Each trip is different and is dependent on you. If you work with wine or are just genuinely interested there are always things to learn, and if you hardly know you way around a wine, there is even more reason to experience a tour.

Please note:

• These itineraries have been produced to give clients an idea of the type of tours we have offered clients these can be combined with other touring possibilities in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay
• We are constantly reviewing which hotels and Wineries and wines we recommend
• Terms and Conditions are featured in our company brochure and are also available at our website at the Frequently Asked Questions Pages

SAMPLE ITINERAIRES

Here are a few sample itineraries so you can get a greater feel of the scope available.

Please note that from Mid January through till the end of March Accommodation can be difficult to arrange due to the huge demand in these peak months, we therefore advise making enquires as early as possible.

• HARVESTING CUYO STYLE - 4 days - 3 nights 01/02 - 30/04
• CHILE, ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY - 14 days - 13 nights All year

Robertson Wine Tour Objectives

Argentina contains many different unique climatic and topographic conditions: we will explain the reasons for the diversity and style of our wines through imaginative and interactive studies and visits to wineries. We explain the terroir and the influence on the style of the wines. Production and techniques of white, red, rosé wines and sparkling wines. Tasting techniques, sensorial games and vertical tastings

These tours will not only give you a through insight into wine, the wines of Mendoza specifically, but we will give you a culinary and cultural experience like nobody else can

Regions covered

These sample Itineraries have focused on Mendoza as 60% of Argentina’s production is centered in the region. We can adapt any enquiry to any of the other wine regions such as, San Juan, Salta, Río Negro and Catamarca

Transport

• Chile - VW Carrier, for 8 people
• Argentina Mendoza - Mercedes Carrier, for 10 people
• Argentina Buenos Aires - Mercedes Estate, for 4 people
• Argentina Buenos Aires - Mercedes Carrier, when more than 4 people

HARVESTING CUYO STYLE

4 days and 3 nights 0 1 Feb- 30/ April

This type of tour has proved extremely popular with our clients accordingly; please note there are limited places

Objectives

Getting up close and getting your hands dirty along with the winemakers and agronomists is going to give any wine lover a real knowledge of what it takes to make wine. This is not a sanitized day out for tourists but the real thing. Clients go away feeling their knowledge enhanced and with an unforgettable memories 

Wineries Lunches

• Chakana , Bodega Ruca Malen Chakana, & Bodega Ruca Malen 
• Bodega Enrique Foster 

Dinners

• Almacén del Sur - Cava Gourmet 

Costs

US$1000 per person

Inclusions

Transfer in/out, transfer to wineries, lunches and dinners, gifts by Robertson Wine Tours (leather wine holder and leather bound tasting book)

Exclusions

Gratuities + accommodation choice. We arrange this with clients according to their preferences and budgets. Also clients may already have accommodation pre-arranged

Bring appropriate clothing for picking grapes and horse back riding

Day 1 

• Arrival at Mendoza Airport afternoon/evening 
• Check in at hotel 
• Presentation of the group into the vineyard
• Dinner at Azafrán
• Return to hotel 

Day 2

• Arrival at vineyard to participate of picking grapes. While we pick grapes manually with the proper clothing, scissors, small harvesting baskets and other material, we will learn about selection criteria of bunches ideal for vivification and notice the differences between grape varieties, from its physical characteristics to the different maturation stages of the grape.
• We will be led by agronomic professionals who will teach us the techniques of cultivation and the harvesting of high quality grapes. We will finally conclude this experience with a celebration toast and lunch at the winery 
• Breakfast at hotel
• Departure to Bodega Chakana
• Lunch & toast
• Relax in the winery’s gardens
• Return to hotel
• Departure to Almacén del Sur - Cava
• Transfer to hotel

Day 3

• Breakfast at hotel
• Departure to Villa de Montaña Potrerillos - horse back riding (approximately 6 hours long)
• 8am departure to the Mountain Village of Potrerillos, located at the Andes Cordillera. After a small typical breakfast we ride into the pre-cordillera panoramic views of waterfalls and if we are lucky enough, we can also see condors. Upon arrival to the base camp we enjoy a traditional barbecue and a well-earned glass of wine
• Departure back to Mendoza (around 17.00)
• For clients who do not wish to spend their day in the mountains we have a host of other possibilities: for example a day at Cavas Wine Lodge Spa, a trip to the Uco Valley and Tupungato’s Wineries including Salentein, Azul and O. Fournier Wineries
• Departure back to Mendoza (around 17.00)
• Evening free

