Day 1: Buenos Aires
Founded by immigrants along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina is built on its Spanish, French and Italian roots. For foodies and wine lovers, there is, perhaps, no place better in all of Latin America to begin your wine vacation of a lifetime. Although Buenos Aires residents, called Portenos, consider themselves more European than South American, the soul of this vibrant Old World style port city is decidedly Latin. During your stay, you’ll have your palate tantalized as you explore the vineyards and chefs of Buenos Aires and its surrounding localities.
While in Buenos Aires for the next two days, you’ll enjoy the contemporary 11-room boutique hotel, Legato Mitico. Legato Mitico Hotel is located in the chic and charming Palermo Viejo neighborhood, with its Upper West Side Manhattan ambiance and bohemian Village flair rounded out by a truly local vibe. Each room, named to reflect local culture, is warm and boasts a sophisticated designer aesthetic. You’ll be booked into the Carlos Gardel room whenever possible, which was furnished in honor of a Uruguayan vocalist and affords the opportunity to begin getting in touch with the neighboring country.
When you arrive, you may want to explore the nearby shops, galleries, restaurants and bars, or you may want to relax on property and enjoy a glass of wine in the back courtyard, in the terrace solarium or even in the beckoning Jacuzzi.
Today, your flight will arrive at Argentina’s Ministro Pistarini International Airport, where you’ll be greeted for a private transfer to check-in at Legato Mitico Hotel.
Day 2: Buenos Aires
Day two of your two-week dream vacation is at your leisure in Buenos Aires, and you can feel free to explore on your own if that’s what you desire:
- Stroll through the Recoleta and Belgrano neighborhoods for well-preserved examples of the Old World.
- Grab a snack on a cafe terrace, and watch the city interact around you.
- See a tango show.
Or, we’re happy to book an add-on activity, such as:
- Special chef’s table or closed-door restaurant reservations.
- Tango lessons.
- Asado with gauchos and a mate tasting.
Whatever you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with the rhythm of Buenos Aires.
Day 3: Colonia del Sacramento
It’s Day 3 of your Wine Experience of a Lifetime Tour, and you’re being whisked off to the port via private transfer to board the fast ferry to Colonia del Sacramento.
Colonia is one of the oldest villages in Uruguay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site widely recognized to be a stunningly restored jewel of the Colonial era boasting some of the most delightful accommodations in all of Uruguay. Although mostly known for its UNESCO status, Colonia del Sacramento affords more than merely plentiful historic ruins and monuments. It also is famous for its theaters, galleries, shopping, textiles and free trade zone.
Before heading to your hotel for the evening, you’ll enjoy a private walking tour of this beguiling Colonial city. When you retire for the evening after checking in at Charco Hotel, you’ll find yourself at once calmed and awakened by the property’s intimate and comfortable history, modern amenities and fine appointments. There are only seven all-suite rooms nestled along the shores of the Rio del la Plata, and each has been uniquely decorated to provide a tranquil haven for guests. For those who like a bit more space or larger groups, there also is a private residence.
Day 4: Colonia de Sacramento & Calera de las Huerfanas
Today, you’ll start your day with breakfast at the Charco Hotel before heading out for a private transfer to the charming nearby town of Carmelo and two nights at the world famous Finca Narbona Wine Lodge.
En route to Narbona, you’ll visit the La Calera de las Huerfanas Jesuit ruins, where Uruguay’s rich winemaking history has its roots. Here, you’ll see the Zubizarreta vineyards, which is where the first vines where planted in Uruguay more than 250 years ago (tour of Bodega Zubizarreta is not included). After you learn a bit about the history of the area, you’ll travel onward to Narbona Wine Lodge for a lovely dinner (complete with Narbona wine of course) and a two-night stay.
You can’t help but fall in love with Uruguay’s storied past at the historic Narbona Wine Lodge. A vineyard, working farm and intimate boutique hotel, Narbona is a Relais & Chateaux property famed for its impeccable service and long history of winemaking. There are just five stylish rooms overlooking either the vineyards or the winery and all feature king-sized beds, living rooms with fireplaces, private balconies or terraces and much more.
Day 5: Carmelo
Get ready for a full day of vineyard tours as you tour and sip your way through local wineries Cordano and El Elgado (tastings included) before relaxing to enjoy a picnic lunch in the Narbona vineyards themselves. Following lunch, enjoy a private guided tour of the Narbona winery with tastings. Here, you’ll learn about Uruguay’s Tannat wine (as important to Uruguay as Malbec is to Argentina) and the growth of the country’s fine wine business through the last decade. It may even be possible to arrange participation in the Enologist for a Day program, where you’ll learn about how blends are made and can create your own personal blend to take home. (depending on size of party).
