Highlights of the Day
Day 9 unfolded in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. The morning was spent at Museo de Colchagua, where Chile’s history — from ancient civilizations to the rise of winemaking — came vividly to life. In the afternoon, we visited Viña Maquis, a flatland winery nestled between waterways, offering a contrast to the hillside estate of the previous day. Guided through vineyards, we tasted Carmenère and Cabernet Franc grapes directly from the vines, discovering their distinct sweetness and acidity firsthand. The tasting session later connected those vineyard impressions with the finished wines in our glasses. The experience felt intimate and educational rather than commercial. Conversations with fellow Antarctica travelers and even a small Uber pickup mishap added human warmth to the day. Two wineries, two distinct personalities — and a deeper appreciation for Chilean wine culture.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza
Transportation: Rental Car
Yesterday still felt like late summer under bright sunshine; today arrived wrapped in damp autumn chill.
Right next to our hotel stood the Museo de Colchagua. After breakfast, we took a short walk over to visit. From the outside, it looked modest. Inside, however, it unfolded into a surprisingly comprehensive journey through Chilean history — from pre-Columbian civilizations and the colonial era to independence, agriculture, mining, and even the evolution of winemaking. With its vivid displays and numerous artifacts, it felt as if the entire history of Chile had been condensed into a single building.
At 3 p.m., we arrived at Viña Maquis. The Uber ride carried us through quiet vineyards stretching calmly along both sides of the road. Unlike yesterday’s hillside winery, Maquis sits on flat land. Perhaps easier for workers, though it lacks the dramatic undulating beauty of the slopes.
The estate dates back to the 18th century during Spanish colonial times. For a period, it even served as a presidential residence — hosting official meetings and, more realistically, gatherings of the elite. It was not until the late 20th century that Maquis emerged as a modern boutique winery. Today it is managed by the Hurtado family, well established in Chile’s wine world.
Maquis focuses primarily on red wines: Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah.
I had wondered whether visiting two wineries back-to-back would feel repetitive. It did not. Our guide, a relaxed young woman who had graduated just two years earlier with a tourism degree, led us first to a small stream. She explained that although many websites claim the winery lies between two rivers, one of them is actually a canal fed by an upstream dam. The water is used for irrigation — and they must pay for it.
We tasted grapes directly from the vines. The Carmenère grapes were smaller than table grapes, sweet with low acidity. She showed us how a young vine grows from a parent vine — the “daughter,” still physically connected. I had never realized vines could be propagated that way.
Later, we tasted Cabernet Franc grapes — intensely tart, almost no sweetness. It was my first time comparing grape varieties straight from the vineyard. Fascinating.
In the tasting room, we sampled four wines, two of which came from vines we had just seen. Each wine carried distinct character, and she carefully explained suitable food pairings.
Everyone bought a few bottles. The tour ended in laughter and lightness.
Before leaving, we spoke with another family also bound for Antarctica. They had successfully flown south on February 22, but weather forced them to return by cruise ship. Their company refunded the flight portion.
Even calling Uber became a small adventure, with a helpful staff member translating our pickup location into Spanish and even attempting a few words in Chinese.
Two wineries. Two very different experiences. Chile’s wine country has given us unexpected joy — truly worth the journey.
If you’d like to learn more about the itinerary, please click the button below to download a free copy of the customizable itinerary.
