Architecture, Boutique, Hotel Winery
Montsecano’s Pinot Noir was one the first in Chile to gain a cult following. With a biodynamic vineyard in Casablanca, the boutique Montsecano winery became known for its Pinot Noir but has now diversified into Chardonnay and a Malbec – Pinot Noir blend. Minimal intervention, natural wines made by Julio Donoso and Andre Ostertag in their egg-shaped underground winery.
With over 600 hectares between Colchagua, Maipo and Leyda, the reach of Montgras winery extends far beyond its original base in Santa Cruz. Making wines since 1993, Montgras today focuses on rich red wines from Colchagua (with brands Montgras and Quatro) and Maipo (with brands Intriga and Antu) and fresh, bright Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in Leyda (under the Amaral label). You can visit the Montgras winery in Colchagua for tastings.
For over two decades, Kaiken winery has been a leader in the heart of Lujan de Cuyo’s Vistalba region, but also with vineyards extending from Cafayate to Patagonia. Owned by Montes of Chile, was established in 2001 although the historical building in which is based actually dates back to 1920. A visit to the winery offers an insight into historic architecture but also the pioneering attitude of the Montes family, who have adapted the winery to their modern production and expanded their lines across multiple terroirs of Argentina.
Kaiken is not only a popular visit for its wine tasting and tours, but is also home to one of Mendoza’s best winery restaurants – the excellent Ramos Generales restaurant spearheaded by celebrated Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, and set in the middle of Kaiken’s vineyard.
The wines are all made in the handsome historical winery which used to be one of the largest in the region. Enormous cement vats have been subdivided into much smaller vats and storage areas, and the beautiful cellar is set underground in the old tunnels. It is a fascinating visit due to the way that Kaiken has taken on this heritage building and re-purposed it for modern winemaking – while respecting the use of concrete for winemaking.
One of the most interesting aspects of the winery is the cellar room for Mai – the icon wine of Kaiken. Monastic Gregorian chants play on loop in this special space, which brings a calming atmosphere to the space and winemaking team.
The name Kaiken is an ode to the founder Aurelio Montes Sr, who made several trips across the Andes from Chile to Argentina until, in 2001, he decided to invest in Kaiken Wines. The name is a spin on Caiquén, a wild goose from Patagonia which flies across the Andes between Chile and Argentina. You’ll see the goose appear on many of Kaiken’s wine labels!
Viña Montes is an icon of Colchagua, producing some of the best-known wines in the region and beyond. Although Montes is associated with the Montes family, the production and Montes winery is actually owned by several associates who today claim over 700 hectares of vineyards. In recent years, Aurelio Montes Snr handed over winemaking duties to his son Aurelio Jnr who now heads up the team in Apalta who makes wines from all over Chile.
The Montes winery has Feng Shui architecture and angels hanging in the barrel room which makes it an interesting visit. Stay for lunch at the great Fuegos de Apalta restaurant overlooking the stunning Apalta hillsides and vineyards.