Two routes, ten wineries

Distances and ride times from Casa Suiza. Pick two wineries for a relaxed day.

Blue route · Flat, through the valley

Ride out of Santa Cruz and within five minutes you’re cycling past vineyards, with the Andes in the background. A classic day: after about 45 minutes, stop at MontGras. From there it’s 15 minutes east to Maquis, set between two rivers, with lovely trails and a picnic spot by the water. Finish 10 minutes on at Estampa, where you can taste their blends and grab a snack at the café before riding back to Casa Suiza.

• ●Laura Hartwig 2 km · 5 min
• ●Estampa 8 km · 30 min
• ●MontGras 10 km · 45 min
• ●Maquis 10 km · 45 min

Green route · Into the Apalta hills

Head east into the famous Apalta Valley, where some of Chile’s most prestigious wines are made. The ride is a bit longer than the blue route, with more wineries along the way: Viu Manent, Clos Apalta, Las Niñas and Montes, and for those who like a climb, Ventisquero and Neyen. We recommend 2–3 wineries per day. Remember, you’re cycling 😉

• ●Viu Manent 8 km · 30 min
• ●Clos Apalta 11 km · 45 min
• ●Las Niñas 11 km · 45 min
• ●Montes 11 km · 45 min
• ●Ventisquero 16 km · 1 h 20
• ●Neyen 16 km · 1 h 20

Plan your day

• Book ahead. Most tours need a reservation. Ask us and we book it for you.
• Check the day. Several wineries close on Mondays, some also on Sundays.
• Ride easy. Bring water and sunscreen, and keep the last stop closest to home.

The wineries

Laura Hartwig

Blue route · 2 km · 5 min by bikeor a 20 min walk

Boutique family winery, founded when Laura Bisquertt and Alejandro Hartwig came home from Canada and named it after their daughter.

Great for: a short trip, tasting by the glass

Open: Tuesday to Sunday

Spanish, English · some tours need a reservation

Estampa

Blue route · 8 km · 30 min by bike

One of the newer wineries (2001), in a geometric, contemporary building by architect Claudio Blanco. Lunch at Café del Moli: pizza and sourdough, with gluten-free and vegetarian options (Monday to Friday).

Great for: lunch, blended wines, tasting by the glass

Open: Monday to Saturday

Spanish, English · some tours need a reservation

Viu Manent

Green route · 8 km · 30 min by bikeBook early

Family-owned since 1935, founded by Catalan immigrant Miguel Viu García and his sons. Famous for its horse-drawn carriage tours through the vineyards. Lunch at Rayuela Wine & Grill, or lighter food at the café.

Great for: lunch, tasting, a spontaneous visit

Open: daily

Spanish, English, Portuguese · very popular, fills up fast

MontGras

Blue route · 10 km · 45 min by bikeround trip possibleOur guests’ favourite

Founded in 1993 by the brothers Hernán and Eduardo Gras, today one of Chile’s major wine groups. Here you can make your own wine: blend, bottle, cork and label it.

Great for: an interactive tour, Chilean wine knowledge, value for money

Open: Tuesday to Sunday

Spanish, English, Portuguese · reservation needed

Maquis

Blue route · 10 km · 45 min by bike

One of Colchagua’s oldest estates (18th century), set between two rivers and home of the icon Cabernet Franc, Franco. A picnic can be added to any tour.

Great for: personal attention, high-quality wines

Spanish, English · reservation needed

Clos Apalta

Green route · 11 km · 45 min by bike

Created in 1994 by the Marnier Lapostolle family. A fully organic estate with a seven-floor winery built for gravity-flow winemaking.

Great for: modern architecture, views, organic wine

Open: Tuesday to Sunday

English, Spanish, Portuguese · reservation needed

Las Niñas

Green route · 11 km · 45 min by bike

Founded by three French families and named after their daughters and wives. Organic wines from the heart of Apalta, with a focus on the work of women.

Great for: tasting, a spontaneous visit, bringing your own picnic

Open: Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday)

English, Spanish

Montes

Green route · 11 km · 45 min by bikeBook early

A feng shui winery where wine ages to Gregorian chants, with Francis Mallmann’s restaurant Fuegos de Apalta next door (book ahead).

Great for: a big winery, the wine shop, lunch

Open: daily

English, Spanish, Portuguese · reservation highly recommended

Ventisquero

Green route · 16 km · 1 h 20 by bikesteep climb at the end

Founded in 1998, with vineyards across Chile’s key regions. The climb is steep, but every climb comes with a view, and a descent. No lunch on site.

Great for: the view, exercise, exploring

Open: Tuesday to Saturday

English, Spanish · reservation needed

Neyen

Green route · 16 km · 1 h 20 by bike

Organic farming in tune with the estate’s biodiversity. Visits end in the 1890 cellar, the oldest in the Apalta Valley.

Great for: an organic winery making one unique wine

Open: pre-booked tours only, no walk-ins

English, Spanish · ask us to book

Included with every rental

• A pannier, so you can bring your things along… and maybe buy some wine on the way
• Lock and helmet
• Pump and safety vest
• Route map and our tips

Let us book it for you

Most wineries need a reservation, and schedules change during the season. Tell us which wineries you like and we'll sort out the rest.

Ask at reception: Casa Suiza, Santa Cruz
WhatsApp: +56 9 7578 7240

Prices in CLP. Wineries may change prices and times without notice.

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