolle and Casa Silva
- Four Seasons, Carmelo and Buenos Aires
- Sheraton Iguassu and Grand Hotel Iguassu
What makes your service any different from the other companies?
We are first, and foremost, a Travel agency specializing in exclusive touring in Argentina and Chile, We have been planning and guiding tours for close to 6 years. Our extensive relationships with hoteliers and wineries and our own knowledge of wine ensures we can give you an informed and professional tour of all the regions we operate in
Can we choose the wineries we want to visit?
Yes, you may have some wineries that you particularly want to visit, just tell us. Some wineries require appointments others are closed to the public but we can always arrange something with sufficient anticipation
What security & financial protection is there?
Robertson Wine Tours purchases all our services through a fully licensed and bonded Tour Operator; Lan & Kramer a well established and respected Agency based in Buenos Aires. Lan & Kramer work under the national tourist law No 25.997 and resolution No 256/00.
Cancellation and travel delay by the client are normally covered by most travel insurance policies, accordingly we insist that a travel insurance is taken out that will protect you and your family in any eventuality.
What are Robertson Wine Tours Terms and Conditions?
Our tours comprise exclusively land arrangements, hosting, air flights, guiding & meals and hotels where noted in the itinerary. Costs are not guaranteed until time of booking due to exchange rate fluctuation.
Inclusions: Meals where noted in the itinerary as wines, and non-alcoholic beverages with meals; transportation throughout by air-conditioned vehicle; gratuities, transfers on arrival/departure days as noted in itinerary, and services of our guides and hosts.
Exclusions: International Airline tickets unless specified in itinerary. Trip cancellation insurance; meals not noted; items of personal nature (laundry, room service, telephone calls, etc.); alcoholic beverages other than mentioned a; deviations to the itinerary; transfers not part of group itinerary; optional activities. Selected airport departure taxes; excess baggage charges; cost of obtaining or administering passport or visas;
Deposit: A deposit of 25 % of total itinerary is required to secure reservations; and is reimbursable less the minimum cancellation fee; until 90 days prior to the trip, after which total deposit is non-refundable. The final payment is due 60 days prior to departure and is refundable with a written cancellation made until 45 days prior to departure. Rates subject to change are based on exchange rates currently in effect. Any fluctuation will be reflected in the final invoice. It is common practice in both Argentina and Chile for full payment to be made at the time of reservation; in some of the high demand hotels and resorts.
Exchange rates fluctuations/Inflation: South American currencies have historically fluctuated; sometimes dramatically. Once the first deposit is made, prices in dollars are subject to change due to rate fluctuations. Quoted tour prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, RWT reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets.
Air Transportation: We will arrange the best-priced airfare available in the class category you request at the time of your booking. If you book your flights you are responsible for them 100%.
RWT purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result RWT is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.
In addition and without limitation, RWT is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.
PAYMENT OF THE PROGRAM PRICE CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC ITINERARY DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE RESERVATION CONFIRMATION FORM.
Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. These programs may use the services of any IATA carrier. International air carriers are subject to international air conventions limiting their liability. The limitations of liability are contained on the reverse side of the airline ticket and form part of the terms and conditions of this package. The passage contract in use by these companies, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these travel programs and/or passage.
Cancellation policy:
- 90 to 60 days before arrival date, 25% of total cost for itinerary.
- 59 to 30 days before arrival date, 50% of total cost for itinerary.
- 30 to 10 days before arrival date, 100% of total cost.
- If we have not discussed your particular query, just drop us a mail and we will attempt to answer by return.
Customer Testimonials
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Tim put together an outstanding itinerary for our 17-day trip though Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. Blending his local knowledge of city attractions, hotels and restaurants with his extensive knowledge of the bodegas and their Wines, our trip exceeded all expectations
Scot Martin
Toronto, Canada. June 2010 -
Our trip to Chile and Argentina was perfect. Your drivers were professional, friendly and had good language skills. It is apparent that you have many good contacts in the South American wine world. Your attention to detail and personalized service truly exceeded expectations meeting us personally at the airport from post- Tour activities, dining with us in BA, putting us on all the planes....... Truly a first class trip and I would recommend you to anyone!