If you’re not quite ready to turn in for the evening after such a fun, full day, head out to explore the natural splendor of the countryside surrounding Narbona. The lodge offers complimentary bikes and carts for riding or you can book a guided horseback tour. If something a bit more quiet sounds like perfection, relax by the pool with a glass of wine or in the library with your favorite book.
Day 6: Montevideo
On Day 6, you’ll enjoy your last breakfast at Finca Narbona before heading out on a private transfer to the busy city of Montevideo.
Montevideo is a vibrant and quirky city known for its high quality of life, entrepreneurial spirit and thriving tech community. Home to nearly half Uruguay’s population, the country’s capital city puts Uruguay’s rich history of quirky liberalism on display and makes it clear to see how it is so well known across the globe. Although the city seems to constantly grow, the Colonial Spanish architecture and tranquil tree-lined squares provide a lingering casual vibe in this coastal urban retreat.
During your time in Montevideo, you’ll call Alma Historica Boutique Hotel your home base and are sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
Located in a restored 18th century palace, Alma Historica affords an historical and exclusive experience only a few steps from Zabala Square. Here, elegance, comfort and culture meld together and pay respect to the country’s homespun identity. The hotel includes 15 rooms across three categories that offer a perfect mix of traditional and modern. All rooms are quite lovely, but we recommend the inspirational design, distinctive touches and authentic style of the two suites.
After checking in and a quick break at Alma Historica, you’ll head out to enjoy lunch at the lively port market and then take a walking tour of Ciudad Vieja (the Colonial neighborhood). Here, you’ll visit a variety of landmarks and museums, including the famous Solis Theatre, Carnival Museum, Torres Garcia Art Museum, Constitution Square and more, before stopping for a cup of joe along Independence Square at Puro Verso Coffee Shop where you’ll learn a bit about the Uruguayan national hero Jose Gervasio Artigas before retiring to Alma Historica for a good night’s rest. Museums and landmarks may vary based on opening times and guest preferences.
Day 7: Montevideo
Your wine experience of a lifetime is half-way done, but there are still plenty of amazing wineries and destinations to explore. Today, you’ll enjoy a private full-day tour of the Montevideo area and its wineries, including Juanico and Los Nadies.
The family-owned Juanico Winery is one of the largest in the country, and the tour includes visits to the cellars, winery, vineyards, historic buildings and a tasting.
After the tour of Juanico, you’ll head to lunch at Bodega Los Nadies, which is owned by Manuel Filgueira— the former owner of the famed Bodegas Filgueira. Filgueira is an enologist with a lifetime in the industry, and the newish Los Nadies is his boutique project, producing only two wines. Rest assured, these are probably two of the very best wines you’ve ever had, and you’ll get to enjoy them as Filgueira himself shares his passion for winemaking while guiding your tour and tasting.
You’ll be ready for a restful night back at Alma Historica after a full-day of wine-loving!
Day 8: Punta del Este & Jose Ignacio
The next stop on your Wine Experience of a Lifetime Tour has you heading to one of the most chic, most desirable and most visually stunning beach communities in all of Latin America— Jose Ignacio and Punta del Este.
Known as “the Hamptons of Uruguay and famous among the international jet set,” Jose Ignacio is, perhaps, the most happening spot in Latin America during its high season. Outside the high season, this coastal village still retains an artful barefoot elegance where visitors can appreciate the simplicity of Mother Nature. Through it all, Jose Ignacio exudes a slow-paced Bohemian atmosphere in a semi rural beachfront locale.
Sister hotspot to Jose Ignacio is nearby Punta del Este. If Jose Ignacio is the Hamptons, Punta is Saint Tropez come to a small Uruguayan peninsula with gold and white sand beaches and a scenic shoreline. Punta enjoys a brief two-week high season each January when its streets are packed with a-listers, but the rest of the year is a laid back seaside hamlet that will have you kicking back and unwinding in no time.
Shopping, dining, nightlife, culture and water sports abound in both towns.
During your three nights in the area, you’ll discover what transpires when avant-garde design settles into a simply breathtaking landscape at the exclusive Bahia VIK. The newest VIK property in Uruguay, the Bahia sits among sand dunes on one of the most stunning beaches in Jose Ignacio. There are 10 suites and nine beachfront bungalows all with panoramic views of the Atlantic. Each art-enriched, uniquely decorated accommodation is the absolute in luxury.