Day 4

• Breakfast at hotel
• Check out - luggage can be kept at the hotel
• Departure to Bodega Enrique Foster
• Tour and tasting at Winery
• Departure to Bodega Ruca Malen and lunch cooked with Mendocinian Style
• Gift presentation
• Transfer out to Airport and farewell

CHILE, ARGENTINA & URUGUAY 

AN IN DEPTH SAMPLE 14 days – 13 nights

Objectives

To provide clients with first class comfort food and lodging on a tour that gives an overview of the best that each country has to offer

Costs

Per person per day 575 US$ all inclusive

Transport

• Chile - VW Carrier, for 8 people
• Argentina Mendoza - Mercedes Carrier, for 10 people
• Argentina Buenos Aires - Mercedes Estate, for 4 people 

Day 1 Santiago

• Arrival at Santiago SCL Airport.
• Tim Robertson meets the clients.
• Transfer to Ritz-Carlton, Calle El Alcalde N. 15, Las Condes - Santiago.
• After clients have had a chance to unpack/change, we meet for a light snack (included).
• We will give you all the materials necessary for your sightseeing.
• We meet this evening at 7.30 pm in the lobby of the Ritz for tour discussion and pre-dinner tasting.
• We will be hosting a welcome dinner for you at Astrid & Gaston. Formal attire!

Day 2 Santiago

• Tim will be on call for you all the day. We give you a free phone access number, which you can contact, any of us 24 hours a day. We find guests normally like to take the first/second day leisurely, see some of the tourist attractions and acclimatize.
• This evening is kept open for guests to make their own arrangements for dinner, we are happy to make reservations for you and would like you to try to start eating a little later than is your custom as in Latin America we eat much later: 9.00 pm is an ideal time.

Day 3 Maipo Valley

The oldest and most famous of Chile’s wine valleys is home to many of Chile’s famous wineries such as Concha y Toro, Cousino Macul and Santa Rita. Our focus will instead be on several modern boutique wineries. We will start at the very limited production Aquitania Winery where labeling is done by hand. If possible we will try their award winning Chardonnay - Sol de Sol made with grapes from the Malleco Valley, the most southerly vineyard in the world. Moving to Puente Alto in the late morning, we will visit Almaviva - the joint venture between Concha y Toro and Mouton de Rothschild. The visit and tasting is topped off with lunch in their gardens. Our last stop will be at the Antiyal Winery. A garage winery, Antiyal produces fewer than 400 cases of wine a year. Return to Santiago with the evening free.

• Aquitania Winery (40 minutes drive): quest for terroir, limited production, meet with winemaker, labeling done by hand, perhaps taste award winning Chardonnay - Sol de Sol with grapes from Malleco Valley.
• Almaviva Winery: visit and tasting (late morning/afternoon). These wines are the most sought after and prestigious in Chile (joint venture - Concha y Toro & Rothschild).
• Lunch in Garden at Almaviva; fine French cooking with 3 vintages of Almaviva.
• Antiyal: last stop for the day, boutique winery.
• Evening Free!

Day 4 Casablanca Valley

• 9.00 am check out of Ritz Carlton.
• Towards the coast in the direction of Valparaiso is the Casablanca Valley. With a climate that favors the white varietal's, Casablanca is known for its premium Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Winery development only began here in the 1980s and all have a very modern feel. One of the first wineries in the Casablanca Valley and one of our favorites is Villard Winery. Here the enthusiasm and passion for winemaking is contagious. Our host, second-generation winemaker Charles Villard, will share with us some of their excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
• Our next stop will be right next-door at Viña Orgánica Emiliana, a leader in the Chilean organic movement and recognized internationally for their premium wine “Coyam”.
• Our gourmet lunch will be on a hillside overlooking the valley at the Indomita Winery. Driving west and even nearer the Pacific Ocean we will arrive at Viña Matetic. Between the Casablanca and Leyda Valleys the Matetic family has constructed a beautiful winery and is producing prize winning Syrah, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. After Matetic we will return towards Santiago into the Maipo Valley and arrive at the Tarapaca Winery. Here we will have dinner and stay for the evening in their beautiful mansion.

