Tuesday, February 4, 2020

San Antonio/Santiago Chile Port February 3

Monday Funday!!! Today we had a private excursion with four other ladies for wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley of Chile. Our driver and guide Gonzalos, was waiting for us as we exited the ship around 8:30 AM. After about a 45 minute driver we arrived at our first winery, Villard. The drive out to the winery reminded both Steve and I of Napa Valley.


The climate is very similar to Napa too. Chile has been experiencing drought conditions this year although this area looks pretty green. The harvest is usually around the middle of March.

The inside display of the wines that are produced here.  We were told that between 80-90% of Chilean wine production is exported. The government places a 40% tax on wines sold in Chile meaning we can buy Chilean wine for less in the US than in Chile.

The table inside was set for our tasting but...
So was the outside table so we chose to be outside to enjoy the views, the weather and the wine. Our guide Gonzola and the Villard wine sommelier Alexandra





Back in the van and off to winery 2, Emilian. The ladies we were with had been to this winery on a previous cruise but enjoyed it so much they had scheduled it again. And of course we chose the outdoor seating.


An added bonus was their family of llamas


By winery #3 it was time to put something more substantial into our stomachs.

A grazing board but still plenty of wine glasses filling the table.


A fun courtyard and play on words as we left called for posing.


And finally the last winery, Casa Marin. Another very scenic area and an outside second floor balcony for the tasting. 




And we made it back to the ship although I was lagging quite a ways behind Steve.







2 comments:

Kim said...

Great pictures! Looks like these last few days have been wonderful. The baby outfits are absolutely precious, as a not crafty person I am amazed at how talented people are. Maybe on the next cruise you can teach me a stitch or two. Enjoy your remaining time. Highs in the upper teens forecast for the weekend...oh joy. ������❤️

Jools said...

Besides the lovely wine settings, you had me at the “grazing board”!!! The scenic views looked lovely as it is raining buckets here in GA.
I love cruising with you even if it is vicariously❤️Jools