Viña Montes, Colchagua Valley Travel Guide

Viña Montes stands as a testament to Chilean winemaking excellence, born from the vision of four friends who sought to elevate Chilean wines to a global stage. Founded in 1988 by Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, the winery has become an icon, celebrated for its innovation and premium quality wines. Viña Montes was among the first Chilean producers to focus on exporting high-quality wines.The winery is located in Apalta, in the Colchagua Valley, known for its idyllic Mediterranean climate. The vineyards benefit from the cooling breezes and diverse terroir, ideal for producing world-class red wines. The winery itself is a destination, featuring a unique Feng Shui design that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the barrel room is an experience, with Gregorian chants playing to impart positive energy to the aging wines. Angels are a recurring motif, adorning the winery and wine labels as a symbol of inspiration and the pursuit of excellence.Visitors can explore the vineyards through guided tours, learning about Montes' sustainable practices and innovative winemaking. Wine tastings offer a chance to sample Montes' acclaimed portfolio, including the flagship Montes Alpha M and the distinctive Montes Folly Syrah. The experience extends beyond wine with the Fuegos de Apalta restaurant, led by chef Francis Mallmann, offering dishes prepared with various fire techniques, perfectly paired with Montes wines.