Day 5 Cachapoal Valley

• Our morning will begin at the Tarapaca Winery with a tasting before departing at 11.30 am for our drive south to the Cachapoal Valley. Our winery visits today will include Anakena and Chateau Los Boldos both with outstanding reputations for high quality wines. We will enjoy a traditional Chilean lunch at the local favorite Juan y Medio. Another 30 minutes south and we will arrive at the eastern end of the Colchagua Valley. Here, the day will finish with a tour and tasting at Casa Silva, which is known for its award winning Carmenère, the signature grape of Chile. Unpack our bags and relax, as we will be staying at the beautifully restored Casa Silva Hotel for the next two nights. Dinner on your own at the hotel (included).

Day 6 Colchagua Valley

• Two hours south of Santiago is one of Chile’s largest wine regions and most developed from the “tourism” perspective. The Colchagua Valley is known for producing some of Chile’s best wines, particularly the Syrah and Malbec variety. Your location at Casa Silva means a more relaxed departure at 9.30 am for a morning visit to the Viu Manent Winery. One of the oldest in Colchagua Valley, Viu Manent is know for producing the best Malbec in South America - much to the displeasure of the Argentineans! After lunch at Viu Manent we will enjoy tastings at boutique wineries Laura Hartwig and Apaltagua that specializes in the Carmenère variety.
• Finally in the late afternoon we will visit one of Chile’s most famous wineries. Aurelio Montes started the Montes Winery with three other Chileans in the late 1980s and their success as quality wine producers is now world famous. Our day will end with a dinner at the restaurant in the Viu Manet Winery. Back to sleep at Casa Silva Hotel.

Day 7 Aconcagua Valley

• Departing the hotel at 8.00 am we will begin a 3-hour journey, north through Chile’s wine country, ending an hour north of Santiago in the Aconcagua Valley. On a clear day in the valley we can see the stunning peak of Aconcagua, which gives the river and valley its name. At 22.800 feet, it is the highest peak in the Americas. In the shadow of a tall mountain, Aconcagua is Chile’s smallest wine valley but well known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah production. Your first visit is to Errazuriz Winery. While it no longer holds the title of largest winery in the world, as it did in the early 20th century, it is still the most beautiful in Chile. Right across the street is one of our personal favorites, Von Siebenthal, a boutique winery producing only 4 wines, 1 silver and 3 gold medal winners at the Brussels Wine Expo in 2004, including their Premium Montelìg that won best red wine in the world at the Expo. We’ll stop for some light refreshments in Panquehue before heading up the valley. In the afternoon we will visit our friends at Viña San Esteban, a mid size family winery with an eye towards quality production of Cabernet and Syrah. Transfer back to Santiago for early evening. Evening Free.

Day 8 Chile-Argentina

• 9.00 am check out of Ritz Carlton
• Take early flight to Mendoza arriving 11.30 am.
• Transfer to Club Tapiz, which is some 30 minutes from Mendoza City Center.
• Lunch will be at the Tapiz Winery which is located 10 minutes from the club, after barrel tasting and a trip with Carolina Fuller at Tapiz we recommend a leisurely afternoon at the clubs Sap and pool area and get ready for the this side of the trip
• 6pm welcoming tasting with our Sommelier Eduardo Serra who is going to talk you through some of the history of the wine industry and open up some interesting wines.
• Dinner is included at the restaurant and the menu never fails to excite.

Day 9 International Wineries

• Awake at Tapiz - Leisurely breakfast, pool and spa. 
• 9.30 am Achaval Ferrer Winery. This winery is probably at the top echelon of Argentine wine and although the new winery is not yet complete, the barrel tasting and sheer perfectionism here validate the wine spectators’ accolades.
• 11.00 am Catena Zapata Winery. We have discussed this giant at length in our conversations and although we are not fans of the business, these wines and the winery have to be seen. Based on a Mayan pyramid, this is the flagship of the most powerful wine empire in Argentina. We have arranged a tasting to include the top wines which are available internationally.
• 2.00 pm Lunch with Dolium. Ricardo’s late father’s passion is still shown in the wines, which, it has to be said, are some of my favorites. Lunch is informal, with Ricardo’s mother Ana cooking her Italian specialties.
• Drive to Tupungato - Valle de Uco: this takes about an hour; it is a very scenic route with the plains on one side and the Andes on the other.
• 4.00 pm Tasting at Bodega Monte Viejo. This huge complex of Clos de Siete, Micheal Rolland and friends are aiming to rival the new super Tuscan and Australian wines. I prefer the architecture of O. Fournier but its pedigree is second to none and the top Rolland wines are expensive and worth every penny.
• 6.30 pm Drive to Postales del Plata (Valle de Uco Lodge). Dinner not included. This is an American owned venture and we know very well the owners. The restaurant is very welcoming and the menu looks as good as it is.