Spencer Youngblood
Texas, USA, May 2010 -
Tim helped us with so much more than just the wonderful tours of Mendoza Bodegas. As our interests are wide ranging, he was also able to line us up with a tour of artists’ homes and workshops that was the best ever, and horseback riding in the Uco Valley foothills of the Andes. What a wonderful trip!
Mr Conrad and Ellen Masterson
Texas. USA, September 2009 -
Hi Tim, Karen is the best! I had a fantastic time with her. She made me feel really welcome in Chile by taking me out and introducing me to people, and I now have a nice little wine network thanks to Karen. Thanks so much for setting me up with her. I hope to be able to tour with her again in the future. Of course you can use this for a testimonial and I would be happy to recommend you on LinkedIn as well
Melanie Friedman
USA. January 2010 -
I contacted Tim Robertson to organise some tasting's of Argentine wines while in Buenos Aires
They have seriously knowledgeable Tour guides for sightseeing and the three tasting's they arranged for me at different venues were superb. Great service, totally reliable and extremely knowledgeable. I cannot recommend their service enough!
Charles Smithson
UK. June 2009 -
Yes, overall we were very impressed and would certainly recommended you to anyone. Good pace, the choice of Wineries was very good everything flowed very well, If any of your prospective clients would like to talk to to us we would be more than willing to answer any questions they may have
Nate Remely and Family
USA. January 2010 -
I wholeheartedly recommend Robertson Wine Tours for any Touring you might consider or recommend to other friends and clients for getting first rate visits and introductions to the Wines of Chile and Argentina. Thank you so much for all your kindness and efforts to assure us a wonderful and unforgettable trip. It truly was a great experience for all of us
I hope we can see you some time in Napa if you will visit our area in the future. I will be pleased to provide a reference / testimonial for you and your services to friends and any of your potential clients as well
Dr J. Aita
USA. March 2006 -
We are happy to provide a testimonial for you, We liked very much our tour with you in Chile, we wish we had more time to spend with you, next time we come to Argentina and we would like to stay more time. My husband and I thank you very much for making such a good holiday and please come and see us in Paris when ever you are close by
Élisabeth Henrichon
Paris. September 2008 -
Touring the wineries of the Salta region of Argentina and in Uruguay with Tim Robertson, Director of Wine Tours was a marvelous experience. Tim's attention to details as well as his concern for the personal needs of his clients gave us a wonderfully customized Tour. His experienced palate and exceptional rapport with the top winemakers in each region made for an excellent journey. The high quality of the Wines was a revelation and the warmth of the Wine making families further enhanced the experience
James and Penelope Shackelford
Davis. Calif. Sept 2009 -
Just a quick note to say yes we had a really superb time, I think you judged our tasted very well, I have to say for both me and Claire Salta province their Wineries were the highlight, what an amazing part of the World. We will of course come back, but lets see when that could be, Thank you introducing us to some of these very fine Wine Makers, we just loved spending time with Don Nestor and Luis Asmet and thank you very much for your skillful driving and patience. A great trip. All the best
Michael and Claire Kirtley
Florida. USA, March 2007 -
We enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime Wine Touring experience with Robertson Wine Tours. Tim architected a great itinerary of world-class accommodations, unparalleled private Wine Tastings, and exceptional restaurant bookings. And he added numerous small personalized touches such as a private Wine Tastings, a hilarious, hands on cooking class with an amazing chef, and a two hour Tasting in the cellars of one of the most famous Winemakers in Argentina. If you want to learn about and experience South American wines, Robertson Wine Tours is absolutely the way to go
Jordan Libit
California, USA, March 2009 -
My tour in Uruguay were the most memorable; maybe because Tim was my personal guide, but also because of the hospitality at each Winery. It was fascinating to delve into the mind of the Winemakers/owners and their philosophies of winemaking. I traveled alone on this trip and it was one of my favorite vacations to date. I would hire Robertson Wine Tours again and highly recommend his services
Tara Medely
New York. Feb 2009 -
Dear Tim and team, everything very much appreciated, I will totally recommend you to my friends and the Wine Society. Perhaps a little too much wine, Can that be possible? Well safely back to normality and just a few days back I already miss the Alfresco dining with the Andes in the background, and a wonderful Torrontes in the hand. I envy the lot of you. Good luck with the Season
Jane Goodwin
Toronto. November 2009 -
We had the most wonderful time so it is all good!!
