Wine and South America go together like a full-bodied Malbec and a succulent steak straight from the parrilla. Never too far from the mighty Andes, fed by rich soils, Chile and Argentina’s major wine regions are among the most spectacular in the world—the perfect place to combine a luxurious wine experience with epic outdoor adventures. Stroll through sprawling vineyards alongside expert winemakers in Chile’s Millahue Valley, ride horseback through Gaucho country in Mendoza, Argentina, and end a day of mountain hiking with gourmet meals paired with local wines. Like the sound of a vineyard or two added to your South American itinerary? Contact our expert Olivia Schellenberg and learn more about the continent’s best wine regions.

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More Than Wine: A Complete Guide to Mendoza

Argentina’s most-lauded wine region is the very embodiment of laid-back indulgence. It’s a place to enjoy long, wine-fueled lunches, hop from vineyard to vineyard learning (and tasting) the secrets of Malbec, and dine at the table of some of the region’s best chefs. All the while, the ever-present Andes mountains watch on, providing a majestic backdrop to your experience.

Want a little adventure with that wine? There’s plenty more to keep you busy here. From white water rafting to high-altitude hiking, read the blog to find out what else is waiting for you in Mendoza.

Image courtesy of Vines Resort and Spa, Argentina

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Itinerary: Best of Argentina

While wine is always a worthy reason for travel, there’s plenty more to pack into your Argentine adventure. Kick off your trip with the vast, open beauty of Argentine Patagonia’s Lake District in Bariloche. There’s a touch of the Swiss about this pretty town known for boating, sailing, rafting, and lakeside lounging. Next, fly to Calafate where the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier awaits, and you can hike along the impressive glacial ice fields. Next, pair the lively chaos of Buenos Aires with the sprawling vineyards of Mendoza for culture, cuisine, and just the right amount of indulgence. Finally, finish your trip with one of nature’s most extraordinary sights, the thundering power of Iguazu Falls.

Image courtesy of Casa de Uco, Argentina

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Itinerary: Highlights of Chile

When it comes to fine South American wine, it’s not all about Argentina. Although lesser known, Chile’s Millahue Valley, where this itinerary ends in style, pairs elegant wines with lush, mountainous scenery. Enjoy it on horseback, by bicycle, or from the veranda of the sophisticated Vina Vik Chile. Before that, start your trip on another planet with an otherworldly stay in San Pedro de Atacama, the world’s driest non-polar desert. Next, get to know Chile’s cosmopolitan side, with a stop-off in the capital Santiago for a taste of gourmet cuisine, nightlife, and historical sites. In Torres del Paine National Park, one of the continent’s great wildernesses beckons where you can explore jagged mountains, towering glaciers, and lakes so blue you’ll do a double-take.

Image courtesy of Vina Vik, Chile

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