Day 10 Tupungato Valley

• Awake at Postales del Plata, we won’t set off too early today, as you will want to enjoy the pool and a relaxed breakfast.
• 10.00 am Salentein Winery. Stunning views and incredible architecture make this a must for anyone traveling to this area, wine lover or not. We will taste their famous Primus Pinot Noir and talk to their head winemaker.
• 12.00 pm Visit to Bodega Azul (Reserva range included). Shirley will undoubtedly enchant you with her passion for wine and terroir that she has carefully built up organically over the years. A different and refreshing approach.
• 1.30 pm Lunch at Altus (not included). Altus is a new winery. You are just going to eat there, the wines don’t excite yet, the food however is completely cutting edge and there is kitchen input as you eat. The food: Karen the Manager and Lukas the Chef are absolutely first rate. A real gourmet experience.
• 4.00 pm Visit and Tasting at O. Fournier. You will be sleeping and eating dinner at O. Fournier. All included. No wine.

Day 11 Simply The Paradise

• Awake at O. Fournier in Consulta area. 9.00 am and we travel back towards Mendoza. 15 minutes from the city we find ourselves at Luján de Cuyo, the epicenter and beginning of wine making in the region.
• Off the beaten track we take you to Cavas Wine Lodge, simply unimaginable. The guesthouses are indescribable; you have to see them to believe it. Nestled amongst the wines you have your own private pool, a terrace above your accommodation overlooking the Andes, ideal for a private drink or breakfast whilst admiring the sun setting or even rising in this sanctuary. We drop off the bags here and let you freshen up and then we head out for lunch.
• Cava de Cano. This is the family residence of an ex Argentine president and it is a wonderful place to enjoy a fantastic smorgasbord. It is so beautifully presented, really it looks too good to eat. It would be good if you can save your palettes as our next stop is exceptional and just stones throw away.
• 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Camel Patti. Carmelo Patti is a passionate winemaker. He is a one-man band whose family helps out where necessary. His style of winemaking is not only organic, he is not about making a name or money, he is about making the best wine he possible can with what he has. The Cabernet Sauvignon has a cult following in Argentina and we know that you will not want to leave without buying some of his wines to take home. These wines have individual personality. 6.30 pm back to Cavas.
• We will accompany you to your table for a pre-dinner drink at “La Bourgogne en Vistalba”, restaurant of the world famous chef Jean Paul Bondoux. Purported to be the finest restaurant in Latin America: see what you think?

Day 12 Mendoza-Buenos Aires

• Awake at Cavas Wine Lodge. Enjoy the amenities at Cavas and take a morning to relax or if you prefer we will take you to the centre of Mendoza and give you a couple of hours to do some shopping and enjoy the centre of this charming city: Spanish style squares, an enormous park and tree shaded streets make for a relaxing morning.
• Prepare for 2.30 pm flight to Buenos Aires (included).

Buenos Aires (BA)


• Tim Robertson will pick you up personally and take you to the Alvear Hotel. As discussed this is the most formal and respected hotel in town. We aim to get there for 5.00 pm at the latest
• We will provide you insights for the Palermo area: dinners, tastings, and nightlife.
• Tasting at the Wine Bar at the Hyatt Hotel on Avenida Alvear. This in an exceptional luxury goods shop where we can taste some wines, relax and buy lots of diamonds. Informal wine tasting with a chance to open some Argentine favorites with meats and cheeses.

Day 13 Buenos Aires

• Buenos Aires sightseeing: Tim and transport can be available to you. 

Day 14 A Day in Uruguay

• OPTION 1.The Four Seasons hotel fly us to their Carmelo Residence, which is World Class. Chance to taste all the top wines in the form of the top ten/twelve wines, accompanied by a lunch prepared especially by the kitchen for us to keep the tannins at bay. Possible to invite Dante Irurtia for the tasting or lunch (or one of the sons) and/or pop in to see their vineyard close by.
• OPTION 2. Fast hydrofoil to Uruguay - Colonia. Arrives at 12 midday, visit the UNESCO heritage city we will organize a relaxed wine tasting at the Kempinski and a buffet lunch afterwards. A wonderful place to take you back 100 years in time: no people, no cars, no stress, just a beautifully preserved Portuguese colonial town.