We are probably going to Italy next year so would appreciate your advice on where to go in relation to vineyards - so will be in touch re this
Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2009
Suzanne and Rod Windrim
New South Sales. Australia, December 2008 -
My wife and myself would like to thank you for the great planning and organization of our 7-day trip to the Wine Regions. Thanks to your help and personal efforts everywhere where we stayed, the responsible people received us with a maximum of attention. We enjoyed very much the guided tours of the Wineries of O' Fournier, Carmelo Patti, Luigi Bosca. Of course the Tasting of those nectars will stay in our memories for a long time. The different overnight stays where a PARADISE on Earth!
Mr. C. Von Boch
Argentina. December 2005 -
Tim thank you for everything, Piaspia says hello to you, great to get home to see the Children and thank you for a memorable trip
Mr and Mrs Rafael Eganez.
Caracas, Venezuela. October 2006 -
We were very fortunate to settle on Tim Robertson of Robertson Wine Tours He did an exceptional job of putting together our trip that exceeded all our expectations and, even though he was out of the country at the time of our trip, he made an effort to kept in touch with us via email, making sure everything was going according to plan. I thank both Tim and Lorena for making our trip very special
Bill Blair
January 2009 -
I found Tim Robertson and his staff to be extremely efficient. They provided me with all my travel needs whilst I was in Argentina. I loved my trip to Salta and the Wineries. Well recommended. I encourage everyone to drink Argentinean Wine, but so far the French are having none of it!
Ms Marsali Leeming
United Kingdom. July 2005
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For anyone wanting the best in a wine trip to South America...give RWT a buzz....they'll sort everything out for you...Tim takes away all the hiccups that most agents don't....i drank, ate, slept and like a king. i'll be using Tim again. next wine trip is to Italia. viva!
Gracias Muchachos
Simon Taylor
London. March 2007 -
We've just completed a 10 day Tour with Robertson Wine Tours and we would just like to express our thanks for such amazing service and coordination. Mendoza and Uruguay proved to be everything we had expected and I am sure that we choose very well when we decided to plan our trip with RWT. We highly recommend RWT and hope to travel again with them in the future
Wolfram and Anna Weinkler
Frankfurt, Germany. Sept 2008 -
From my first inquiry, Tim was responsive, professional, and forthright with his extensive knowledge. We became immediate friends and it seemed we had known each other for years. The Wine Tours were impeccably arranged to my outright tastes with accommodations for exploration. The lunches were fantastic and decadent. Frankly, I did not expect such delicious cuisine
Tara Medely
New York. Feb 2009 -
Mr. Robertson prepared an all-inclusive itinerary of Chile and Argentina, which was both thorough and professional. I would recommend Mr. Robertson and his company’s services without hesitation and wish you a very pleasant trip
Mr S Hepburn
Varese Italy. June 2008 -
Yes, overall we were very impressed and would certainly recommended you to anyone. Good pace, the choice of wineries was very good everything flowed very well, If any of your prospective clients would like to talk to to us we would be more than willing to answer any questions they may have
Nate Remely and Family
Colombia/USA. January 2010 -
We arrived back in Canada last evening.We had a wonderful experience in South America. Our visit to Mendoza was perfect. The full day trip to the mountains and the half day wine and lunch seemes a perfect mix for time in Mendoza
Joanne and Forbes McLellan
Canada. February 2010 -
My wife and I traveled to Argentina for 10 days taking in Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Mendoza. We then spent 4 days in Chile and traveled on to see Easter Island. We would recommend Robertson Wine Tours to anyone wanting to travel in these regions. Excellent planning and communication throughout
Mr & Mrs R Plumptre
United Kingdom. June 2005 -
Great work Robertson Wine Tours, thoroughly comprehensive tour of the Argentina’s Wine routes. First class choices and memorable Wines. The guided tasting with Eduardo at Carlos Pulenta was truly unforgettable
Mr N Williamson
Canada. March 2006
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Dear Tim and staff, thank you for arranging such our trip for us, the guiding was of an excellent level. The Winemakers and staff everywhere you choose are very friendly and helpful. We are going home to start our diets. Good work and best of luck for the company
Mr R Garcia Ramirez
Spain. November 2004
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