You’ll awake in the morning today to take a private transfer to Jose Ignacio. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the surrounding area, including Punta del Este, Punta Ballena, La Barra and Manantiales, including the Atchugarry Foundation and the unique Casapueblo.
Day 9: Jose Ignacio
It’s Day 9, and you’ll have today at your leisure to explore all the lovely Bahia VIK has to offer:
- Lounge at one of the four swimming pools.
- Book treatments at the spa.
- Work out in the gym.
- Challenge your loved ones in the game room.
- Hit the tennis courts.
- Grab your board and head to the beach for some surfing.
- Enjoy a meal at the low-key restaurant (it’s a can’t miss).
- Connect with your VIK personal concierge to indulge your every vacation dream.
- Or, head into town for a day of shopping, dining and sightseeing. Spa treatments, dining and some add-ons not included in package price.
Day 10: Jose Ignacio & Garzon
Today, you’ll venture out to explore the wineries of the surrounding area, and the first stop is neighboring Garzon. Here, the landscape, a sparsely populated interior, is entirely different than coastal Jose Ignacio. Both a sleepy pueblo and the larger region, Garzon encompasses more than 4,000 hectares of vineyards and olive tree plantations. This is the heartland of Uruguay’s artisan-made food and wine products and a gastronomic hub filled with high-end wineries and diverse culinary offerings, including chef Francis Mallmann’s famed restaurant.
While in the area, you’ll enjoy a trip to the Colinas de Garzon Olive Oil factory complete with an olive oil and wine tasting before heading to the small family-owned winery Altos de la Ballena, where you’ll taste their best wines while overlooking Punta del Este and Sauce Lagoon. The tour concludes with lunch and a visit tour the Aguaverde vineyards. Here, in La Barra, the enologist will meet you for lunch followed by a stroll through the vineyards and a blind tasting. In season (February and March), you’ll even be able to take part in the harvest process with local workers if you choose.
In the evening, you’ll retire back to Bahia VIK for another unforgettable evening.
Day 11: Santiago de Chile & Cachapoal Valley
It’s your last morning at Jose Ignacio’s Bahia VIK, but you’re not done with the VIK family of properties just yet! Today, you’re leaving Uruguay and traveling to Chile for the last leg of your amazing wine tour of South America.
After a private morning transfer back to Montevideo, you’ll board a flight to Santiago de Chile, where you’ll be greeted and privately transferred to the Cachapoal Valley to spend the remainder of your trip in Millahue.
Although you’ll be traveling through thriving city of Santiago, where most of Chile’s cultural, administrative and economic activities are centralized, you’re en route to the scenic Cachapoal Valley and Millahue— about an hour and a half away— which means “place of gold” in the indigenous language.
Here, you’ll check into another VIK property, the Vina VIK, for an all-inclusive experience where the concierges ensure every second is to your liking. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll enjoy a visit to the famed VIK vineyards and winery with tastings of three different strains and, of course, the iconic VIK wine.
Settled atop a rolling vineyard spanning 11,000 acres, the Vina VIK includes a winery, Wine Spa, game room, fitness center, sauna, swimming pool and more. It features 22 thoughtfully-planned rooms (17 suites and five master suites) with panoramic views that truly leave nothing to be desired.
Day 12: Millahue
Your stay at the Vina VIK is all-inclusive, so we’ve penciled in a full-day at your leisure to enjoy all this breathtaking property has to offer. Recommended activities include:
- Horseback or bike tour of the vineyards.
- Relax at the Wine Spa and enjoy treatments using exclusive VIK products made with grapes from the property.
- Participate in the VIK evening harvest between March and May (harvesting at night protects the grapes’ quality).
Day 13: Millahue
Awake early to enjoy your last full day in Chile and the last of your amazing bucket list wine extravaganza vacation! Today, you’ll enjoy a morning yoga class overlooking the Valley and a delicious picnic in the VIK vineyards, before taking the afternoon at leisure to experience more of the famous VIK hospitality. Suggested activities include:
- Experience a traditional Chilean BBQ in the vineyards.
- Tour the neighboring Colchagua Valley wineries with a private guide.
- Sunbathe by the stone infinity pool.
- Shop for souvenirs at the VIK Pavilion.
- Take a cooking class and tour the on-site veggie garden with the VIK chef.
Day 14: Departure from Santiago de Chile
After your last breakfast in Chile, you’ll take a private transfer back to the Santiago International Airport for the return flight home. Please note this transfer takes approximately two hours.