Valparaiso and Vina del Mar

If you want to get away from Santiago a day trip to Valparaiso is a great idea.  This area is not far from Santiago and the highway allows you to make the trip quickly.  Valparaiso is a major port for copper, fruit and vegetables that are exported from Chile. 

Along the way you pass through two major agriculture regions the valley produces corn, pumpkin, fruit, avocado, walnuts and almonds to name a few crops.  There is no visible water as the river is all underground so the area that does not access the water is dry and arid.  The second valley is a major producer of wine.  This allow us to spot at a winery along the way.  The Emiliana Winery is an organic winery.  They use plants and bird to help control pests.  Along the rows their are rose bush planted.  The roses are the first plants affected if there is an bug infestations so that the staff can deal with the pests before the destroy the grapes. 

Had a chance to try Coyan wine which is one of the higher end wine which I sell.  Coyan means Oak to the indigenous people of Patagonia.   This wine is a full bodied red blend that will age 14 years.  Recently the 2010 vintage was rated 91 points by wine spectator.  If you plan to age this wine you need to wait a minimum of 8 years.

After indulging myself we were off to visit Valparaiso which has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.  This is a great town and I highly recommend a visit.  The building are fantastic and the murals give the town wonderful character.

Vina del Mar is a beach town.  This would be an excellent place to stay and enjoy the beach and Pacific Ocean for a few days.  Just remember that the water is not warm like the Caribbean.