Visiting Almaviva in Chile: What to Expect and How to Book

Almaviva is one of the most famous wines in South America, and a visit to the estate is a highlight for any serious wine lover coming to Chile. Every visit is private and by appointment, and the winery has strict booking and cancellation rules, so it pays to plan carefully. Here is what we have learned from bringing guests to Almaviva, and how to make your visit easy.

Key takeaways

Private and by appointment: there are no walk-ins, and every visit is guided for your group only.
Close to Santiago: Almaviva is in Puente Alto, at the southern edge of the city, usually 45 minutes to 1 hour from most hotels.
Strict rules: the winery asks for payment in advance and does not refund cancellations, so plan your date with care.
Easy to combine: Almaviva pairs perfectly with Don Melchor, its neighbor, on the same day.

The story behind Almaviva

Almaviva was born from a partnership between Viña Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, the family behind Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux. Their goal was a single Chilean grand cru, and the first vintage, 1996, set a new standard for icon wines in Chile.

The vineyard sits on rocky river soils in Puente Alto, at the foot of the Andes. Almaviva is a Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, with Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate also makes EPU, a second wine that shows the same vineyard in a more approachable style.

What happens during the visit

Your guide walks you through the vineyard to explain the soils, the climate and how the vines are farmed. You then see the winery and the barrel cellar before sitting down for a tasting, paced for conversation, where each wine is explained in detail. Depending on the experience, you may taste more than one vintage of Almaviva side by side, which shows how the wine changes with time.

Plan for about 1.5 hours at the estate. The visit is calm, elegant and very personal.

Practical tips

Dress: smart casual works best. Wear comfortable closed shoes for the vineyard walk.
Photos: personal photos are welcome where your guide allows them.
Timing: Almaviva visits are scheduled at fixed times, and arriving late can shorten your visit. A private driver who knows the right entrance takes that stress away.
Days: the estate receives visitors on weekdays, so plan Almaviva for Monday to Friday.

Combining Almaviva with Don Melchor

Almaviva and Don Melchor are neighbors in Puente Alto, and they come from the same family of vineyards, which makes them a natural pair. Tasting both on the same day is the best way to understand what makes Alto Maipo Cabernet so special.

Our Private Maipo ICON Wine Tour does exactly that: the Don Melchor Collector’s Experience in the morning, lunch at Bodega 1883, and a private premium tour at Almaviva in the afternoon, with private transport from your hotel in Santiago. It runs Monday to Friday.

How booking works with us

When you book with us, we confirm availability with Almaviva and any other winery or restaurant on your day before you pay anything, then send one PayPal link for the whole tour. Because Almaviva does not refund cancellations, the cancellation terms for this tour are stricter than for our other tours, and they are listed clearly on the tour page. See also our Booking & Cancellation Policy.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book Almaviva?

As early as you can. We recommend at least 2 to 4 weeks ahead, and earlier for December to April, when spots go quickly.

How long should I plan for an Almaviva visit?

About 1.5 hours at the estate, plus travel time. On our ICON tour, the full day with Don Melchor and lunch takes about 8.5 hours, hotel to hotel.

Can I visit Almaviva on a weekend?

Almaviva receives visitors on weekdays, so plan your visit for Monday to Friday.

Is Almaviva the same as Concha y Toro?

No. Almaviva is a separate winery created as a partnership between Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, with its own vineyard, winery and team.