BACKGROUND

Argentina is the world’s fifth largest producer of wine with a history dating back to the time the Jesuits arrived in the mid 16th Century. The International wine community is finally beginning to see the advantages of this with over 6%(8 million cases approx) of wine being exported. We now see Argentinean wines overtaking the mantle Chile has held for some time. Perhaps the greatest advantage that Argentina has is the Malbec variety, which develops fantastically well in the various microclimates of this region. Although French in origin this variety has not played a major part in the history of great wine production. This is not now the case. We shall return to this grape shortly. Despite its long history of wine production it has only been in the last ten to fifteen years that the industry has really moved forward in terms of quality.

Another major contribution to the Argentinean wines are the internationally renowned winemakers worldwide who are consulting and working directly with bodegas and investing in their own projects, Names like Michel Rolland, Robert Pepi and Jeffery Stambor to name just a few. Some 80,000 acres of new vineyards have been planted in the last 3 years alone.

The Malbec Grape:

Malbec was originally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, with its deep colour and firm tannins that are rarely found in today's Bordeaux blends. In Argentina the high elevation of the vineyards produces an altogether different version of the grape, with blackberry fruit, plums, spice; its tannins tend to be far more dissipated. The vast majority of producers tend to opt for a softer less alcoholic wine, which allows one to fully appreciate the fruit. Another reason is the strength of the sun which lowers the tannin levels in Argentinean Mablecs giving them great depth and a velvet tongue. Quite simply there is nowhere in the world growing such wines.

Mendoza

Located at the eastern base of the Andes, Mendoza that falls under the larger provincial name of Cuyo (desert country in Native Indian) producing approximately 80% of the total output.

The grapes enjoy heat during the day for the essential sugar production and the grapes also benefit from the cooler nights. Although the terrain is generally desert there are extensive and sophisticated irrigation systems (some over 500 years old) tapping into the snow from the nearby mountains. The altitudes of the vineyards range between 3000-5000 feet. When we talk about Mendoza we are talking about 4 individual areas or departments all based in the province of Mendoza this can be confusing, Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu are two of these and they are located to the south of the city and represent the older and more established bodegas.

Uco Valley

50kms south we find the Uco Valley which is commonly referred to the Tunuyan Region which takes its name from the river running through the valley. There is no finer backdrop in the world of wine than the snow capped peaks of this valley. Major European and Chilean investment has brought expertise and names such as Lurton, la Celia and Salentein are based here.

Another 100kms south we come to the San Rafael. San Rafael is home to some of Argentina’s well-respected and known names such as Bianchi and Goyenechea.

Rio Negro

This province of has its wine production predominantly in and around the Alto valley. This province once had high hopes for its wine production in the late 1960’s there were over 250 bodegas with 60,000 acres under vine but this has been reduced to perhaps 20 wineries and only 5000 acres under vine. Although the climate is similar to Cuyo, the sun lacks the strength and therefore the wine’s sugar content does not reach the levels to make truly great wines
To the west of the Alto Valley there is an exciting new venture in the Neuquen province where 3 wineries have planted in excess of 3000 acres, we wait for the results with interest.

North of Mendoza

San Juan

200 kms north of Mendoza is San Juan province with over 300 bodegas centered around the city of the same name, this city was leveled as most have in the region by an earthquake. The climate is warmer and dryer than its more southerly counterparts. Historically this region has produced more quantity than quality but this has changed and high altitude planting of white varieties such as Chardonnay, Semillón and Sauvignon are producing very fine wines.

La Rioja Province

North again from San Juan some 500kms we come to La Rioja. There are 40 bodegas in this region, who tend to operate mainly through cooperatives the main grape planted is the Torrontes which is another variety that Argentina terror has taken especially well to. The Torrontes wine is fruity with a very perfumed nose.

Salta

Province has 20 bodegas, and has the world’s highest vineyards all located some 200 kms south of capital around Calafayte, there is a museum and the wineries are able to accept visitors. Some of the Altitudes are more than 6000ft and the conditions ensure big, alcoholic wines which

Salta province to the north is another area increasing in importance, with about 20 bodegas and with extremely high altitudes planting mainly the Torrontes grape. Also a small amount of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Cafayate is the major town of importance and wine tourism is increasing