South America produces some of the world’s best wines, and is home to an incredible array of boutique wine lodges too. From native Torrontés grapes in northern Argentina to first-class Pinot Noirs in Chile, the hidden vineyard gems of Uruguay or unique, scenic settings of boutique wine lodges across the continent—South America is a wine lovers dream.
As with other wine growing regions around the world, in certain parts of Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, entire communities are dedicated to wine production, resulting in not only incredible blends and exclusive labels but some truly special wine lodges and vineyard hotels too.
Whether you’re planning a full wine tour across South America, or simply looking to add one of the many world-class wine regions into your wider journey, we’ve taken a look at seven of our favorite lodges to get your ideas going and palate tingling!
Unique, cutting-edge, and supremely luxurious, the five-star VIK Chile, Millahue Valley is one of the ultimate introductions to South American wine experiences. Wonderfully isolated and surrounded by rows of vines leading to rolling hills, the property drops you in the heart of wine growing country and has spectacular views to match the wines on offer here.
Those panoramas are best enjoyed from the hotel’s sun terrace, infinity pool, or your suite’s private veranda. However it doesn’t stop there, as beyond its majestic Millahue Valley setting, south of the capital Santiago, VIK Chile is every bit the modern luxury wine hotel, fusing contemporary décor with advanced growing and ageing processes that combine wonderfully during your stay.
The hotel’s architecture and artworks are striking, though endearing, and from the haute cuisine served onsite to the treatments in VIK Chile’s wine spa, the objective here is a holistic stay where wine takes center stage, yet with so much else besides.
Intimate and exclusive with just a handful of standalone abodes, your only option is to unwind at Cavas Wine Lodge, a luxurious yet laidback vineyard hotel in Argentina’s famous Mendoza region.
With its unusual Moorish styling, first-class service and roof terraces that are primed for sunset wine tasting, Cavas Wine Lodge is one of Argentina’s top wine lodges for so many reasons. With Andean foothills in the distance and sweeping plains of well-maintained vines in between, you’re guaranteed a disconnect from the outside world while here, whether on a tasting tour or trotting through the vineyard on horseback.
As you’d expect, Cavas Wine Lodge boasts an enviable wine cellar and expert sommeliers on-hand too, perfectly pairing with the luscious (and locally sourced) cuisine served in the restaurant or during a romantic gourmet picnic. There’s an onsite spa and private plunge pools in the villas, and with numerous boutique wineries easily accessible nearby you have everything you need for the complete Mendoza experience while staying at Cavas Wine Lodge. And if you’ve been burning off the fine living with outdoor activities during the day, you can look forward to cozying up beside a roaring log fire and a glass of Malbec each evening. Bliss.
Whether you’re staying in Buenos Aires and looking for a change of pace across the water in Uruguay, or already enjoying a journey across the Uruguayan coast and countryside, Narbona Wine Lodge in Carmelo should certainly feature in your thoughts.
Authenticity abounds here, with Narbona Wine Lodge making the most of its early 20th century roots through exposed stone and traditional décor within, and age-old Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Syrah grapesgrown throughout the vineyard. With only 5 guestrooms you’re sure to feel connected to the local way of life here too, thanks to personal service, private wine tasting tours and an overall setting that helps you feel right at home.
Uruguayan wine is on the up, though still little known when compared to the iconic growing regions of neighbors Chile and Argentina. So if you’re looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy sun-dappled afternoons while tasting untypical varieties, paired cheeses and locally cured meats, look no further than the wonderful, welcoming, Narbona Wine Lodge in Carmelo.
Las Majadas, located less than an hour from Santiago Airport, will not only surprise you as a top Chilean wine hotel but can easily feature as a stop on any wider journey, thanks to its convenient location near the capital.
The most striking feature of Las Majadas is the early 20thcentury European-style mansion sitting within the grounds, perfect for picnics on its well-maintained lawns and feeling a world away from modern Santiago. The main accommodation is housed within a more contemporary wooden structure surrounded by trees, though the contrast works well and the cutting-edge architectural style matches the (locally grown) gastronomic delights served in Sequoia Restaurant.
Elsewhere you can look forward to a host of activities and excursions around the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s finest wine regions, from hiking to vineyard visits and wine tasting, or downtime in the onsite Kura Spa or meditation classes between tours.
For views of the Andes, delectable garden-to-table cuisine, and sustainable luxury aplenty—Casa de Uco in Argentina’s Uco Valley is the place to stay. Boasting one of the most impressive settings of any Mendoza wine lodge, Casa de Uco wows with its sweeping mountain backdrop, rolling plains covered in vines, and subtle architecture that slips into the landscape masterfully.
The huge estate that Casa de Uco sits within produces sumptuously hearty Malbecs, and you can expect heartyfood to match here too—all sourced from what’s grown in the restaurant’s garden and inspired by local cuisine. As well as being a gastronomic hub, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in and around the hotel, including horse riding trails, 4×4 drives, onsite tennis and archery, or luxuriating beside the infinity pool and in the spa.
With walls of glass making the most of the landscape and a good range of contemporary suites and villas, Casa de Uco is dressed to impress.
Bedecked in the stylings of a traditional Spanish villa though every bit the modern luxury wine lodge within, Grace Cafayate feels like a destination in itself. The hotel sits in a large estate of lakes, gardens, and even a golf course, giving you everything you need during your time here—between wine tastings and long lazy lunches, of course.
Grace Cafayate is also very well-equipped with mountain bikes, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, and activities like cookery classes, horse riding, a polo pitch and tennis courts. There is a family feel to the service here too, all the better at such an exclusive wine lodge of only 12 rooms—all of which are stylishly designed and comfortable.
Overall, Grace Cafayate fuses a secluded feel with its close proximity to Cafayate Town and the tours available nearby, giving the best of both worlds.
The northern province of Salta is one of Argentina’s less-explored wine growing regions, but is well worth the effort to get here both for the striking landscapes and fine grape varieties like the native Torrontés. And if you’re traveling to northern Argentina then Altalalunadeserved its place on your journey.
There is a lovely rustic and traditional feel to everything, from the piping hot empanadas and hearty soups served by the restaurant, to the authentic architecture and personal service. Even the activity list is intentionally limited to wine tasting, walking and riding routes, and little else. You will find a modest spa and swimming pool onsite, a sun terrace and gardens, though make no mistake that everything at Altalaluna is geared towards a slower pace of life.
In fact, the wider Salta region is known for its abundance of outdoor adventures like river rafting, hiking and mountain biking, making Altalaluna a serene rural retreat for some rest and relaxation, where fine wine rules supreme.In fact, the wider Salta region is known for its abundance of outdoor adventures like river rafting, hiking and mountain biking, making Altalaluna a serene rural retreat for some rest and relaxation, where fine wine rules supreme.
Whatever your interests or group size, speak to the travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to South America.
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