Located less than 45 minutes from Santiago and just 25 minutes from Valparaíso and Viña del Mar along Route 68, the Casablanca Valley is Chile’s most accessible wine destination, actively coordinated by the Casablanca Valley Winegrowers Association. As we explore in our Casablanca Valley guide, this coastal region proved in the 1980s that Chile could produce world-class cool-climate whites and delicate reds.
Embarking on the Casablanca wine route is not only an opportunity to taste some of South America’s finest Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, but also a chance to indulge in a world-class culinary scene, featuring vineyard terrace restaurants overlooking rolling hills. To help you plan an effortless day trip, here are the must-visit wineries and their best lunch offerings.
Article Contents
- 4 Must-Visit Wineries in Casablanca
- Where to Dine: Coastal Gastronomy Among the Vines
- Recommended One-Day Itinerary
- Practical Travel Tips: Transportation, Reservations, and Seasons
4 Must-Visit Wineries in Casablanca
1. Viña Casas del Bosque
One of the most comprehensive and award-winning wine tourism estates in the valley. Highlights include rolling hillside vineyards, self-guided bike tours among the vine rows, and an underground barrel cellar. Their Pequeñas Producciones line (Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah) is a benchmark for coastal Chilean terroir.
- Best Experience: The sensory tasting flight on their garden terrace lounge and the viewpoint walk overlooking the valley.
- Location: Hijuelas Nº 2 Centro Ex Fundo Santa Rosa, Casablanca.
2. Bodegas RE
Created by legendary winemaker Pablo Morandé (the pioneer who first planted Casablanca for wine), Bodegas RE is a must-visit for travelers seeking innovation and conceptual artistry. Here, the motto is “re-invent, re-create, and re-veal”: they vinify inside monumental ancestral clay amphorae and co-ferment red and white varieties together in the same vessel.
- Best Experience: The guided tour of the underground amphora cellar followed by an artisanal tasting of cheeses, fresh breads, estate-pressed olive oils, and balsamic liquors.
3. Viña Emiliana (Organic & Biodynamic)
Emiliana is the world’s largest organic and biodynamic vineyard estate. Their visitor center in Casablanca is a lush natural oasis free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers: vines share the landscape with free-range chickens, roaming alpacas, native flowers, and medicinal herbs that enhance soil fertility naturally.
- Best Experience: The biodynamic farm walk among animals, followed by a wine tasting paired with artisanal organic chocolates.
4. Viñamar de Casablanca
Inspired by classical French chateau architecture, Viñamar is the valley’s premier sparkling wine specialist. Its elevated terrace offers a clear panoramic vista of vines gently swept by cool Pacific breezes.
- Best Experience: Tasting traditional-method (Champenoise) Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sparkling wines on the sunlit terrace with a glass in hand.
Where to Dine: Coastal Gastronomy Among the Vines
Casablanca’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean not only tempers the vineyards, but also inspires extraordinary seafood dining. For an in-depth pairing guide, explore our article on Chilean seafood and wine pairing.
The valley offers an exceptional restaurant scene fusing fresh coastal bounty with vibrant regional wines:
- Tanino Restaurant (at Casas del Bosque): Regularly ranked among the top winery restaurants worldwide. It offers market-driven cuisine highlighting coastal fish, tender meats, and organic garden produce, with wine by the glass and curated pairing suggestions.
- Macerado at Viñamar: A destination restaurant celebrating “zero-kilometer” cuisine, sourcing ingredients almost exclusively from local farmers, fishermen, and foragers within 100 kilometers. Dining on their terrace overlooking vineyards while sipping chilled sparkling wine is pure bliss.
- Casona Veramonte Restaurant: Wholesome, seasonal, organic dining crafted with sustainable ingredients, ideal for a relaxed lunch after touring the cellars.
Recommended One-Day Itinerary
| Time | Suggested Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM | Arrival from Santiago / Biodynamic walk & farm animals | Viña Emiliana |
| 12:00 PM | Clay amphora cellar tour & conceptual tasting | Bodegas RE |
| 01:30 PM | Gourmet vineyard lunch & paired wines | Tanino (Casas del Bosque) or Macerado (Viñamar) |
| 04:00 PM | Sparkling wine flight or scenic hill walk at sunset | Viñamar or Casas del Bosque |
Practical Travel Tips for Your Visit
- Advance Reservations Are Essential: Particularly on weekends and national holidays, top restaurants like Tanino and Macerado book out days ahead. Reserve your table and winery tours at least one week in advance.
- Weather & Layers: Casablanca experiences significant diurnal temperature variation. Mornings are often crisp and shrouded in coastal fog (camanchaca), while afternoons turn bright, sunny, and breezy. Dress in light layers.
- Designated Driver or Private Transfer: If you plan to indulge in tastings at multiple estates, book a private chauffeur service from Santiago or Viña del Mar for safety and comfort.
- Nearby Wine Trips: If you’re looking for shorter outings, check our guide on wineries closest to Santiago or the Colchagua wine route for a deeper weekend escape.
